Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions)
Course level: 3
Course code: CP0034A
01/09/2025
a future adult learner (19+)
Is this course right for me?
If you want to pursue a higher education qualification in nursing, mental health nursing, midwifery, children’s nursing, physiotherapy, paramedical science, as an operating department practitioner or in another health-related subject but lack the necessary qualifications our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions) will give you the skills you need to go on to your dream career.
An Access to Higher Education qualification is widely recognised by universities and bridges the gap between existing education and what is needed to study at degree level.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions) is an intensive and challenging one-year course that will give you an overview of health services in the 21st century, help you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for university.
To succeed on this course you will need to be committed and focused and have a zest for learning, as well as good time management skills, particularly if you work and have family responsibilities.
Before you embark on the diploma it is important that you know what you want to study at university, have thoroughly researched your chosen course and attended university open days.
If you want to pursue a career in a health-related area our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions) course will set you on the road to a great career in the health service.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
To access this course you are required to:
- Have English at Level 2 (eg GCSE grade 4/C or above / equivalent Functional Skills qualification depending on individual university requirements)
- Have maths at Level 2 (eg GCSE grade 4/C or above / equivalent Functional Skills qualification depending on individual university requirements)*
- Show commitment to the course and be motivated and determined to be successful on this intensive programme of study.
*Applicants without this level of qualification will be required to complete a diagnostic assessment to determine their level of maths skills and knowledge and, if necessary, study for the Level 2 qualification alongside the Access course.
Please note:
- Students who are contemplating studying for a degree in one of the healthcare professions will need to ensure that they have sufficient paid on unpaid work experience to satisfy university entry requirements
- When applying to university a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check will be necessary
What will I learn?
The Health pathway will focus on:
Health studies
- Roles & responsibilities of healthcare professionals
- History of the NHS
- Health promotion
- Health inequalities
- Ethical issues in contemporary healthcare
Psychology
- Introduction to psychology
- Abnormal psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Social psychology
Human biology
- Cell biology
- Human nutrition
- Human reproduction & growth
- Respiration & circulation
Skills for learning
- Progression to higher education (HE)
- Preparing for a HE interview
- Applied research skills
- Seminar
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course you will:
- Develop your understanding of the underpinning skills, knowledge and academic conventions needed for Higher Education
- Learn how to research, design, plan and write educational assignments as well as developing your critical and evaluative thinking skills
- Develop an appreciation for the promotion of active reading to identify relevant information and take part in discussions and debates based on informed reading
- Develop your analytical skills to give you the confidence to participate in verbal and written educational debate
- Develop your practical skills and appreciate the need for attention to detail
How will I be assessed?
This is an assessment-based course and will include a combination of essays, reports, presentations, group discussions and timed examinations
What can I do next?
The skills you will learn on this course will enable you to:
- Move on to a higher education course in a health-related subject (you are advised to check that the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions) is accepted as entry to your chosen university course)
- Pursue a career in the health service such as in nursing, midwifery or the ambulance service
Future careers
Whether you know what you want, or you don’t, get career inspo with our Future Finder.
At City of Wolverhampton College, we boast strong links with leading universities and over 1,000 employers – meaning our courses are all career focussed and relevant.
Like what you’ve seen?
Then it’s time to apply.
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Visit us at one of our Open Events and see what City of Wolverhampton College has to offer.
