Access to Higher Education
Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions)
The healthcare sector in the UK employs around two million people and with the national population forecast to rise by 5,000,000 in the next twenty years, the need for professionals in the sector will only increase.
Many of our students go on to work for the NHS which has one of the most competitive and supportive benefits packages offered anywhere in the UK, including: length of working week, holidays, career progression and one of the most generous pension schemes on offer.
This qualification is run over three days per week and prepares students for university degrees in the health science professions. Around one quarter of the qualification is devoted to essential study skills which will help you to prepare for university study, particularly if you have been out of education for a while. The remainder of the qualification is devoted to the study of fundamental scientific principles, with a strong focus on human biology, making it perfect for students wishing to enter careers in nursing, midwifery, paramedicine or other health care occupations.
You will receive approximately 15 hours contact per week with our small, supportive team of lecturers, including time with your Tutorial Mentor, who will support you with you university application, along with any personal issues you may have. In addition to this, we expect students to carry out an equivalent amount of personal study, for example reading around the subject, writing up notes and completing assignments.
There will also be opportunities for collaborative working with your fellow students and you will be signposted to live and virtual events in the city which will enrich your learning experience.
The Diploma is composed of 4 study strands:
Study skills – including academic writing and presentation skills
Numeracy – including statistics
Chemistry – including some fundamental concepts plus the chemistry of drugs and medicines
Biology – Genetics and infection and immunity, cellular biology and biochemistry and human systems physiology
About the course
Study skills – including academic writing and presentation skills
Numeracy – including statistics
Chemistry – including some fundamental concepts plus the chemistry of drugs and medicines
Biology – Genetics and infection and immunity, cellular biology
This course is suitable for applicants aged 19+ and for those looking to proceed to university level study.
Students should already hold (or be in the process of obtaining):Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English Language Grade 4/C or above in GCSE Maths. It is also desirable for you to have some previous science education and work experience relevant to the career you wish to pursue.
If you have qualifications from outside of the UK you must establish the equivalency of these using, for instance, NARIC, and provide proof at enrolment.
For students who do not currently meet the requirements, the college offers a pre-access qualification which is a one year study programme designed to help students develop their skills and knowledge in preparation for study on an Access to HE Diploma.
Assessment will take place continuously throughout the year, on a module-by-module basis. There are approximately 35 assessments in total, these will take a variety of forms, including (but not limited to): essays, reports, presentations, posters
Many of our students go straight to university once they complete this Diploma, often studying the allied health professions at either Sheffield Hallam University or the University of Sheffield.
Former Access to Health Science students who progress to university often choose to study subjects such as
Physiotherapy
Nursing
Midwifery
Paramedic Science
Nutrition
Operating Department Practise
Radiography
The full cost for this course is approximately £3384. If you are aged 19-23 and do not already have a full level 3 qualification, the qualification will be fully funded. If this does not apply, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. Please note: all quoted fees are subject to change.
Most students fund this course by applying for a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan from the government, although it is also possible to self-fund either as a lump sum or in instalments.There are no additional fees associated with this Diploma, as all practical equipment required is provided.Students will need to supply their own stationery, and some choose to buy their own textbooks, although physical and electronic copies of key texts are available from the college's Learning Resource Centre.
Student case study
“I decided to get back into education to do something for me and I'm so glad that I did. My tutors have been incredible, they really want you to achieve your goals and are keen for you to succeed.”
Sara - Access to HE in Diploma in Health Science
81,168
Employed in 2026 across Sheffield
79,310
Graduate jobs predicted in Sheffield, during 2027
£33,599
Average salary
Course videos
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Key Information
Course Code
P00265
Subject Area
Health and Social Care
Campus
Hillsborough Campus