Course Overview

Note: This is an online only course. The course start date will be in January 2026.

The Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) course is a route for adult students who require a level 3 qualification in order to study Nursing at university. It provides students with an understanding of the essential elements required by the nursing profession.

You will need a strong understanding of work within the caring professions in order to be successful in gaining entry to university, so we advise students who do not already work in care to gain experience in fields such as voluntary work with vulnerable children/adults, or paid work in domiciliary care or nursing homes prior to starting the Access to Higher Education course.

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

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19yrs+ to meet the college entry requirements.
Grade 4/C+ in GCSE English language and GCSE Maths. Copies of certificates will be required.
As the course is online you will need to be confident in ICT skills.
You will need a laptop/ computer with a microphone and camera and wifi.


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.

Course Modules

Students will acquire key knowledge, subject-specific skills, and transferable skills essential for success in these fields:

Key Knowledge:

Human Biology and Health:
- Understanding the structure and function of the human body, including systems such as endocrine, musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular.
- Knowledge of human growth and development, sex and reproduction, and nutrition and digestion.
- Understanding of the causes and control of diseases, infection and immunity, and specific health conditions such as dementia, respiratory care, and paediatric illnesses.

Healthcare and Nursing:
- Understanding mental health, including disorders in childhood and adolescence, and strategies for coping. • Knowledge of healthcare communication, health promotion, and principles of safeguarding.
- An understanding of the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare settings.

Psychology and Sociology:
- Understanding perspectives in psychology, biopsychology, and psychological disorders.
- Knowledge of early attachment and development, and the impact of poverty in contemporary Britain.
- Insight into the role of professionalism and multidisciplinary teams in healthcare

Subject-Specific Skills:

Clinical and Nursing Skills:
- Skills in assessing and managing cardiovascular and respiratory care. • Know how to address mental health and dementia issues.
- Ability to apply knowledge of human biology and health to practice scenarios.

Healthcare Practices:
- Understanding the structure and function of cells and how they relate to health and disease.
- Skills in promoting health and preventing illness through education and intervention.
- Know how to safeguard patients and ensuring ethical practice in healthcare.

Professional and Ethical Understanding:
- Knowledge of professional behaviours and ethics in nursing and health professions.
- Understanding the safe and ethical use of generative artificial intelligence in healthcare.
- Understanding of the skills needed when working within multidisciplinary teams and upholding professional standards.


Transferable Skills:

Research and Academic Skills:
- Development of strong research skills and the ability to organise and evaluate studies. • Proficiency in academic writing, reading, and note-making.
- Understanding of opportunities and tools for success in higher education.

Communication and Professional Skills:
- Improved healthcare communication skills and ability to convey complex information clearly.
- Development of presentation skills and information literacy.
- Understanding what it means to work collaboratively in diverse and inclusive environments.

Critical Thinking and Reflective Practice:
- Enhanced ability to analyse health and social issues and develop reasoned arguments.
- Skills in reflective practice to continuously improve personal and professional development. • Understanding of numeracy in a health context and its application 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