Yes, at Academy Online Learning we fully understand that personal circumstances can change unexpectedly, and sometimes students may need to pause their studies temporarily.

Our Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma courses are designed with flexibility in mind. If you encounter unforeseen personal issues, you have the option to freeze your course. This allows you to save your remaining study days and resume your studies when you are ready, without losing the time you have invested so far.

We understand that circumstances can change, and sometimes students may need to reconsider their study plans. However, it is important to understand the terms of your payment agreement before enrolling on your Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma course with Academy Online Learning.

Funding your education is an important consideration, and there are various options available depending on your circumstances and the type of course you are planning to pursue after completing your Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma.

For full details about the funding support available for our courses, please visit our Funding Page. Here you will find comprehensive information about payment options, instalment plans, and advice on potential financial support available to learners.

Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma as an entry qualification. It is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification designed specifically for adults returning to education and progressing to university.

However, we strongly advise all prospective students to carefully check the individual entry requirements on the university course pages they are interested in. Universities often clearly state whether they accept Access to HE Diplomas and, if so, how many Merits and Distinctions they require for admission.

In the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma, grades are awarded to your graded units and reflect the quality of your academic performance. Each graded assignment will receive one of the following outcomes:

Once you have successfully completed your Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma and your work has been externally moderated and approved by the Final Awards Board, your certificate will be issued.

Typically, you will receive your official certificate within 4 weeks of the Final Awards Board meeting.

External moderation is a crucial part of the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma certification process at Academy Online Learning. It ensures that the awarding of qualifications is fair, consistent, and meets national quality standards.

External moderation of student work for final certification takes place at two key points in the year:

Moderation is a key quality assurance process that ensures consistency, fairness, and academic integrity in the assessment of your work throughout the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma.

There are two types of moderation:

Yes, at Academy Online Learning we offer flexible learning options for students and professionals who may not require the full 60-credit Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma for their progression.

If you have been advised that you need fewer than 60 credits to meet your university or professional development requirements, we encourage you to contact us directly to discuss your individual needs and explore the most suitable options available.

Understanding how much time you will need to commit each week is important for planning your studies effectively. 

Since an Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma requires the completion of 60 credits, the total recommended study time across the course would be around 600 hours.