The diploma aims to prepare learners for study at university. It is designed for those learners who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any, prior qualifications. This may include younger learners with substantial life experience post compulsory education, from under-represented groups in higher education, and who are without traditional entry requirements for higher education.

Learners will develop the confidence, knowledge and skills necessary to be able to progress to and successfully participate in a diploma of higher education, by achieving an Access to Higher Education Diploma.

This Access to Higher Education Diploma will prepare learners to be self-directed and independent in a supportive learning environment, by providing them with opportunities to develop study and time-management skills. Learners will be introduced to a range of academic subject areas related to the higher education diploma to which they wish to progress or will be provided with the opportunity to encounter academic subject areas will enable an informed decision to be made regarding possible progression routes.

Learners will experience a range of assessment methods that reflect those they will experience after progression to higher education. Overall, learners will benefit from the opportunity to develop the relevant underpinning knowledge and skills required, that can be built upon with further study in Higher Education and that can be transferred to employment.