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Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions) Online – Health Choice, Science Choice, and Social Science Choice

Course Code

Access to HE (Health Science Professions)

Course Type

Adult Course

Course Duration

1 year (Sept - May)

Location

Online

Start Date

7 September, 2026

Cost

£3384 (Advanced Learner Loan Available)

This Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions) is designed for adults (19+) who want a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification to progress to university. It is ideal for students aiming for careers in health professions, health sciences, other sciences, psychology, social work or a range of social science or education related degrees. Whether you’re returning to education, changing direction, or building on previous study or work experience, this course provides a flexible and supportive route into higher education.

1. Are you an adult (19+)?
You must be 19 years old or over to meet the college’s entry requirements for the Online Access to HE Diploma.

2. Do you want a career in health, science or social science?
This course is tailored for adults pursuing careers in:
– Nursing
– Midwifery
– Allied Health Professions
– Sciences
– Social Sciences
– Social Work

3. Do you need a Level 3 Qualification to get into university?
If you don’t already have A Levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, the Access to HE Diploma provides a recognised route into university-level study.

GCSE English and Maths at Grades A–C (4–9)
Or Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths
Important: Some universities only accept actual GCSEs, not Functional Skills.
Additional GCSEs
Some courses may also require:
– GCSE Science
– Other GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, depending on the course and institution.

English Qualification Preference:

UK universities and Access courses prefer that your English qualification is obtained in the UK.
If your English qualification (or any other required GCSE equivalent i.e. Maths or Science) is from outside the UK, it must be:
– Officially evaluated and converted to a UK equivalent.
– This is done through UK ENIC (formerly NARIC).

What You Should Do:

Visit UK ENIC.
Use their services to:
– Check the equivalency of your international qualifications.
– Obtain an official statement of comparability, which many institutions require.
Be aware that this process may take some time and may include a fee.

This step is crucial if you’re planning to apply for university or an Access to HE course at Sandwell College with overseas qualifications.

Technical and Study Requirements:

Since the Access to HE course is fully online, you must:
– Have strong ICT skills (e.g. using email, Word, PowerPoint, uploading files, navigating online platforms)
– Own a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection

Cost

Some learners are fully funded for the course depending on individual circumstances and eligibility criteria, or there is the option for an advanced learner loan which will be discussed with you at enrolment by the funding team.
The advanced learner loan, if required, will cover the cost of your Access Course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks. Student Finance England who are responsible for the loans will ‘write-off’ any outstanding advanced learner loan balances as soon as you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to pay back your advanced learner loan if you complete your degree programme. Self-funded students will pay £3384.00.

Summary of the course:
• Core units build essential understanding in human biology, academic writing, numeracy and professional practice.
• A wide range of optional units enables you to explore areas aligned to your degree ambitions, including health, biological, chemical and physical sciences, environmental themes, psychology or sociology.
• Your choice units have been selected to support your individual progression route to university.
• A single, nationally recognised Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions) is awarded upon completion.
• Delivered through an accessible online learning platform, supported by specialist tutors and flexible study materials, allowing you to achieve the nationally recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma from home, on the move or in the workplace.
• Moodle is more than just a delivery tool. Course materials, assessments and interactive content are mapped to your specific regulated diploma through a cloud-based Virtual Learning Environment.
• You will have the opportunity for support sessions with your specialist tutor who can provide guidance and support with your assignments and you can access remote support during the working week.

Core and Mandatory Units:
• Researching and Understanding Opportunities in Higher Education
• Academic Writing Skills
• The Safe and Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Numeracy in a Health Context
• Professional Behaviours
• The Structure and Function of Cells
• Systems Physiology
• Endocrine System

Health Choice Units:
• Cardiovascular Emergencies
• Respiratory Emergencies
• Infection and Immunity
• Human Sex and Reproduction
• Behaviour and the Brain
• Biopsychology Behaviour and Drugs
• Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Strategies

Science Choice Units:
• Redox and Periodicity
• Atoms, Bonds and Structures
• Chemistry of Drugs and Medicines
• Chemistry of Pollution
• The Laws of Physics
• Radioactivity in Medicine
• Medical Physics: Waves, ECGs and Radiography

Social Science Choice Units:
• Biopsychology: Behaviour and the Brain
• Biopsychology Behaviour and Drugs
• Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Strategies
• Family
• Developmental Psychology
• Understanding the Welfare State
• Poverty in Contemporary Britain

Please get in touch for more information.

To successfully complete the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma, you need to earn 60 credits, which are broken down as follows:

1. Ungraded Credits (15 credits)
• These are typically in study skills (e.g. academic writing, numeracy).
• They don’t carry a grade but are essential for helping you prepare for university-level work.
• Completed at the start of your course

2. Graded Credits (45 credits)
• These come from academic subject units.
• Each credit is awarded a grade: Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
• These grades contribute to your overall diploma and are important for university applications.

Assessment Methods
To assess your learning and help prepare you for university, you will be asked to complete the following to build the skills needed for higher education:
• Essays
• Reports
• Journal articles
• Academic posters
• Short answer question papers
• Time-controlled assessments
• Workbooks
• Presentations

Once you’ve successfully earned your 60 credits, you’ll be eligible to apply for the following, as long as you meet the specific entry requirements of your chosen course or institution:
• Undergraduate Degrees
• Degree Apprenticeships

Applying to University
• You’ll apply through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
• The UCAS website provides guidance on:
– How to apply
– Course search
– Application deadlines
– Personal statements
– Tracking offers

Important:
• Each university and course might have different grade requirements (e.g. number of Distinctions, Merits, Pass).
• Some university degree courses may require additional qualifications (like GCSE Maths, English or Science at grade C/4 or above).
• It is your responsibility to check the entry requirements for your specific degree progression route.

Common Progression Routes
• Nursing:
– Adult Nursing
– Children’s Nursing
– Learning Disabilities Nursing
– Mental Health Nursing
• Midwifery
• Allied Health Professions:
– Physiotherapy
– Occupational Therapy
– Speech and Language Therapy
– Paramedic Science
– Dietetics
– Audiology
– Optometry
– Radiography
– Dental Hygiene and Therapy
– Operating Department Practice
– Public Health
• Health Sciences:
– Biomedical Science
– Medical Sciences
– Neuroscience
– Pharmaceutical Science
• Other Sciences:
– Biological Sciences
– Environmental Science
– Physics
– Chemistry
• Social Sciences:
– Psychology
– Sociology
– Social Work
– Social Sciences
– Criminology
– Policing
• Education:
– Primary Education
– Education Studies

Course Details

Qualification

Level 3

Exam Board

Skills and Education Group Access

Study Mode

Full Time

Department

Access To Higher Education

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