Online Level 3 Diploma

Access to HE - Health Science Professions

You can study this course in your own time online whilst gaining a Level 3 qualification

Duration

6-12 Months

Level

Level 3

Career Sector

Medical Technologies & Life Sciences

Available At

Distance Learning

Start Date

Various start dates throughout the year

Days & Times

Flexible self-guided study of 15 hours per week

Fee

£3,022† (Eligible for Advanced Learner Loan)

An Access to Higher Education Diploma will enable you to go to university if you don’t currently have the qualifications you need. They are widely recognised by most universities, including local institutes such as Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Essex and the University of East London.

On this course, you can choose from a range of specialisms (which can be found below), as well as develop your study skills. You will also undertake a research project on a topic of your choice with the aim of developing your independent learning skills.

You can undertake this course at your own pace with self-guided hours. You will have access to a variety of learning materials to ensure you are able to pass this long-distance online course. 

 

female teacher supporting adult learners with class work by leaning over should to show where to look in the text book

Advanced Learner Loan

If you are aged 19 and over, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan.

You could study for FREE - find out more

Access to HE FAQs

Not sure whether an Access to Higher Education course is right for you? We answer the most common questions.

Find out more

Pathways on offer

Access to Nursing

Nursing is a popular career choice if you love to help people. This qualification will give you the entry requirements and skills to go on to University to study for a full nursing degree before moving to employment within the sector. 

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and the Brain
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Diagnosis and management of Physiological Disorders
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Human Sex and Reproduction
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System

Access to Dental Hygiene

As a Dental Hygienist, you will work with a range of people within the community, including both adults and children. You will promote good oral health and will practice a range of treatments and procedures such as scaling teeth, polishing teeth and applying topical fluoride and fissure sealants. You could find yourself working for the NHS, as a specialist dental hygienist or in a private practice.

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Drugs 
  • Biochemical Molecules
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System
  • Chemistry for Drugs and Medicine
  • Chemistry for Biologists
  • Chemistry and Society

Access to Paramedicine

Preparing you to become a paramedic, whether you wish to study paramedic practice or paramedic science. Being a paramedic is highly-rewarding and you can make a difference to your community. You can do all this whilst still learning new things which can lead to multiple career pathways. Along with career opportunities within the NHS you could also work in the armed forces or HM Prison Service to name a few.

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and the Brain
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Diagnosis and Management of Physiological Disorders
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Human Sex and Reproduction
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System

Access to Mental Health Nursing

Units on this course have been selected to provide you with foundation knowledge in Psychology and Social Science which complement additional Biology components. This is a growing area of employment within the NHS and other leading employers such as the armed forces, mental health charities and education. You can choose whether you want to specialise in working with certain groups or within a specific area such as eating disorders, depression and anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

Modules
  • Stress and Eating Disorders
  • Aggression
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and the Brain
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Drugs
  • Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Strategies
  • Mental Health 
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Nervous Syste
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System

Access to Midwifery

The NHS is experiencing a shortage of Midwives and this course will give you the skills and knowledge needed to gain a degree and take your first steps into a Midwifery Career. From September 2020 all pre-registration midwifery students can receive funding support of between £5,000 and £8,000 per year, which you do not need to pay back. You are also still entitled to access funding for tuition and maintenance loans.

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Brain
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Diagnosis and Management of Physiological Disorders
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Human Sex and Reproduction
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System

Access to Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists work with a range of patients and physical difficulties, where you will be responsible for planning appropriate treatment programmes based on a diagnosis. These patients can include those with sports injuries, stroke patients and those who are suffering from injury or disability. The specialist areas of physiotherapy include cardiovascular, neurology, neuromusculoskeletal, paediatrics and respiratory. 

Modules
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Biochemical Molecules
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Endocrine System
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Human Sex and Reproduction
  • Human Urinary System
  • Microbiology
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Nutrition and Digestion

Access to Radiography

There are two routes within radiography, Diagnostic and Therapeutic. Diagnostic Radiographer diagnoses illnesses and injuries and a Therapeutic Radiographer treat and care for people with cancer. Within Diagnostic Radiography you can choose to specialise in certain areas, such as ultrasound or trauma and emergency care.

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Drugs
  • Microbiology
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Human Sex and Reproduction
  • Musculoskeletal 
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System
  • Medical Physics Radiology and Medical Imaging
  • Radioactivity in Medicine

Access to Psychology

There are a variety of career paths you can take within Psychology, you can either study a Psychology Degree or you can choose a specialist Psychology degree. Either way you will develop a range of skills that open up many opportunities within the Science and Arts Sector. 

Modules
  • Child Development
  • Stress and Eating Disorders
  • Aggression
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Brain
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Drugs
  • Key Aspects of Psychology
  • Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Strategies
  • Definition of Health
  • Mental Health
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Diagnosis and Management of Physiological Disorders

Access to Biomedical Science

The perfect beginning and one of the broadest areas of modern science that can lead to a range of research careers. Biomedical Scientists are at the heart of healthcare, from investigating disease to evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. 

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Drugs
  • Biochemical Molecules
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System
  • Chemistry for Drugs and Medicine
  • Chemistry for Biologists
  • Chemistry and Society

Access to Social Science

A Social Science Degree will give you a range of career options, you will develop a wide range of transferable skills and knowledge. You can help improve the lives of children and adults in societies around the world with your knowledge. 

Modules
  • Child Development
  • Stress and Eating Disorders
  • Aggression
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and the Brain
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Drugs
  • Key Aspects of Psychology
  • Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Strategies
  • Definitions of Health
  • Mental Health
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Diagnoses and Management of Physiological Disorders

Access to Nutrition and Dietetics

Assess, Diagnose, Advice and treat diet-related and nutritional problems, after you have completed your degree you will have the knowledge to do all those things. This Access course provides the ground knowledge you need to be able to progress to the degree. You might find yourself working with the NHS, in the community, withing a Mental Health organisation or private clinics. 

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Drugs
  • Biochemical Molecules
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System
  • Chemistry for Drugs and Medicine
  • Chemistry for Biologists
  • Chemistry and Society

Access to Biology

Biology opens up many doors within Science related degrees and career opportunities. Typical employers for biology-related jobs include universities and clinical research organisations, pharmaceutical companies, national and global health charities, scientific and technical consultancies not to mention schools and colleges. 

Modules
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Biochemical Molecules
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Endocrine System
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Human Sex and Reproduction
  • Human Urinary System
  • Microbiology
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Nutrition and Digestion

Access to Social Work

See the impact you are having on improving people's lives. You will build relationships with individuals and families who are going through difficult times whilst maintaining a professional relationship. You could work in a range of settings with the opportunity to specialise in certain fields. 

Modules
  • Child Development
  • Stress and Eating Disorders
  • Aggression
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and the Brain
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Drugs
  • Key Aspects of Psychology
  • Definitions of Health
  • Mental Health
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Diagnosis and Management of Physiological Disorders

Access to Occupational Therapy

Support people with physical, sensory or cognitive problems and help them to regain or learn independence. You will work with a range of people with different requirements so you will learn a host of knowledge that will give you the ability to create an effective treatment plan for each individual. 

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and the Brain
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Diagnosis and Management of Physiological Disorders
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Human Sex and Reproduction
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System

Access to Operating Department Practice

Support patients before, during and after surgery making you an important part of a larger working team. As well as applying for a student loan you may also be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund where you could receive £5,000 which you don't have to pay back.

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and the Brain
  • Healthcare and Communication
  • Diagnosis and Management of Physiologicl Disorders
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Human Sex and Reproduction
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System

Access to Environmental Health

Use your scientific skills to develop implement and enforce health policies. This access course will give you the knowledge to advance to a degree programme and it is important to ensure you choose a university accredited by the Chartered Institue of Environment Health (CIEH) to continue your studies. 

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviours and Drugs
  • Biochemical Molecules
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System
  • Chemistry for Drugs and Medicine
  • Chemistry for Biologists
  • Chemistry and Society 

Access to Podiatry

Podiatrists can also be known as Chiropodists, where you specialise in feet and legs. You will examine, diagnose and treat problems to enhance people's and improve people's mobility. 

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and Drugs
  • Biochemical Molecules
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System
  • Chemistry for Drugs and Medicine
  • Chemistry for Biologists
  • Chemistry and Society

Access to Speech Therapy

This is a specialist line of work where you can deal with a diverse client group. As well as speech, language and communication problems you may also work with people facing difficulties swallowing, drinking or eating. 

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and the Brain
  • Healthcare and Communication
  • Diagnosis and Management of Physiological Disorders
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Genetic Inheristance
  • Human Sex and Reproduction
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System

Access to Chiropractic Care

Use physical manipulation, massage and rehabilitative exercises to treat patients and improve the quality of individuals lives. Using natural techniques you will encourage the body's healing process. 

Modules
  • Bio-Psychology: Behaviour and the Brain
  • Healthcare and Communication
  • Diagnosis and Management of Physiological Disorders
  • Non-Infectious Disease
  • Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Genetic Inheritance
  • Human Sex and Reproduction
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Nervous System
  • Body Structure and Function
  • Human Urinary System

Entry requirements

  • You must be aged 19 or over at registration
  • You must have English Language GCSE grade C/4 or above or Level 2 Functional Skills English.
  • It is desirable that you also have GCSE/L2 Maths but if not, then a commitment to study it alongside your Access course is required as most universities require both English and Maths. We offer GCSE Maths as a face-to-face evening course or alternatively if you want to study online we recommend Academy Online as one of our partners.
  • Unfortunately, if you have neither Maths or English, we are unable to enrol you onto the Access course at this time. However, you could study GCSE English and Maths (potentially for free) at the College first, before going on to the Access course.