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A complete guide to a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)

Want to study at university level without the time or financial investment? Explore your options with this DipHE guide.

A DipHE is one step up from a certificate of higher education (CertHE), which is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree. And its function is largely the same: to offer a foundation and respected qualification in the subject that you want to pursue a career in, but with more depth and potentially a better career outlook. Let’s explore everything there is to know about a DipHE so you have a clearer understanding of what it is, how it can help in shaping a rewarding career, and much more.

Subjects you could study for a DipHE

Generally, a DipHE focuses on one specialism, so that you have enough study time to hone in on your subject. However, there’s also the possibility to choose a mixture of subjects to study, though this is more geared towards students who are unsure about what to specialise in. We’ve listed some of the popular subjects for DipHE qualifications, but there’s a really wide range of options out there.

Healthcare management

Develop essential skills for managing healthcare services and improving patient care. This will give you solid foundational expertise in the healthcare sector.

Business management

Gain a comprehensive understanding of business principles and practices. Prepare yourself for a career in various industries.

Accounting

Learn the fundamentals of financial accounting and reporting. Open doors to careers in finance and accounting.

Computer science

Develop essential skills in software development, programming, and data analysis. Prepare yourself for a career as a programmer.

Counselling

Gain practical skills to support individuals and communities. A solid foundation to start your career as a therapist.

Why earn a DipHE online?

A DipHE offers a flexible and accessible route to higher education. It provides a valuable qualification and opens doors to a range of opportunities. Here are some key benefits of choosing a DipHE online:

Study flexibly

Studying online makes it significantly easier to balance all of your life commitments and work towards your ideal career without putting everything else on pause.

Bypass degree entry requirements

DipHEs often have less stringent entry requirements than bachelor’s degrees. They offer a stepping stone to higher education for those without traditional qualifications.

Find the right resources 

Many online DipHEs provide access to the same resources available to on-campus students, including online libraries, academic advice, and technical support. Students can also engage with faculty and peers through discussion boards and live lectures.

Fast-track your qualification

Earn a university-level qualification in just one to two years. The short time to completion means you can join your chosen career field sooner.

Gain technical skills

Completing an online DipHE can help students develop valuable technical skills, such as proficiency in digital communication tools, learning management systems (LMS), and online collaboration platforms.

Enhance your career prospects

Significantly improve your employability and earning potential. Earning this qualification can help open doors to new career opportunities.

Your route to a DipHE qualification

Earning a DipHE requires careful planning and commitment. Understanding the application process and assessment methods will help you succeed. Here are the key steps to obtaining a DipHE:

Research

Explore different DipHE programmes and choose a subject that aligns with your interests and career goals. Research the modules on the programme and determine if they match your career expectations.

Apply

Unlike bachelor’s degrees, you usually apply directly to the university or institution. Ensure you meet the entry requirements and include a compelling personal statement. 

Accept an offer

If you’re offered a place, follow the university’s instructions to accept the offer and confirm your enrolment.

Study

Attend lectures, complete assignments, and participate in discussions to develop your knowledge. You’ll be assessed through a range of methods, including essays, exams, and projects. 

Graduate

Receive your DipHE qualification upon successful completion of the course. 

Where a DipHE could take you

A DipHE can lead to a variety of career opportunities or provide you with a pathway to further study. Here are some potential career paths with a DipHE:

Registered nurse

A DipHE in Nursing can provide a foundation for becoming a registered nurse after further training and registration. 

Counsellor

A DipHE in Counselling provides a foundation for becoming a qualified counsellor or therapist after supervised practice and training. 

Construction technician

A DipHE in Construction can lead to roles as a construction technician or site supervisor.

Accounting technician

A DipHE in Accounting can help you to secure roles as an accounting technician or bookkeeper. 

A bachelor’s degree

Use your DipHE to gain direct entry into the final year of a related bachelor’s degree programme.

Find your DipHE qualification

Explore degrees

Common questions about a DipHE

A DipHE is a Level 5 qualification. It's equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree.

Requirements vary, but you'll typically need at least one A-level or equivalent qualification.

Generally, a DipHE will cost you the same amount as two years of an undergraduate degree, which is £9,250 per year for most UK students. However, this can vary depending on the institution and subject.

Assessment methods include essays, assignments, exams, and projects. It's graded in terms of pass or fail, with the opportunity to earn a merit or distinction if you do well.

It’s hard to say exactly whether a DipHE will increase your salary, as so much depends on the particular subject you study, where you get your qualification, and the career you’re looking to enter.

However, all the stats show that on average, people who get higher education qualifications earn more than those who don’t. The more advanced the qualification is, generally the higher the salary, but this still means that a DipHE will most likely increase your earning potential.

You’ll need to have completed some level of further education previously, and have the passion and drive to commit to your studies. Otherwise, you won’t build the foundational skills you need for the next stage in your career.

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