If you have completed a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), you have several possible next steps. You may continue towards a bachelor’s degree, apply for work related to your subject, move to further study or use the qualification to support your development at work.
A DipHE is a recognised higher education qualification. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it sits at Level 5. It normally represents 240 credits of higher education study.
What you can do next depends on your subject, the credits and modules you completed, and the requirements of the university, employer or profession you want to enter.
Common options after a DipHE include:
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continuing towards a bachelor’s degree;
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applying for advanced university entry where accepted;
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moving to suitable Level 6 study;
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applying for jobs related to your subject;
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developing within your current role;
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changing career;
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returning to higher education later.
The important point is that a DipHE can be useful as a qualification in its own right. You do not have to turn it into a bachelor’s degree for it to have value.
What Is a Diploma of Higher Education?
A Diploma of Higher Education, often shortened to DipHE, is a higher education qualification.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a DipHE is at Level 5. GOV.UK lists it separately from foundation degrees, HNDs and general Level 5 Diplomas, even though all of these can sit at the same qualification level.
A DipHE normally carries 240 credits and is often completed over the equivalent of two years of full-time higher education study.
It can be offered in many subjects, depending on the institution.
This article uses the term HE Diploma to mean a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). It should not be confused with an Access to HE Diploma or a general professional Level 5 Diploma.
A DipHE Is Not the Same as Every Level 5 Diploma
This difference matters before deciding what to do next.
A DipHE is one type of Level 5 qualification.
Other Level 5 qualifications can include:
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Higher National Diplomas (HNDs);
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foundation degrees;
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Level 5 Diplomas;
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Level 5 Certificates;
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Level 5 NVQs.
They can share the same level without having the same size, content, assessment or progression options. GOV.UK makes clear that qualifications at the same level can still involve different amounts and types of learning.
So:
Level 5 tells you the level of learning. It does not tell you that two qualifications are the same.
This is especially important when comparing a DipHE with a professional Level 5 Diploma.
Can You Continue to a Bachelor’s Degree After a DipHE?
Yes, further undergraduate study may be possible after a DipHE.
Because a DipHE normally contains 240 credits, some people use it as part of a route towards a bachelor’s degree.
However, holding a DipHE does not automatically guarantee entry to a particular stage of a degree.
The receiving university may consider:
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the subject you studied;
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your completed modules;
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the number of credits;
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your grades;
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learning outcomes;
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how closely your previous study matches the new course.
The university then decides whether your previous study can be accepted.
If your main reason for taking a DipHE is to complete a bachelor’s degree later, check the intended progression route before enrolling.
You can also read our guide on whether you can go to university with a Diploma.
Can a DipHE Get You into the Final Year of a Degree?
Possibly, but final-year entry is not automatic.
Some universities offer advanced-entry or top-up routes where previous Level 5 study matches their programme.
For example, a university may consider whether your 240 credits cover the subjects and learning outcomes required before its final stage.
Another university may offer entry at a different point.
A third may decide that the previous programme does not match closely enough.
The fact that a DipHE is Level 5 does not by itself give a right to enter Year 3.
A simple rule is:
Check the university first, not after you have completed the qualification.
If a particular degree is your goal, look at its entry and credit-transfer requirements before planning the route.
Can You Get a Job With a DipHE?
Yes. A DipHE is a recognised qualification in its own right and can be included on job applications and your CV.
Whether it helps with a particular job depends on:
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the subject;
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the employer;
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the role;
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your experience;
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any professional requirements.
For example, a relevant higher education qualification may support an application for work in areas connected with business, computing, education, care or other subjects.
However, a DipHE does not automatically qualify you for a particular occupation.
Some careers require:
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a specific degree;
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professional registration;
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a licence;
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supervised practice;
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additional training;
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relevant work experience.
The Department for Education notes that people completing higher education may continue studying or move into employment, but the route depends on the individual course and career.
Before applying, compare the qualification you hold with the requirements shown in real job descriptions.
Can a DipHE Help You Progress at Work?
It may.
If the subject of your DipHE is relevant to your current role, it can show that you have completed higher-level study in that area.
This may be useful when applying for:
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greater responsibility;
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internal progression;
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supervisory work;
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further training;
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roles that ask for higher education study.
But the qualification alone does not guarantee promotion.
Employers may also consider:
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experience;
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performance;
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practical skills;
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professional qualifications;
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communication and management ability.
A qualification can support your case. It does not make the decision for the employer.
Can You Change Career After a DipHE?
Yes, but the DipHE needs to make sense for the new direction.
For example, a DipHE in a subject related to your intended field may help show that you have studied that area at higher education level.
However, changing careers often involves more than gaining one qualification.
Check whether the new occupation requires:
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a particular degree;
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professional registration;
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additional qualifications;
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practical experience;
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a portfolio;
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a licence;
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specific technical skills.
This is particularly important in regulated fields such as health, education and some professional services.
A Level 5 qualification can form part of a career change, but it should not be treated as automatic entry into a profession.
Can You Study a Level 6 Qualification After a DipHE?
Yes, suitable Level 6 study may be an option if you meet the entry requirements.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Level 6 includes several qualification types.
These include:
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bachelor’s degrees;
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degrees with honours;
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Level 6 Diplomas;
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Level 6 Certificates;
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graduate Diplomas;
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degree apprenticeships.
These qualifications share Level 6, but they are not all the same qualification.
For example:
A Level 6 Diploma is not automatically a bachelor’s degree simply because both sit at Level 6.
If you want to move from a DipHE to Level 6 study, check the exact qualification rather than choosing it only because the level number is higher.
Is a DipHE Useful Without a Bachelor’s Degree?
Yes.
A DipHE is a higher education qualification in its own right.
You do not need to “convert” it into a degree for the qualification to exist or to be included on your CV.
A DipHE may be useful if you:
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want to show higher education study in a subject;
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are applying for relevant employment;
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want to continue your education later;
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do not currently want to complete a full bachelor’s degree;
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need a recognised qualification at this stage of your education.
Its usefulness depends on what you want to do with it.
For some jobs, a DipHE may be enough alongside suitable experience.
For others, a full degree or professional qualification may still be required.
The right question is not simply:
“Is a DipHE worth anything?”
It is:
“Does this qualification meet the requirements of where I want to go next?”
What About a DipHE in Scotland?
Scotland uses a different qualification framework from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A Diploma of Higher Education is normally placed at SCQF Level 8 in Scotland and typically carries at least 240 credits.
This does not mean that a Scottish DipHE is three levels above a Level 5 DipHE elsewhere in the UK.
The frameworks simply use different numbering systems.
So:
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England, Wales and Northern Ireland: DipHE at Level 5
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Scotland: DipHE at SCQF Level 8
If you are planning further study in Scotland, check the requirements of the Scottish university or institution directly.
Is a DipHE the Same as a Bachelor’s Degree?
No.
A DipHE is a higher education qualification, but it is not a completed bachelor’s degree.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland:
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DipHE — Level 5
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bachelor’s degree with honours — Level 6
If you hold a DipHE, describe it using its proper qualification title on your CV or application.
Do not describe it as a bachelor’s degree.
If you want a fuller explanation, read our guide on whether a Diploma is a degree in the UK.
How Do Inspire College Level 5 Diplomas Differ From a DipHE?
Inspire College of Learning offers a range of professional Level 5 Diploma qualifications.
These should not automatically be described as Diplomas of Higher Education.
A professional Level 5 Diploma and a DipHE may share the same qualification level in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but they can differ in:
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qualification type;
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awarding organisation;
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credit value;
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Total Qualification Time;
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course structure;
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assessment;
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learning outcomes;
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progression routes.
For example, some professional Level 5 qualifications may carry 120 credits, while a typical DipHE carries 240 credits.
Other extended qualifications may have a larger credit value.
This is why the word Level 5 on its own is not enough to judge a qualification.
When looking at an Inspire course, check:
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the full qualification title;
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the awarding organisation;
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the credit value or TQT;
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the entry requirements;
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the subject;
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the stated progression options.
You can browse the current professional qualifications at Inspire College of Learning.
If university progression is your aim, ask the receiving university whether it accepts the exact qualification before enrolling.
Can an Inspire Level 5 Diploma Lead to a Degree?
Some professional Level 5 qualifications may support applications for further study, including suitable Level 6 programmes or university progression.
However, this is not the same as saying:
Every Level 5 Diploma gives automatic entry to the final year of a degree.
It does not.
Progression depends on factors such as:
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qualification title;
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awarding organisation;
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credits;
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subject;
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university;
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degree programme;
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university admissions policy.
Some awarding organisations may publish progression arrangements or university relationships for particular qualifications.
Even then, you should check the current requirements with the university you want to attend.
How to Decide What to Do After Your DipHE
Start with the destination.
If You Want a Bachelor’s Degree
Find the degree programme you want to complete.
Then check:
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whether your DipHE is accepted;
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which entry year may be available;
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whether your subject matches;
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how many credits can be transferred;
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whether there are additional requirements.
Do this before applying.
If You Want a Job
Look at real job adverts in the field.
Check:
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qualification requirements;
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experience;
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technical skills;
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professional registration;
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licences or memberships.
Then compare these requirements with what your DipHE gives you.
If You Want to Progress at Work
Look at the roles above your current position.
Ask:
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What qualifications do they ask for?
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What experience is expected?
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Would further Level 6 study help?
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Is there a professional qualification that employers prefer?
This can help you avoid studying simply because another level is available.
If You Want to Change Career
Research the new profession first.
Find out what people actually need to enter it.
Then decide whether your existing DipHE is relevant or whether you need another qualification.
Choose the next qualification because it fits your goal, not simply because Level 6 comes after Level 5.
What Should You Check Before Choosing Your Next Step?
Before making a decision, check five things.
1. Your Exact Qualification
Do you hold a DipHE or another type of Level 5 Diploma?
The distinction matters.
2. Your Subject
A Level 5 qualification in one subject may not meet the requirements of an unrelated degree or profession.
3. Your Credits
If university progression is involved, the receiving institution may consider how much relevant study you have completed.
4. Your Destination
Check the actual university, job or profession you want to enter.
5. Any Additional Requirements
You may need:
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professional registration;
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experience;
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particular modules;
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grades;
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English-language evidence;
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practical training.
Do not assume that the qualification level answers all of these questions.
Final Thoughts
So, what can you do with a HE Diploma?
If you hold a Diploma of Higher Education, you may be able to:
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continue towards a bachelor’s degree;
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apply for suitable advanced entry;
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move into other Level 6 study;
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apply for relevant jobs;
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support progression in your current role;
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change direction;
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return to further education later.
A DipHE is already a recognised qualification. It does not have to become a bachelor’s degree to have a purpose.
At the same time, it does not guarantee a job, promotion or university entry.
Your next step depends on what you studied, how much study you completed and where you want to go next.
Check the destination first.
Then choose the route that gets you there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What can I do with a Diploma of Higher Education?
You may use a DipHE for further undergraduate study, suitable Level 6 progression, employment, career development or later return to higher education. The available options depend on your subject and the requirements of the organisation you are applying to.
Q2. Can I get a job with a DipHE?
Yes. A DipHE can be used as a recognised higher education qualification when applying for jobs. Whether it meets the requirements of a particular role depends on the employer, subject, experience and any professional requirements.
Q3. Can I turn a DipHE into a bachelor’s degree?
Further study towards a bachelor’s degree may be possible, but a DipHE does not automatically convert into a degree. The receiving university decides how your previous study can be recognised.
Q4. Can I enter Year 3 of a degree with a DipHE?
Possibly. Some universities may offer advanced or final-year entry where your credits, modules and subject match the degree. This is not guaranteed.
Q5. Can I study a Level 6 qualification after a DipHE?
Yes, where you meet the entry requirements. Level 6 includes bachelor’s degrees and other qualifications such as Level 6 Diplomas, so check the exact qualification you want to study.
Q6. Is a DipHE worth anything without a degree?
Yes. A DipHE is a recognised qualification in its own right. Its value for employment or progression depends on your subject and what the employer or institution requires.
Q7. Is a DipHE the same as a Level 5 Diploma?
No. A DipHE is one type of Level 5 qualification. A professional Level 5 Diploma may have a different awarding organisation, credit value, structure and purpose.
Q8. How many credits does a DipHE have?
A Diploma of Higher Education normally carries 240 credits.
Q9. Can I change career with a DipHE?
A relevant DipHE may support a career change, but you should also check whether the new profession requires a specific degree, professional qualification, registration or experience.
Q10. Does a DipHE guarantee promotion?
No. It may support career development, but employers will also consider experience, skills, performance and the requirements of the position.
Q11. What level is a DipHE in Scotland?
A Diploma of Higher Education is normally at SCQF Level 8 in Scotland.
Q12. Is an Inspire Level 5 Diploma a DipHE?
Not automatically. Inspire offers professional Level 5 Diplomas, but a qualification must be checked by its full title, awarding organisation, credit value and framework rather than level alone.
Research and Further Reading
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GOV.UK — What Qualification Levels Mean
https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels -
QAA — UK Higher Education Qualifications Frameworks
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/the-quality-code/qualifications-frameworks -
Department for Education — Higher Education, Skills for Careers
https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/training-choice/higher-education -
UCAS — University Entry Requirements
https://www.ucas.com/applying/you-apply/what-and-where-study/entry-requirements
