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Access to Higher Education

Access to HE Diploma (Engineering)

Build things that matter, bridges, circuits, clean energy systems. The Access to HE Diploma (Engineering) is your Level 3 route to an engineering degree at a UK university. Awarded by OCN London, 100% online, 12 to 18 months, up to 144 UCAS points, no exams. The technical foundation for the degree you want.

  • 12 to 18 monthsDuration
  • 100% OnlineStudy Method
  • Up to 144 UCAS ptsPoints Available
  • Start anytimeStart Date
Accredited qualificationUK awarding body
Start anytimeNo fixed term dates
Tutor supportExpert tutors, 7 days
14-day money backRefund if not loved

This course is for you if…

  • Want to progress to a Engineering BEng or MEng (Hons) at a UK university
  • Left school without A level qualifications, or want a faster, more focused route
  • Are aged 19 or over and ready to commit to 10 to 15 hours per week
  • Need flexible, self-paced online study around work or family
  • Are passionate about a career in engineering or related fields
  • Want a regulated qualification recognised by UK universities and the QAA

Your career after this course

  • You already hold A levels at the grades your target university requires
  • You need a face-to-face classroom environment to learn
  • You want to qualify for a regulated profession through a single short course (consider an NVQ or specialist programme)
  • You only have a few weeks before your university application is due
  • You cannot commit to 10 to 15 hours of study per week for 9 to 12 months
About this qualification

What you'll learn

Engineers design the infrastructure of everyday life, the bridges, the power grids, the electronic systems, and the software that makes modern society function. The Access to HE Diploma (Engineering) is the qualification that takes adults without A level maths or physics back to the academic starting line for an engineering degree.

This Level 3 qualification is awarded by OCN London, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency. It is for adults aged 19 and over who want to study Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, or General Engineering at a UK university without the STEM A levels traditionally required.

OCN LondonRQF Level 3UCAS Up to 144100% Online12 to 18 months8 units
Curriculum

What you'll study

8 units across 1 level of study. Portfolio-assessed — no exams.

What you'll need

Entry requirements

You need to be aged 18 or over to enrol.

Functional skills English Level 2 or GCSE English at grade 4 (C). For some pathways (computing, engineering, science, health professions, midwifery), maths at the same level is required.

A reliable internet connection, a computer or tablet, and basic word-processing skills.

There is no minimum study commitment. As a guide, most learners spend around 10 to 15 hours a week, but you can study more or less based on your own pace and how you feel at the time. The course flexes around your life.

No prior A levels or formal academic study required. The diploma is built for adult returners.

Not sure if you qualify?

Our admissions team can talk you through your options.

Call 0121 329 4656
Assessment

How you're assessed

The qualification is fully portfolio-assessed. There are no traditional written exams. You complete a mix of essays, case studies, reflective pieces, presentations, and a final extended research project across all units.

Each unit is graded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction. The credits stack to give you a UCAS point total of up to 144. Tutor feedback is delivered within 2 working days, every time, with the option to refine and resubmit work to reach the grade you want.

Assessments are submitted through your online learner dashboard. You always know what is due, when, and what good work looks like, every brief includes a worked example and a marking rubric.

01

Portfolio-based

Coursework and a written portfolio. No traditional written exams.

02

Submit online

All assignments submitted through your learner dashboard.

03

Tutor feedback

Detailed feedback in 3 to 5 working days. Refine and resubmit until you reach the grade you want.

04

Graded across units

Pass, Merit or Distinction on each unit. Top grades stack to the highest UCAS point total.

Careers

Where this can take you

Typical roles and salary ranges this qualification opens up.

Mechanical Engineer

Typical salary range

£32,000 to £65,000

Design and analyse mechanical systems across automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.

Civil Engineer

Typical salary range

£32,000 to £65,000

Design infrastructure, roads, bridges, water, rail. ICE Chartered status typical for senior roles.

Electrical / Electronic Engineer

Typical salary range

£32,000 to £70,000

Work on power systems, electronics, embedded systems, or telecommunications.

Software Engineer (Embedded / Systems)

Typical salary range

£35,000 to £75,000

Engineer the firmware and embedded software inside hardware products, popular in automotive and aerospace.

Aerospace Engineer

Typical salary range

£35,000 to £75,000

Design and certify aircraft and spacecraft systems. Common employers: Airbus, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems.

Project Engineer

Typical salary range

£35,000 to £70,000

Manage technical delivery on engineering projects. Strong career path for engineers who enjoy leadership.

Ready to unlock your university place?

Enrol today and start studying within 24 hours. No exams, full tutor support.

View pricing & enrol
Pricing

Choose your payment plan

Same course, your choice of how to pay.

Pay Monthly

Recurring monthly subscription. Cancel anytime.

£65.99/month

Billed monthly

  • Full access to all course materials
  • Dedicated subject tutor
  • Live and recorded webinars
  • Certificate on completion
  • Pay by card, PayPal, Klarna
  • Spread cost with 0% interest
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Everything else

What else you should know

Study support and platform

  • You get a personal tutor from day one
  • Log in any time from a phone, tablet or laptop
  • Marking is done in 3 to 5 working days
  • Talk to our support team by phone, email or live chat
  • See your progress and next steps on your dashboard
  • Join the learner community forum when you want to chat to others

Funding and finance

  • Pay monthly to spread the cost with no interest
  • Pay in full and save versus monthly
  • No credit checks and no contract. Pause or cancel anytime
  • We can send funding paperwork to your employer if they sponsor you
  • Our enrolment team will talk you through every option
  • 14 day money back guarantee on every enrolment

Accreditation and recognition

  • Awarded by a recognised UK awarding body
  • Regulated by Ofqual, the same standard as college courses
  • Accepted by UK universities, employers and professional bodies
  • You get a certificate when you finish
  • Listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications
  • Independently quality checked through IQA and EQA

How it works

  • Start any time. There are no set term dates or cohorts
  • Study at your own pace around work and family
  • No exams. You complete coursework, a portfolio and assignments
  • Resubmit your work at no extra cost to reach the grade you want
  • Use the optional study planner if you like a bit of structure
  • How long you study is entirely up to you. Most learners spend a few hours each week, but you can do more or less based on your own pace
What learners say

Trusted by thousands of learners

Real feedback from learners studying with Lift College.

The flexibility was a game changer for me. I studied around my shifts and my tutor was incredibly supportive throughout.
Sarah M. · Manchester
Access to HE Diploma
I was nervous about going back to study after 15 years, but the platform is so easy to use and the feedback I got on assignments was genuinely useful.
James P. · Birmingham
A Level Biology
Got into my first-choice university with a place on a Nursing BSc. The Access to HE Diploma gave me exactly what I needed.
Aisha K. · London
Access to HE Diploma (Nursing)
Good value and well structured. I appreciated that I could resubmit work without extra cost — really helped me improve.
David R. · Leeds
CMI Level 5
Customer service was excellent. Any time I had a question it was answered within hours. Highly recommend.
Emma L. · Glasgow
GCSE English
I needed a qualification that actually meant something to employers. Ofqual regulation was the deciding factor, and it delivered.
Tom W. · Bristol
CMI Level 7
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The Access to HE Diploma is accepted at over 140 UK universities, including 16 of the Times Higher Education top 20. The qualification is regulated by the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) and awarded by OCN London.

Access to HE Diploma (Engineering)
Enrol now£65.99/mo