A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) can lead to several next steps, including further undergraduate study, suitable Level 6 qualifications, employment, career development or a later return to education. This guide explains what you can do after a DipHE, when degree progression may be possible and why the exact qualification, credits and subject matter.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
But the qualification alone does not guarantee promotion.
Employers may also consider:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
Research and Further Reading
