Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions)
Location
Applicant Type
Adults
Level
Level 3
Subject
Access to HE
Course Overview
This fully online Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health Science Professions is designed for learners who want to progress to university but need to develop the required qualifications, academic confidence and subject knowledge first.
Equivalent to three A Levels, the course is suitable for those taking their first steps towards a health science career as well as learners returning to education after a break. The programme combines academic study skills with a strong foundation in health science and professional practice.
You will develop core abilities such as academic writing, reading, note‑making, numeracy and research skills, alongside key topics including communication in healthcare, professionalism, equality and diversity, psychology and multidisciplinary working. Subject knowledge focuses on human biology and health sciences, covering areas such as body systems, mental health, infection and immunity, health promotion, disease prevention and public health contexts.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the course is studied entirely online, with no classrooms or fixed timetables, allowing you to balance learning around work, family and other commitments. You will be supported by an individual learning plan setting out assignment deadlines to help you stay on track throughout your studies.
Learners can study full time or part time, with completion times aligned to awarding body moderation and UCAS application requirements. Completion of the diploma opens up progression to university study across a wide range of health science, clinical, research and public health pathways, providing an accessible and supportive route into Higher Education and the health professions.
To study this course, you must meet the following requirements. You must be a UK resident with a valid UK postcode and be aged 19 or over at the start of the course. Learners aged between 19 and 23 must already hold a minimum full Level 2 qualification or an equivalent award.
You must have achieved at least one Functional Skills Level 2 qualification, or an equivalent GCSE grade 4 or C, in either English or maths. If you are missing one of these subjects, you must be working towards it alongside your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
However, learners who need to achieve both English and maths will not be eligible to enrol. Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered.
This six‑month period begins only once Unit 2 has been successfully completed, and learners must be submitting assignments regularly in line with the deadlines set out in their Individual Learning Plan. Certificates can only be issued once the course fees have been paid in full.
Assessment is completed through a range of coursework activities, which may include written reports, essays, case studies, portfolios, presentations, creative tasks and academic skills exercises.
There are no exams on this course. At the end of each module, you will complete an assignment and receive detailed feedback from your tutor to support your development and progression.
On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing, you will be awarded a Skills & Education Group Access QAA‑recognised Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma.
Throughout the programme, you will also receive guidance and support with your university application and the research needed to make the most of your qualification.
This course costs £3384 for 2027 entry.
You may be entitled to a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs of your access course.
Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks. Student Finance England, who are responsible for student loans will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances for your Access to HE course as soon as you complete a higher education course.
This means you do not have to repay your Advanced Learner Loan if you progress to higher education and complete your degree programme.
After successful completion of the course you may progress on to Higher Education at university to pursue a career in the health science profession.
This could be in fields such as:
- Nursing Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Radiography
- Biomedical Science
- Public Health
- Health Management
Distance Learning
Part Time
Full Time
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Overall achievement rates (All learners)
90.2%
Ofstead good rating
A safe environment to learn
Qualifications earned per year
18232
Award-winning careers programe
State-of-the-art facilities
