Diploma of Higher Education

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A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is a higher education qualification in the United Kingdom. It is awarded after two years to three years' full-time study at a university or other higher education institution. They certify that a student has achieved a minimum standard in 1st and 2nd Year courses, and in the case of nursing, 3rd Year courses.

It is the academic equivalent of the more vocational Higher National Diploma, awarded following further education and training courses. The DipHE is generally regarded as the equivalent of an Associate's degree in the US system.

In Scotland a DipHE is worth 240 credit points (at least 120 at Level 7 and at least 80 at Level 8) on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. (As a guide an Honours degree is worth 360 credit points.)

They are not externally regulated but are instead accredited by the universities themselves, except in the case of nurse and community and youth work education where the curriculum is prescribed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, who monitor and maintain standards of education. Community and youth work students are validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and are eligible for full- time employment after receiving the DipHE