Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE): Everything You Need to Know
A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is a vocational qualification studied at a university or college. It’s the equivalent to the first two years of a degree course and is an accredited professional qualification, enabling you to take your first steps onto the career ladder, or springboard into a full bachelor’s degree.
What is a diploma of higher education?#
A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) offers specialist knowledge and skills in a range of vocational subjects such as nursing, healthcare, and engineering. It combines an academic approach to learning (think essays and textbooks) along with practical skills (including some work experience and hands-on learning). It typically comes after college or A-Levels and takes two years to complete if studied full time.
What is a DipHE worth?#
A Diploma of Higher Education is worth 240 credits. It is also a stand-alone qualification recognised by employers.
What level is the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)?#
A DipHE is a level five qualification, equivalent to the HND (Higher National Diploma), though these two diploma courses have slight differences. The DipHE is more academic, with traditional essays and tests forming part of the assessments. It is awarded after two years of full-time study at a university or other higher education institution. Just below the DipHE is the level four Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), which takes one year of full-time study to complete.
Understanding the DipHE: scope and subjects#
The Diploma of Higher Education is designed to help students into work. The subjects are vocational and can include care work such as nursing, dental hygiene, social work and counselling, as well as technical jobs such as engineering, computing and accounting. Creative subjects are another option, with DipHEs available in textile design and music.
DipHE entry requirements and application process#
Each course and higher education institution has its own entry requirements. Some are open, and spaces are awarded on a demonstrable passion for the subject matter and individual circumstances. The majority though, are more formal, requiring around five GCSEs and some A-levels or equivalent (somewhere in the region of 72 UCAS tariff points). You can work out how many points are awarded to your qualifications using the UCAS Tariff Tables. An access course to higher education is another potential route if you are short on GCSEs and A-levels.
Financial considerations: DipHE costs, funding and scholarships#
Most DipHE courses cost somewhere between £7,000 and £9,000 a year in tuition fees, but this is variable so do check directly with the course provider. You are eligible to apply for a student loan while studying for a DipHE and there are grants for people on certain benefits, who are disabled, or need help with childcare costs. You can find out more at GOV.UK. Most higher education institutions will also offer some grants and bursaries that students can apply for.
DipHE assessments#
Again, this will vary according to your course, but as mentioned above, DipHE has an academic status, meaning that there will be an element of formal essay writing and traditional coursework. Some courses will work on a continuous assessment plan, where students can develop a portfolio with regular verbal or written feedback. DipHE is graded in tiers of fail, pass, pass with merit, or pass with distinction.
Delivery methods: on-campus and distance learning#
DipHE can be taught in person and on-campus, or remotely, so there are plenty of options to fit your life and commitments. The Open University has a range of distance learning DipHEs available. The University of Leicester and Arden University also offer distance options – to name just a few from a vast choice.
Frequently asked questions about Diplomas of Higher Education#
What is a Diploma of Higher Education equivalent to?
In UCAS points it is equal to an HND – but there are slight differences. The DipHE is more academic, and is likely to involve formal essay writing.
What level is a higher education diploma?
Level five – or the equivalent to the first two years of a degree.
Is a Diploma of Higher Education the same as an HND?
A DipHE (Diploma of Higher Education) is equivalent to an HND as both qualifications are level five. However, a Higher National Diploma is typically more vocational than a Diploma in Higher Education, which is more academic.
Is a higher diploma a degree?
No. A DipHE is the equivalent to the first two years of a degree. It’s a standalone qualification, but it can be used as a springboard into the final year of a degree if you choose.
Is it better to do a degree or diploma?
These are different choices, and are dependent on the time you have available, and the subject you want to study. DipHE are more practical than degrees, and quicker to complete – two years rather than three.
What are the diploma of higher education entry requirements?
These vary according to the course and the institution. It’s likely that you need GCSE passes in English, maths and science, as well as A Levels or an equivalent, such as an access course to higher education.
Making the decision: Is a Diploma of Higher Education right for you?#
A DipHE is great if you’re keen to keep your options open for a while. It is a quicker and more affordable route into work than a full bachelor’s degree, but it is also easy to advance to a full bachelor’s degree if you decide that’s the best path.
