Understanding the journey to and through 'Access to Higher Education Diplomas' for adults with a Service background. Occasional Paper No.2 from the IfE

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (AHED) is a well-established course, delivered in the main locally through Further Education Institutions; it provides a non-traditional route into Higher Education (HE) for those aged 19 years and over who have few, if any, qualifications to gain entry to HE. Although transition is a smooth journey for many Service Leavers (SLs) and their families, there are a significant number who need support to improve their transition experience, to minimise the risk of unfulfilling careers within the civilian sector. This research aims to: provide a better level of understanding of the issues that adults with a Service background can face on their journey to and through an Access to Higher Education Diploma; show how these issues can manifest as barriers on these journeys; and develop recommendations that identify opportunities to address these barriers.