What's covered?

The units cover a wide range of topics and are designed to help learners to build on the knowledge and skills needed when working in the health sector as a health professional. The units include human anatomy and physiology, health psychology, mental illness, nutrition and nutritional disorders, health culture, health services, an extended independent academic study and developing study skills. The units are designed to develop your research and analytical skills and to increase your organisational skills.

What do you need?

A high level of self-motivation is required for you to complete the course. The Access course should enable you to gain increased confidence in your academic abilities in a new learning situation and in readiness for higher education as well as looking at your potential work environment. You are expected to be working at Level 2 currently and this is equivalent to having GCSE grades at C or above. You need to have English and Maths at grade C and you may be asked to complete an initial diagnostic assessment of these subjects. It may be possible to complete a maths course alongside Access following assessment. Very good IT skills are also required to complete and submit work. You must be able to commit yourself to the course of study in a mature and efficient way, with a high level of motivation, attendance and time-management. You will be working in college for 2 days weekly and need to be able to invest at least 20 hours additionally each week in independent study.

How you are assessed

The Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 course. The Diploma consists of 16 mandatory units which have a credit value and to achieve the award you will need to gain 60 credits. Many universities are requesting that at least 30 credits are at Distinction Grade and 12 - 15 are at Merit Grade. There are also units which are graded at Pass only. You will be assessed through written reports and essays, presentations, timed tests and assessments and participation in discussion and role plays.

How Long?

The Access to Nursing and Health Care Professions Diploma is a one year intensive course designed to prepare you for study at degree level at University. The course is for 1 year and will be based on classroom study and self-study.

What course next?

You will be able to apply to do a degree programme at university in nursing and midwifery or courses allied to medicine. This can lead to a variety of careers as a health professional.

What could this lead to?

Health related degree programmes include areas such as Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Operating Department Practitioner, Radiography, Paramedic Science or Dietetics and more.

Choose from the following options

Can't find what you're looking for?




Browse courses


Search courses

Enter a course title or code

  1. Profile


  2. my Courses


  3. my Prospectus


  4. Help & Advice
