Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions)

Course overview

The Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) can get you ready for university if you don’t have the right qualifications.

This is a Level 3 course which will run on two days a week, September-June. You will also be required to complete research and work on assignments independently.

In less than one year this means that you can achieve everything you need to move on to university.

Learning Success Story

I did the Access course 2016/2017, I had not done anything academic since I left school in 2005. I went on to pass with all Distinctions! Which I was amazed at as I was studying whilst having two small children at home. I had wanted to be a nurse for as long I could remember, and the Access course made my dream possible and actually gave me the confidence to go for it!

I am currently in my final 6months (3rd year) of studying adult nursing at Teesside University, due to go out into placement this week, an extended placement for the last 6 months of my course. In January I will be graduating! It still does not seem real that I will be a staff nurse! Don’t get me wrong it has not been easy at all, but so worth it!

- Kylie

Course requirements

There is an interview for the Health Professions course and some screening tests.

It is desirable that you have a Level 2 in Maths and English - this can be Functional Skills or GCSE grade 4/C or higher. If you have not achieved Maths or English, you will need to study these alongside your course. Some courses at HE require these qualification as an entry requirement.

Our Pre-Access to HE course can help you build on your study skills if you don’t feel ready for Level 3 studies.

Although the Access to Higher Education courses are most suitable for ages 19+, they may also be available for 16- 18 learners with funding.

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees, and you may qualify for support with your course costs e.g. stationery and meals. You will also get free support with childcare.

What will I do?

You will study a range of units including:

Cell biology and biochemistry

Human respiratory and cardiac systems

Physiology of digestive processes

Homeostasis and the endocrine system

Genetics

Inherited diseases

Infectious diseases

Health promotion

Sociology of welfare and poverty

Early social development

Psychopathology

Roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals

Your assessment will be in a variety of formats including essays, reports, presentations, academic posters, podcasts, brochures, etc.

On this programme you will develop skills in:

Higher Order Thinking skills such as analysis / synthesis / evaluation / justification

Reading information and selecting key information / facts / ideas

Referencing

Research using academic sources

Writing in a range of different formats

What will it give me?

You will attain a Level 3 Diploma in Access to HE (Health Professions) on this programme, which will enable you to apply for university.

All Level 3 units are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction which will inform your UCAS points for HE. You will gain a total of 45 graded credits and 15 ungraded.

Materials needed

A laptop computer is recommended, but the College also has dedicated IT facilities for degree students and adults.

What can I do when I finish?

Our learners progress to degrees in subjects such as Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Health & Social Care, Paramedic Science, Operating Department Practice Studies, Biomedical Science, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Criminology, Forensic Science, Child Care, Paediatrics and more.

If you are interested in studying an Access to HE course tailored for Policing, Criminology or Social Work, please get in touch as this course will also be available subject to interest.

Career paths include:

Adult Nursing

Mental Health Nursing

Learning Disability Nursing

Childhood Nursing

Operation Department Practitioner

Paramedic Science

Midwifery

Nutrition

Bio-Medical Science

Health Promotion Studies

Podiatry

Physiotherapy

Occupational Health

Environmental Studies

Pharmacy

Optometry

Radiography

Occupational Therapy

What next?

If you would like to apply, please click the "Apply Now" section below and follow the steps. Thank you!