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Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions)

Start Date
Level
3
Course Course
P00265
Area
Health & Social Care
Campus
Hillsborough Campus

About this Course

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. An Access to HE Diploma in Health Science will prepare you to progress onto a wide variety of health-related degree programmes so that you can help meet the demand for highly trained healthcare specialists. In just one year, this programme will give you a broad understanding of the essential biology and chemistry knowledge you need to pursue further training in areas such as midwifery, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and more. It will also equip you with the academic skills required for university level study. Please note that there are daytime and evening course options, subject to availability.

Key Units

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

Entry Requirements

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

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
  • time–constrained assessments
Most assessments are undertaken individually, but some may involve pair or group work.

There is no terminal examination.

Where does this Lead

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

Future Opportunities

Key progression routes are into areas of health and well-being at university, and then into professional careers in the care/health sector, as well as broader scientific study such as biomedicine and education.


Many of our students go on to work for the NHS.

Tell Me More

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.

Extra Costs

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. 

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