Access to HE Diploma (Health Science)

Course Information

Introduction

Access to HE courses aim to prepare 19+ learners for degree level study. These courses are ideal for adult learners who want to develop the skills and knowledge needed for university.

This specialist level 3 Health Science course is a one year course designed for adult learners who want to progress to university to study health related courses such as nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, operating department practice (ODP) and radiography.

This course is also suitable for students who want to pursue a degree apprenticeship in the health sciences such as nursing and operating department practice. This course is validated by Gateway.

If you are 19-23, and don’t already have a full level 3 qualification, course fees will be waived. This means you don’t have to pay anything for the course.

If you are 19-23 and already have a full level 3 qualification or 24+, you can take out an Advanced Learner Loan. Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you have completed your degree. This means you might not have to repay the loan.

You will be studying alongside other adults aged 19 and over, and will be fully supported by experienced tutors.

Overview

This is a 60 credit diploma course. 15 credits from ungraded units and 45 credits are from graded units. Graded units are assessed at pass, merit and distinction (See unit/modules for breakdown of units).

This course aims to develop the skills and knowledge required for undergraduate courses in the health science professions. Students will develop their academic writing skills and build a strong foundational knowledge in anatomy & physiology and psychology. The Psychology/Health care project will develop the independent research skills needed for degree level study.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for busy adult learners aged 19+ with other commitments. Delivery of the course is a mixture of class-based activities and independent study. You will attend college two days per week. In-class activities will involve lectures, practical work, group work, peer learning and project-based tasks and tutorials. You will also have access to online course materials via Google Classroom, which can be accessed via your laptop, tablet and mobile phone.

If you do not meet the entry requirements, you may want to consider Level 2 qualifications such Essential Skills for Further Study in Science and Engineering or Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care CACHE Certificate Level 2. Or alternatively working towards achieving both English and maths at grade 4+.

Course units/modules

You will study ungraded units:

• Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Study in Higher Education: 3 credits
• Information Technology Skills for Access to HE: 3 credits
• Introduction to Biology: 3 credits
• Practical Science Skills: 3 credits
• Academic Skills for Access to HE: 3 credits

In addition, you will study these specialist topics (Graded at pass, merit and distinction):

• Cardiovascular System: 3 credits
• Respiratory System: 3 credits
• Digestive system: 3 credits
• Infection: 3 credits
• Immunity: 3 credits
• Immunopathology: 3 credits
• Nervous System: 3 credits
• Musculoskeletal System: 3 credits
• Reproductive System: 3 credits
• Psychological perspectives: 6 credits
• Psychology Research Methods: 3 credits
• Conducting a psychology or health care project: 6 credits
• Planning a psychology or health care project: 3 credits

Benefits and skills

The study skills units will help you to develop your academic writing, digital and research skills. Specialist modules biology and psychology will give you the underpinning knowledge needed for university and a career in the health science professions such as nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, operating department practice (ODP) or radiography.

This course will also help you develop transferable skills valued by employers, including IT, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and time management.

Entry requirements

GCSEs in English and maths at grade 4 or above. Equivalent qualifications may be considered. Additional requirements include a successful interview and demonstration of appropriate sector care values.

Available apprenticeships and progression options

Progression may include a relevant health science degree or a degree apprenticeship in the healthcare sector.

Students who have successfullycompleted the Health Science diploma have progressed to university to study:

• Adult nursing
• Child nursing
• Mental health nursing
• Midwifery
• Physiotherapy
• Dental Hygiene and Therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Radiography
• Paramedic practice
• Audiology
• Operating Departmental Practice

Assessment types

You will be assessed via a range of methods including essays, controlled in class tests, exams, reports, academic posters, presentations and work booklets.