Access to HE Diploma (Nursing and Healthcare Professions)

Access to Higher Education courses are one year intensive courses for adult students aged 19+ who are intending to study for a degree at university but do not have the necessary entry requirements. (Nursing, Paramedic Science, Midwifery, Physiotherapy and other allied health professions).

In the first semester the course provides you with units to develop your study, IT, data presentation and analysis skills, alongside introductory biology units.

Your scientific knowledge is then further developed in semesters two and three, providing you with a broad range of science based topics with a focus on health. Units include Cell Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Reproduction, Health and Disease, Medical Chemistry and Human Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems.

Our Nursing and Healthcare Professions pathway is designed for those who wish to progress onto nursing, midwifery, paramedic sciences, physiotherapy, biomedical science, radiography, occupational therapy and other health or science-related degree courses.

Each pathway is made up of: Core modules - designed to support you in developing skills which are vital for degree-level study, regardless of the subject. These skills include referencing, research skills, essay and report writing, and critical thinking.

Subject-specific modules - designed to ensure that your subject knowledge is at the required level for your chosen degree course.

We provide regular tutorials to offer academic and personal support and also offer help and guidance with UCAS applications and personal statement writing, along with university interview preparation.

Access is an intensive, challenging and demanding course Our Access courses are QAA approved and validated by LASER Learning Awards are Level 3 courses.

GCSE English at grade C / 4 is required (or Functional Skills Level 2 English). GCSE Maths at grade C / 4 (or equivalent) is desirable depending on the degree you wish to progress on to, but can be studied alongside the Access diploma if necessary. All candidates are expected to attend a Taster Day before receiving a firm offer for a place on the Access course.

As with all Access courses, we want to develop your confidence and ability to study independently. You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including lab work, written reports, oral presentations, tests, essays and model making. In the last semester you will also complete an extended Independent Project on a subject of your own choice.

Students who have successfully completed this Diploma have progressed onto university.

Previous learners on this course have gone on to university studies in:

• Paramedic science • Physiotherapy • Nursing • Midwifery • Podiatry • Radiography • Occupational therapy • Public Health • Biomedical Science • Forensic Science • Biology • Environmental Science • Veterinary Nursing • Zoology

The course is delivered in ‘school friendly’ hours: 9.30 – 2.45 (term time only) to accommodate learners with school aged children.
Course fees can usually be paid using an adult learner loan, which students don’t start to be pay back until earning over approx. 25K (the loan is currently wiped completely if students complete degree courses). Bursaries are available for childcare and travel expenses (subject to conditions).

All candidates are expected to attend a taster assessment day before a formal course offer can be made. All candidates are advised to check entry requirements of the degree course they wish to progress on to before enrolling on the access diploma.