Course Overview

Do you dream of a new or better career, but feel held back by a lack of qualifications?
Are you thinking about applying to university but need to refresh your skills after time away from education or work?

The Level 2 Pre-Access to Higher Education course is designed for adult learners of all abilities who want to build the confidence, academic skills, and qualifications needed to progress to a Level 3 Access to HE Diploma—and ultimately, to university or higher apprenticeships.

This supportive and inclusive programme focuses on helping you achieve GCSE English and Maths, while developing the study skills essential for success in higher education.

Do you dream of a new or better career, but feel held back by a lack of qualifications?
Are you thinking about applying to university but need to refresh your skills after time away from education or work?
The Level 2 Pre-Access to Higher Education course is designed for adult learners of all abilities who want to build the confidence, academic skills, and qualifications needed to progress to a Level 3 Access to HE Diploma—and ultimately, to university or higher apprenticeships.
This supportive and inclusive programme focuses on helping you achieve GCSE English and Maths, while developing the study skills essential for success in higher education.

Why Choose This Course?
• Tailored for adult learners returning to education
• Excellent progression rates to Level 3 Access to HE Diplomas
• Builds a strong foundation in core subjects and academic skills
• Prepares you for university entry or higher-level apprenticeships

Course Duration and Delivery
• Length: 1 year (part-time)
• Attendance: 2 days per week
• College Hours: 9:15 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Redditch or Worcester campus

All Access to HE courses at HoW College are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and validated by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

To participate fully in the course, you will need access to:
• A laptop or desktop computer
• A microphone and camera for online sessions
• A stable Wi-Fi connection

Entry requirements

To enrol on this course, you must:

• Be aged 19 or over
• Functional Skills Level 1 in English and Maths, or be working at Level 1 based on diagnostic assessments
• You will be asked to complete English and Maths tests to ensure readiness for Level 2 study

GCSE English and Maths classes are offered alongside the course to support your progression to Level 3 and meet university entry requirements.

Course Modules

• GCSE English
• GCSE Maths
• Level 2 Certificate in Further Skills for Study in Health:

Essay Writing
This module develops students’ academic writing skills, focusing on structure, clarity, argument development, and critical analysis. Learners will practice planning, drafting, and editing to produce well‑organised academic essays.

Plagiarism
Students explore what plagiarism is, why academic integrity matters, and how to avoid unintentional plagiarism. The module introduces correct referencing techniques and the use of citation tools.

Note Taking
This module improves students’ ability to capture key information effectively through methods such as mind‑mapping, summarising, and structured note‑taking strategies suited to academic study.

Reading and Understanding
Learners build confidence in reading academic texts, identifying main ideas, evaluating evidence, and interpreting complex information.

Barriers to Health
Students examine the social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors that create inequalities in health, and explore how these barriers impact individuals and communities.

Psychology
This module introduces key psychological theories and approaches, helping students understand human behaviour, cognition, and development.

Sociology
Learners explore how society is structured and how social factors such as class, gender, ethnicity, and culture influence human behaviour and life chances.

Health Psychology
This module focuses on the psychological influences on health, illness, and healthcare behaviour, including motivation, lifestyle choices, stress, and coping strategies.

Nutrition and Digestion
Students develop an understanding of essential nutrients, healthy eating principles, and the digestive processes that allow the body to absorb and use food.

Cardiovascular System
This module covers the structure and function of the heart, blood vessels, and blood circulation. Learners gain insight into how the cardiovascular system supports life and how common conditions can affect it.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of:
• Coursework
• Projects
• Group Discussions
• Presentations
• Group work

GCSEs are assessed via external examinations.

What can I do next

Successful completion of this course can lead to a range of exciting Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diplomas at Heart of Worcestershire College, including pathways in:

• Health Professions
• Social Science
• Science