Welcome to the Access to Higher Education Diplomas section of the Laser Learning Awards (LASER) website.

Access to HE Diplomas are nationally recognised full Level 3 qualifications, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), and are recognised by universities throughout the UK as an entry route to higher education. They are specifically designed for adults who do not hold traditional A Levels, but want to take up a career which requires university study, and they support students to prepare for higher education.

LASER is an Access Validating Agency (AVA) licensed by QAA. LASER was formed in 2005 by the merger of several existing AVAs/Awarding Organisations, which had been actively involved in developing and establishing the original Access to HE Diplomas with QAA in 1997. LASER is therefore proud to have one of the longest histories of Access provision, supporting thousands of learners onto university degrees and into life-changing careers. We are fully committed to supporting Access learners to transform their lives, through the provision of our high-quality Diplomas, and with high levels of service and support from our dedicated Access staff to approved centres and their students.

For Centres

For Students

Course Finder

What We Offer

For Centres:

Annual Access conferences and events
A range of briefings, information leaflets and e-publications to support tutors
A dedicated Access to HE team
Regular training and opportunities to meet with other Access practitioners.

For Universities:

A range of e-learning courses available free of charge to support Access students already registered on courses to supplement or replace some classroom teaching, or to provide a 100% distance or as a blended learning offer for students not enrolled on classroom-based Access courses
Results sharing via UCAS/ABL
A dedicated contact to address Access-related admissions issues
Further information to enhance HE’s understanding of LASER Access qualifications.

For Students:

Annual prizes for outstanding commitment and outstanding achievement
Online learning to support study skills (available via centres)
Progression agreements with Higher Education institutions.

If you are a learner, employer or admissions tutor and want to verify the authenticity of a qualification certificate issued by LASER, follow the link below.

Qualification checker