Health Science

Course Information

Introduction

This part-time, two-year Health Science course is tailor-made for adults (19+) looking to progress to university and into rewarding health careers like nursing, midwifery, operating department practice (ODP), and radiography. Whether you’re looking to enter a degree program or a degree apprenticeship, this specialist Level 3 course will provide you with all the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed.

If you’re between 19 and 23, course fees are fully waived. For others, the Advanced Learner Loan can cover the fees, and once you finish your degree, you may not have to pay anything back at all.

You'll be studying alongside like-minded adult learners in a supportive environment, with expert tutors ready to help you every step of the way. Whether you're refreshing your academic skills or learning something new, this course is the stepping stone to achieving your dreams in the healthcare field.

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 2 year part-time course is designed for busy 19 plus adult learners. Delivery of the course is a mixture of class-based activities and online learning.

You will attend college 1 day per week between 9:30am and 3:15pm . In-class activities will involve lectures, group work, peer learning and project-based tasks. 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 as Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care CACHE Certificate Level 2.

Course units/modules

In year 1, you will study the following units:

Ungraded units:

• Academic Skills: 3 credits
• Personal Development and Learning Skills: 3 credits
• Time management and organisation: 3 credits
• Numeracy in a Health Context: 3 credits

Graded units:

• Research Methods: 3 credits
• Psychological perspectives: 6 credits
• Planning a psychology or health care project: 3 credits
• Conducting a psychology or health care project: 6 credits
• Reproductive System: 3 credits

Year 2:

In year 2, you will study the following units:

Ungraded unit:

• Researching opportunities in HE: 3 credits

Graded units:

• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems: 6 credits
• Digestive system: 3 credits
• Infection and Immunity: 6 credits
• Immunopathology: 3 credits
• Nervous and Musculoskeletal Systems: 6 credits

Benefits and skills

The study skills units will help you to develop your academic writing, numeracy 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, operating department practice (ODP) or radiography.

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

Entry requirements

GCSEs in English and maths and English 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

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

• Adult nursing
• Child nursing
• Mental health nursing
• Midwifery
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Radiography
• Paramedic practice
• Audiology
• Operating Departmental Practice
• Students have also progressed onto nursing apprenticeships.

Assessment types

You will be assessed via range coursework including essays, exams, reports, academic posters, presentations and booklets.