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:

• Pass – Meeting the required criteria to successfully complete the unit.
• Merit – Achieving a higher standard by demonstrating deeper understanding and stronger skills.
• Distinction – Demonstrating outstanding academic performance, critical thinking, and insight.

Grades are important because many universities specify particular requirements for admission to degree courses. It is common for universities to request a certain number of Merits and Distinctions in addition to the overall achievement of the Access to HE Diploma.

Always check the specific entry requirements of the universities and courses you are interested in applying to. Requirements can vary, and some competitive courses may expect a higher proportion of Distinctions.

To help you plan effectively, you can use our UCAS Tariff Point Calculator. This tool enables you to estimate how your grades will convert into UCAS points and whether you will meet the points requirement for your chosen university course.

At Academy Online Learning, we encourage students to aim for the best possible grades by offering clear assignment briefs, full tutor support, and detailed feedback to help you achieve your academic potential and university ambitions.