Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine)

Our Medicine pathway is a Level 3 qualification specifically designed to provide mature students with a recognised route into medical school. Validated by Laser Learning Awards, this course is intensive and intended for those who have had an extended gap from education and lack the science qualifications required for direct entry to a medical degree.

Site

Eastbourne

Level

Level 3

Course Type

Adult

Qualification

Access to HE

Courses

Options Course Code Starts Ends Standard Fee Overseas Fee
apply 60372-01 08/09/26 02/07/27 £3384 £3559

What will I study?

Course Structure and Location

  • Delivery Mode: The medicine-specific diploma is classroom-delivered to ensure the rigorous preparation required for medical school; it is not offered as an online course.
  • Primary Location: The course is primarily based at the Eastbourne campus.
  • Duration: The programme lasts for one academic year, typically running from September to June.

While timetables can change, the current timetable is Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am to 4:30pm, allowing adult learners to balance other commitments.

Due to the nature of the course and funding restrictions, learners must be 19+ at the start of the academic year (31st August) to be eligible for this course.

What previous qualifications or experience do I need?

Maths and English GCSE at grade 6 or above / or be accepted on a higher tier GCSE Maths or English alongside the Access course to meet the aforementioned requirement.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Assignments, which take a variety of forms (such as essays, reports and presentations) are completed for each module. Students on all pathways complete a final assessment of a research project and presentation on a topic within their subject discipline.

What qualification will I achieve?

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine)

What can I do after completing this course?

This Sussex-based Access to Medicine course has been developed by East Sussex College (Eastbourne Campus) in partnership with BSMS. It therefore offers the possibility of linked BSMS places for appropriate candidates.

The diploma consists of 60 credits in total. To meet the entry requirements for medical schools like Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), students must achieve 45 Level 3 credits at Distinction, specifically covering all Biology and Chemistry modules. The curriculum is designed to build both subject-specific knowledge and the essential academic study skills needed for higher education.

Are there any extra costs?

There are no extra costs involved other than basic stationery, but students find that home access to a PC or laptop is useful.

Additional Info

Many Access to HE learners fund their studies through an Advanced Learner Loan.

This loan is managed by Student Finance England (SFE), an organisation external to the college. We advise that you research this independently using the official SFE website to gain a full understanding of the loan and how it works.
The loan portal usually opens in the June prior to the course starting. All eligible applicants who have been offered a place on the course will be sent further details about the Advanced Learner Loan and how to apply as we approach the portal opening date.

Learners wishing to fund their course through the Advanced Learner Loan should have their loan in place by enrolment. Enrolment can start as early as July but primarily takes place in August/early September.