Access to Higher Education – Health & Social Care
| Study Level | Level 3 |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Start Date | September 2025 |
Access to Higher Education – Allied Health Professions
Qualification Gained: ASCENTIS Access to HE Diploma (Allied Health Professions)
Study LevelLevel 3 Course TypeAccess to Higher Education Duration1 Year Start DateSeptember 2025 (+ more) Study ModeFull-time LocationDavid Hockney BuildingOverview
Take the first step towards a career in healthcare with our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Allied Health Professions.
This one-year course is designed specifically for adults returning to education who are aiming to progress into university and a rewarding role in the healthcare sector. Whether you’re interested in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, paramedic science, or another allied health profession, this course provides the foundation you need to succeed.
You’ll explore subjects such as professional healthcare practice, where you’ll examine how people are cared for across society, including key issues like health inequalities and access to care. The course offers a broader focus than the Access to HE Diploma in Midwifery, giving you more flexibility in your career choices.
With a strong emphasis on study skills, critical thinking, and independent learning, this programme is designed to prepare you fully for the rigours of university-level study. You’ll develop the tools you need to thrive in a fast-paced academic environment – from effective research and academic writing to time management and interview preparation.
Induction for this course will begin at the start of September.
Key Info
You will develop skills in:
- Independent Research
- Referencing (Harvard)
- Critical Thinking and Evaluative Skills
- Word Processing (including the use of footnotes)
- Time Management
- ILT (Information and Learning Technology – including the use of Virtual Learning Environments and the library online
- Solving or Offering Solutions to problems
Throughout
the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Allied Health Professions, you’ll
develop the academic, professional, and personal skills essential for success
at university and in a healthcare career. You will also undertake the following modules to support your chosen area of study:
- Introduction to Cell Biology
- Homeostasis, Co-ordination and Control of the Excretory System
- Carrying out a Practical Investigation (Biology)
- Biomolecules and Key Biochemical Principles
- Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Gastro-intestinal Systems
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Skeleton and Muscles
- Introduction to Professional Healthcare Service and Practice
- Principles of Safeguarding in Health and Social Care
- Research Project (Professional Healthcare Practice)
- Social and Community Welfare Provision
- Preparing to Progress
- ICT – Presentation Software
- Developing Skills for Studying
- Effective Communication in Health and Social Care
All units within our Access courses are compulsory.
- Entry to this course requires GCSE English Language, Maths and Science at a grade 4 or C. Dependent upon your progression route, level 2 qualifications may be accepted.
- You are at least 19 years old on 1st September.
- You must make sure your Maths and English qualifications are accepted for the degree course you want to progress onto after completing the Access Diploma.
- Some universities may accept 12 credits of science from the Access
to HE course as an alternative to a GCSE in science. In these cases, we would
have a conversation with the student to check whether your chosen degree allows
this substitution. It is the students responsibility to check the GCSE
requirements of their chosen university.
You will have both formative and summative assessments for each unit. Formative assessments will be continuous and check your learning and understanding. These will include quizzes, online practice assessments and self-marked, reflective work. Summative assessments will be assessed through a range of assessment methods such as reports, essays and presentations.
This qualification is well established and widely accepted by universities. Successful completion of this diploma can lead to degree-level study in areas such as:
- Operating Department Practice
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Paramedic Science
- Radiography
- Other health and life science degrees
FE Tuition: £3,384.00 per academic year
Other Costs: If eligible, you could take out an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of your Access to HE Diploma. This loan will be written off if you go on to successfully complete a HE course, for example, a degree.
This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]
Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.
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