Access to Higher Education Diploma
(Social Science and Health)
Awarded by Open College Network West Midlands
24,000 Access to HE students are accepted at over 140 universities every year*
90% of graduates with Diploma were employed or in further study six months after graduating (2017/18)
Are you looking to return to study or change career but finding you don’t yet meet the entry requirements for higher education courses? Our Access to Higher Education Diploma is a highly-recognised Level 3 qualification (equivalent to A-Levels) that can help you take the next step into a career in Nursing or a wide range of careers within the health sector.
This Access to HE Diploma combines building your learning skills – e.g. academic writing skills and study techniques – with a foundation of subjects related to social science and health, including psychology, social influence, anatomy, disease, nutrition and cell biology. Completing the diploma will open the door for you to enter higher education study in related fields, such as nursing and midwifery, paramedic practice, public health, childhood studies. education, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work or psychology. (Please note many of these career pathways do also require GCSE English, maths and – in some cases – science at grade 4/C or above.)
Our course is specifically designed for:
- Students with a current or previous role in care (e.g. health assistant, care assistant, care worker)
- Students who have not benefited from previous educational experience due to their individual circumstances
- Learners seeking a change of direction or a career boost, and who can demonstrate their interest in entering a profession related to health and social care
- Anyone who wants to return to study having been out of education for a long time
Why choose this college course?
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – This Access to Higher Education Diploma will give you a nationally-recognised qualification to help meet the entry requirements for university
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Gain the necessary study skills and key knowledge for your chosen subject or career, as well as the independent learning skills needed for university study
- GREAT LEARNING SUPPORT – Enjoy a positive and supportive learning experience that will develop your skills and confidence to progress onto higher education
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Continue your learning journey to the next level at University College Birmingham, such as on our business or finance and accounting degrees.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study
- R&R of a HCP
- Introduction to Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Psychobiology of Stress
- Anatomy
- Disease and Prevention
- Nutrition
- Cell Metabolism
- Respiratory and Cardio
- Muscular Skeletal
- Nervous System
- Research Topic
- Study Techniques
- Academic Writing Skills
- Seminar
- Progression to HE
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma course has been designed for students who have not had the opportunity to access higher education. Applicants must have at least three years’ life experience outside of formal education gained since completing formal education. Experience does not need to be in a subject-related field.
Academic requirements
- GCSE English Language or Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or equivalent
- A minimum of grade 3 or equivalent must be achieved in the subject where a grade 4 or equivalent has not been achieved
- If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919 or email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk
Supporting documents required
Applicants will also be required to submit a reference from a previous or current employment role. Please where possible submit this with your application by emailing your reference to feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk
Additional Information
There may be the opportunity to study GCSE maths or Functional Skills English alongside the course as part of your studies.
For applicants who need to retake their maths and English alongside studying the Access to HE Diploma, please note that we cannot guarantee these lectures will fall between 10am and 3pm.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 128-112 UCAS points from this qualification will be automatically guaranteed an interview for Nursing (Adult) BSc (Hons) or Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) at University College Birmingham.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Learning will be assessed in a variety of methods to prepare you for study at university – these may include essays, report writing, online assessment and presentations.
In order to successfully complete the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health), you must achieve a total of 60 credits (including social science academic subjects, health academic subjects and Skills for Learning).
You must achieve 60 credits at Level 3. 45 are Graded Credits in Academic Modules at Pass, Merit or Distinction, and 15 are Ungraded Credits in Skills for Learning.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Timetable
Please note: small changes to the timetable may occur and the provided document may be updated
Need some advice?
Our Schools Liaison team deliver drop-in sessions for you to ask any questions you have about college. Find out more here.
Access to Higher Education.
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
My teachers have the time and patience to explain any questions raised. What I have learned has helped me organise my assignments, learn how to research essential information on the internet and in text books, and given me a fair idea about what I will be studying at the University.
Progression and career opportunities
This course is designed to enable your progression onto higher education. Depending on entry requirements, you could continue onto a degree at University College Birmingham, such as Nursing, Physiotherapy, Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) and Health and Social Care.
With further study, possible future career options open to you include:
Paramedic
Average Salary: £25,794
Adult nurse
Average Salary: £33,834
Social worker
Average Salary: £29,624
Learning disability nurse
Average Salary: £24,905
Midwife
Average Salary: £28,803
Mental health nurse
Average Salary: £33,951
Note: The example roles and salaries are intended as a guide only.
Emma’s Story
Emma knew she wanted to study for a degree in this field, she just needed a vehicle to get her there.
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