Our work

QAA maintains and manages the scheme for the recognition and quality assurance of Access to HE Diplomas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our Recognition Scheme is the regulatory framework through which Access to HE courses are recognised and regulated. We license Access Validating Agencies (AVAs) to develop, quality assure and award Access to HE Diplomas.

QAA has a remit from government for this work.

Qualification development

We conduct development work to make sure Access to HE Diplomas provide good preparation for higher education for adult students, and that the standard for the award of Access to HE Diplomas is maintained. Our business priorities set requirements about the Access to HE Diploma and its assessment, and our work with AVAs and providers. Qualification development projects are overseen by our Access Regulation and Licensing Committee and its working groups.

New subject descriptor for Medicine

We have launched a new national framework for the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine) - a move that we hope will lead to a greater number of adults beginning medical careers.

New subject descriptor for Nursing and Health Professions

This Subject Descriptor is being piloted for provision from 1 August 2024 and will apply fully from 1 August 2025. Subject descriptor compliant Diplomas meet the minimum entry requirements for progression to nursing and health professions.

Statistics and research

We collect and publish statistical data about Access to HE students each year. We work with AVAs, UCAS, the Education and Skills Funding Agency  and HESA to provide as full a picture as possible about Access to HE students and their achievements and progress. These data are used by a range of organisations in planning and policy making.