QAA publishes key statistics demonstrating success of the Access to HE Diploma
| Date: | May 31 - 2023 |
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QAA has published a summary of the 2021-22 key statistics demonstrating the success of the Access to HE Diploma in enabling adults to enter and succeed in higher education.
The Access to HE Diploma is a widely recognised Level 3 qualification that provides opportunities for adults to transition to enter higher education. It also offers chances for adults wishing to retrain for a second graduate-entry profession by delivering locally-devised, flexible courses across the UK.
Several findings have emerged from the statistics. There has been a slight fall in the number of students registered to Access to HE Diplomas, with 2,565 (6%) fewer compared to 2020-21 registrations, while there has also been a marginal drop in the number of Access to HE students progressing into higher education, with 575 (2%) fewer compared to those entering in September 2020.
The statistics also highlighted the greater proportion of students from minority and disadvantaged groups entering higher education from the Access to HE Diploma compared to those with other Level 3 qualifications:
- 29% of Access to HE students entering higher education were from ethnic minorities, compared to 24% with other Level 3 qualifications
- 26% of Access to HE students entering higher education had a disability, compared to 15% with other Level 3 qualifications
- 24% of Access to HE students entering higher education were from a disadvantaged area, compared to 11% with other Level 3 qualifications
Degree outcomes for Access to HE Diploma students have also been shown to be comparable to those with other entry qualifications, with 25% achieving a first class degree compared to 26% for those with other Level 3 qualifications.
Figures also show that 77.7% of Access students stayed in their local area to study in higher education, indicating the value they offer to local economies and local skills improvement plans.
The full summary of the 2021-22 Access to HE Diploma statistics are available on our website.