FAQs

CAVA, the Cambridge Access Validating Agency, is an organisation licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) to validate and monitor Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas. CAVA works with providers to ensure courses meet quality standards, enabling adult learners to prepare for HE study​​.

CAVA validates, monitors, and quality-assures Access to HE Diplomas, ensuring they meet QAA standards. This includes approving course providers, conducting moderation, and overseeing assessments to maintain consistency across courses. CAVA also provides guidance, training, and support to providers to enhance course quality and student progression opportunities​​​.

HE tutors can get involved in Access to HE Diplomas primarily through providing input during the development and validation of new courses, particularly advising on the requirements and expectations for successful student progression into higher education. They may also participate in standardisation events, validation panels, and moderation activities, helping to align course standards with HE expectations​​.

The Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 qualification, comparable to A-levels, and is specifically designed to prepare adults for entry into higher education. It provides a recognised pathway to university by covering academic subject content through graded units, similar to qualifications accepted for undergraduate study​​.

Universities make offers to Access to HE students based on the graded credits they achieve in their Diploma. Offers typically specify a combination of credits at Pass, Merit, or Distinction levels, depending on the course requirements and subject area. Universities may also consider additional factors, such as personal statements and references, when making offers​​. You can find more information within the QAA Toolkit for HE Admissions Staff.

Modules in an Access to HE Diploma vary depending on the specific Diploma subject, but each course includes units designed to build subject knowledge, subject-specific skills, and transferable skills. Typically, Diplomas consist of 45 graded Level 3 credits in academic subjects and 15 ungraded credits that may focus on study skills or other preparatory content​​.