Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Access to HE (Nursing & Healthcare Professions)

Access to HE Diploma

two elderly people in chairs

Availability & Details

Access to HE Diploma (Healthcare Professions) AP-ACNHL3-D(0000)000

Venue
Alton Campus

Type of study
Adult Learning, Part Time

Dates
Academic Year 2023-24 (35 weeks)

Examination board
Laser

Overview

The Access qualification is a popular, nationally recognised qualification designed to provide adult students with the skills needed to apply for courses at universities.

This course is for you if you want to enter a wide range of health and care professions or subject-specific degrees such as: Adult/Mental Health/Child Nursing, Midwifery, Allied Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy, ODP and many more, including specific subject degrees such as Psychology or Human Biology. Core subjects will include Health Psychology, Human Biology and Health Studies. (Note: All pathways also include modules in Study Skills, preparation for university and an independent project unit).

If successful, you will receive an Access to Higher Education Diploma which is currently validated by a regional Access Validation Agency (LASER). This is a national validation indicating a common level of academic achievement, recognised by universities. In addition, grades achieved through completion of Level 3 units will be shown separately on the certificate to indicate individual subject achievement/ability.

HSDC Alton has an excellent reputation for the support of Access students going back to the 1990s and for the successful progression of students to Nursing and Healthcare Professions.

You are required to possess a minimum of grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics and English. You are also required to carry out your own research into the specific entry requirements for your chosen university courses prior to application.

HSDC Alton also offers Mathematics and English GCSE courses. Other GCSEs, such as Biology, are available at our other campuses. For nursing/midwifery/social care and other vocational courses, relevant work experience is also required prior to the university application. HSDC Alton has its own work experience department that can offer advice with work placements. You will also need a clear DBS in order to pursue careers in health care. You will be asked to declare any criminal record on your application.

All QAA Access Diploma qualifications require you to achieve a total of 60 credits, including 45 graded credits at Level 3. All credits on the Access to HE (Nursing and Healthcare Professions) course will be at Level 3 and will comprise of the following:

  • Academic Study Skills
  • Biology
  • Health Psychology
  • Health Studies
  • Independent Academic Study in Professional Studies

Access courses are taught by specialist subject lecturers. You will also be given help and advice on applying for Higher Education in specific sessions from tutors and also by the HSDC Careers Team.

Classes incorporate a variety of teaching and learning methods e.g. discussion, lectures, group work, practical sessions and e-learning sessions.

You will be assessed through completion of activities, essays, course work, independent study and research, practical work and class-based tests. In order to achieve an overall Pass, you must achieve 60 credits, of which at least 45 must be at Level 3 and up to 15 at Level 2. All Level 3 credits will be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

On completion of this course, you could go on to Higher Education (university), application to a variety of undergraduate courses in vocational areas or single subjects. You will also be given considerable help and advice on applying for Higher Education.

Local Nursing Schools work closely with Laser in the design of their courses.


My experience at the college was enjoyable and productive, with thoroughly helpful people surrounding you, an excellent experience. I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it was, with the work shop time and experience I had, it was a great two years preparing me for the next stage.

Edward Smith, BTEC student

The teaching has been really good, I’ve loved all of my teachers, they’ve all been really nice and supportive.

Jodie Hook

The tutors were really supportive and it was all thanks to them that I have achieved what I have. I’ve also made loads of great friends and really enjoyed my time at the college.

Lizaveta Sinkerich, A Level student