Course Overview

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions) is designed for adult learners who aspire to study health-related degrees at university but do not yet hold a Level 3 qualification. This course is ideal for adult learners who are returning to education and are committed to pursuing a career in the health sector. It is particularly suited to those who have a passion for caring and supporting others, and who are ready to take the next step towards university-level study.

This course is ideal for adult learners who are returning to education and are committed to pursuing a career in the health sector. It is particularly suited to those who have a passion for caring and supporting others, and who are ready to take the next step towards university-level study.

The Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) is delivered through a blended learning model, combining both in-person and online teaching. This flexible approach supports adult learners in balancing their studies with other commitments.
• Attendance: 3 days per week
• Duration: 1 academic year
• College Hours: 9:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Students will attend scheduled lessons on campus and participate in structured online learning activities, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive educational experience.

Course Fees and Funding
• Course Fee: £3,384
Some learners may be eligible for full funding, depending on their circumstances:
• If you are aged 19–23 and this is your first full Level 3 qualification, the course will be fully funded.
• If you live in the West Midlands, additional funding options may be available.
Funding Options
If you are not eligible for full funding, you can choose to:
• Self-fund the course
• Apply for an Advanced Learner Loan through the Student Finance Company

Key benefits of the Advanced Learner Loan:
• No income or credit checks required
• Repayments only begin once you earn above a certain threshold
• If you progress to university and successfully complete a Higher Education course, your loan will be written off
This makes the Advanced Learner Loan a flexible and accessible option for many adult learners.


Preparing for Success
To maximise your chances of gaining university admission, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the caring professions. If you are not currently working in a care-related role, we strongly recommend gaining experience before starting the course. This could include:
• Voluntary work with vulnerable children or adults
• Paid employment in domiciliary care
• Work in residential or nursing homes
Such experience not only strengthens your university application but also helps you engage more meaningfully with the course content.


The Access to Higher Education courses provided at HoW College are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and validated by the AIM Qualifications assessment group.

Entry requirements

To enrol on this course, you must:
• Be aged 19 or over
• Hold a minimum of Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths
o Functional Skills Level 2 may be considered if it supports your progression to higher education or your intended career path

As this is a blended learning programme, you will need to be confident using digital tools and platforms, essential for engaging with online lessons and course materials.

Course Modules

What You Will Study:
This course is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, subject-specific expertise, and transferable skills needed for success in health and social care professions, including nursing, midwifery, and allied health roles.

Key Knowledge Areas:
Human Biology
Students will explore the structure and function of the human body, gaining a solid foundation in:
• Endocrine, urinary, digestive, musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems
• How these systems interact to maintain health and respond to illness

Psychology
Learners will develop an understanding of:
• Key psychological perspectives and theories
• Biopsychology and the biological basis of behaviour
• Psychological disorders and their impact on individuals and society

Professional and Ethical Understanding
Students will gain insight into:
• Professional behaviours and ethical standards in nursing and health professions
• The importance of multidisciplinary teamwork and collaboration
• Upholding professional values in diverse healthcare settings

Transferable Skills Development
Academic Study Techniques
The course supports students in building strong academic foundations through:
• Research and evaluation skills
• Academic writing, reading, and note-making proficiency
• Awareness of tools and strategies for success in higher education

Critical Thinking and Reflective Practice
Students will enhance their ability to:
• Analyse health and social care issues and construct reasoned arguments
• Engage in reflective practice to support continuous personal and professional growth
• Apply numeracy skills in health contexts, particularly in nursing practice

How will I be assessed?

To achieve the L3 Diploma you will complete assignments for units that total 60 credits on the course.

15 credits are achieved by completing ungraded units, these will develop your academic study skills to prepare you for the graded units and University.

45 credits are achieved by completing graded academic subject units. Credits are awarded Pass, Merit and Distinction grades that will contribute to your overall UCAS points that are important for university applications.

To assess your learning and prepare you for Higher education and future careers you will be asked to complete assignment tasks in a variety of formats, these may include
• Essays
• Reports
• Short answer questions
• Academic posters
• Presentations
• Portfolio’s

What can I do next

Typical Progression is into Health Professions by completing

• Undergraduate degrees
• Degree Apprenticeships

Nursing routes include adult, children and mental health.
Midwifery
Paramedic Science
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Other allied health professions

You can apply to University by submitting a UCAS application. Each university will have their own entry requirements that may differ in UCAS points, number of distinction grades and additional qualifications such as GCSE English and Maths.

Visit the UCAS website to find support on https://www.ucas.com/