Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care)
Your Course at a Glance
- Go to university without A Levels
- Learn skills to care for others in the community
- Understand the challenges facing at-risk individuals
- Earn a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
- 100% online learning
- Obtain your diploma in 9-12 months
About Your Diploma
Health and social care play a significant role in making up the fabric of our society. Essentially, professionals in this sector are in place to provide support and assistance to the people who require it most. If you believe that you could make a difference by working in health and social care, then kick-start your career by studying for the qualifications you need.
Health and social care workers support individuals who are at risk, unwell or have specific medical needs. They support families, young people, the elderly and the seriously ill in several ways, including maintaining good physical, mental health, and independent living.
To study a related degree at university, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) course will help you get there. This is because the Level 3 diploma is the equivalent of 3 A Levels, and most universities accept them as part of their entry requirements. However, we advise that you check with your chosen establishment before applying.
With the knowledge you gain through this course, you could pursue many important roles that relate to health and social care. Support work, community development, health promotion and nursing are just a few of the options that would be available to you.
This becomes possible by learning about human health in topics that explore cell biology, nutrition, and illness. You will also delve into how human health can be adversely affected by poverty, drugs, mental health disorders and other issues.
Getting Started
learndirect is the UK’s largest online learning provider, helping more than 4 million learners gain the qualifications they need. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
This course is studied online and can be completed from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you. There is no need to re-organise work or family commitments to fit in your studies.
You’ll be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that will detail your submission deadlines to help keep you on track. On average, learners take 9 months to complete their Access to Higher Education Diploma, often resulting in students completing their studies and being on the way to university within a year.
Keep in mind, though, that you have two years to finish the course. What’s more, you’ll receive support and feedback from our team of dedicated tutors, so you stay focused on your progress.
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Modules
Unit 1: Preparing to Study
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how study is organised and planned
- Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
- Understand a range of constraints upon study
- Understand the importance of assessment feedback
Unit 2: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information, or central ideas
Unit 3: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan, draft, and produce a written assignment
Unit 4: Cell Biology
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the structure and organisation of cells
- Understand cellular metabolism
- Understand how cells grow and divide
Unit 5: The History of the National Health Service
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the background to and the founding principles of the National Health Service
- Understand how political reforms have shaped the National Health Service
Unit 6: Introduction to Social Work
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the historical development of social work
- Understand the role of the social worker
- Understand how social work services are organised in the statutory, voluntary and independent sector
- Understand the main purposes and values of social work
Unit 7: The Roles and Responsibilities of Healthcare Professionals
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the changes to the roles and responsibilities of a healthcare professional
- Understand the role of professional/regulatory bodies for a healthcare professional, for example, HCPC and the Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Understand the current multidisciplinary approach to healthcare
Unit 8: Social Work Methods
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the concept of planned intervention
- Understand the purpose and principles of social work assessments
- Understand the range of methods used in social work assessments
- Understand social work intervention methods
Unit 9: Introduction to Psychology
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the importance of research in psychology
- Understand the main approaches in psychology
- Understand ethical issues in psychological research
Unit 10: Human Nutrition & the Digestive System
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the structure and functions of the organs of the digestive system
- Understand nutrients and their sources
- Understand the components of a healthy diet and the consequences of an unhealthy diet
Unit 11: Understanding Dementia
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand dementia
- Understand types of dementia
- Understand the medical and social models of dementia
- Understand an individual’s experience of dementia
Unit 12: Poverty & Health
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand approaches to poverty and health
- Understand approaches to the social distribution of health choices
Unit 13: Contemporary Issues in Social Policy
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand current issues in social policy
- Understand current legislation in relation to current issues in social policy
- Understand the economic context of a contemporary issue
Unit 14: Classification and Use of Social Drugs and Medicines
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand why different types of social drugs are used
- Understand the classification of medicines and controlled drugs
- Understand the impact of the use of social drugs and medicines on the individual and society
Unit 15: Personal Social Services
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the varying nature of social work provision for children and adults
- Understand the roles of the voluntary and private sector in the provision of welfare
- Understand the welfare needs of various groups
Unit 16: Mental Health and Illness
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the difficulties in defining normality and abnormality
- Understand a psychological disorder
- Understand treatments used to treat people with psychological disorders
Unit 18: Morals and Ethics in Social Work
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand ethics and ethical issues in social work practice
- Understand moral dilemmas and social work practice
Unit 19: Equality and Diversity Within Healthcare
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand equality and diversity within healthcare
- Understand the rights of the individual in a healthcare setting
- Understand the impact of equality and diversity legislation for healthcare
Unit 20: Human Rights, the Individual & the Law
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the general scope and application of the European Convention on Human Rights
- Understand the impact and interrelationship of specific Convention Rights
- Understand the status and effect of the Human Rights Act 1998
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic report, essay, case study analysis, academic poster, illustrated report, journal article, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course.
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.
A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.
As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
Open College Network West Midlands
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: 40012384).
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.
Developing your career
By studying this Access to Higher Education Diploma, you will be able to progress on to degree-level study. If you opt to enrol on a degree course that is in health and social care or related, you could go on to work in a role that is rewarding and fulfilling.
There are a range of degrees that you can study to help you towards your career goal. With the knowledge you gain from your Access to Higher Education Diploma, you will be able to use it as a foundation for further learning. With your Level 3 qualification, you could potentially apply to enrol on the following degree subjects:
- Health Studies
- Health and Social Care
- Social Work
With a degree, you could pursue a range of job roles within the health and social care sector, including the following:
- Social Worker
- Community Development Worker
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Health Service Manager
- Medical Sales Representative
Further Qualifications and Prospects
It is important to note that some roles will require further study and training. For example, if you want to become an Occupational Therapist, you will need a specialist degree or postgraduate qualification. You will also need to be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).Some individuals who study health and social care-related degrees go on to become a Counsellor. If you are interested in this route, then you will need to undergo specialist training, preferably through a course that is accredited by a counselling professional body.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care)
Your Course at a Glance
- Go to university without A Levels
- Learn skills to care for others in the community
- Understand the challenges facing at-risk individuals
- Earn a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
- 100% online learning
- Obtain your diploma in 9-12 months
About Your Diploma
Health and social care play a significant role in making up the fabric of our society. Essentially, professionals in this sector are in place to provide support and assistance to the people who require it most. If you believe that you could make a difference by working in health and social care, then kick-start your career by studying for the qualifications you need.
Health and social care workers support individuals who are at risk, unwell or have specific medical needs. They support families, young people, the elderly and the seriously ill in several ways, including maintaining good physical, mental health, and independent living.
To study a related degree at university, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) course will help you get there. This is because the Level 3 diploma is the equivalent of 3 A Levels, and most universities accept them as part of their entry requirements. However, we advise that you check with your chosen establishment before applying.
With the knowledge you gain through this course, you could pursue many important roles that relate to health and social care. Support work, community development, health promotion and nursing are just a few of the options that would be available to you.
This becomes possible by learning about human health in topics that explore cell biology, nutrition, and illness. You will also delve into how human health can be adversely affected by poverty, drugs, mental health disorders and other issues.
Getting Started
learndirect is the UK’s largest online learning provider, helping more than 4 million learners gain the qualifications they need. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
This course is studied online and can be completed from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you. There is no need to re-organise work or family commitments to fit in your studies.
You’ll be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that will detail your submission deadlines to help keep you on track. On average, learners take 9 months to complete their Access to Higher Education Diploma, often resulting in students completing their studies and being on the way to university within a year.
Keep in mind, though, that you have two years to finish the course. What’s more, you’ll receive support and feedback from our team of dedicated tutors, so you stay focused on your progress.
Modules
Unit 1: Preparing to Study
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how study is organised and planned
- Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
- Understand a range of constraints upon study
- Understand the importance of assessment feedback
Unit 2: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information, or central ideas
Unit 3: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan, draft, and produce a written assignment
Unit 4: Cell Biology
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the structure and organisation of cells
- Understand cellular metabolism
- Understand how cells grow and divide
Unit 5: The History of the National Health Service
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the background to and the founding principles of the National Health Service
- Understand how political reforms have shaped the National Health Service
Unit 6: Introduction to Social Work
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the historical development of social work
- Understand the role of the social worker
- Understand how social work services are organised in the statutory, voluntary and independent sector
- Understand the main purposes and values of social work
Unit 7: The Roles and Responsibilities of Healthcare Professionals
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the changes to the roles and responsibilities of a healthcare professional
- Understand the role of professional/regulatory bodies for a healthcare professional, for example, HCPC and the Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Understand the current multidisciplinary approach to healthcare
Unit 8: Social Work Methods
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the concept of planned intervention
- Understand the purpose and principles of social work assessments
- Understand the range of methods used in social work assessments
- Understand social work intervention methods
Unit 9: Introduction to Psychology
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the importance of research in psychology
- Understand the main approaches in psychology
- Understand ethical issues in psychological research
Unit 10: Human Nutrition & the Digestive System
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the structure and functions of the organs of the digestive system
- Understand nutrients and their sources
- Understand the components of a healthy diet and the consequences of an unhealthy diet
Unit 11: Understanding Dementia
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand dementia
- Understand types of dementia
- Understand the medical and social models of dementia
- Understand an individual’s experience of dementia
Unit 12: Poverty & Health
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand approaches to poverty and health
- Understand approaches to the social distribution of health choices
Unit 13: Contemporary Issues in Social Policy
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand current issues in social policy
- Understand current legislation in relation to current issues in social policy
- Understand the economic context of a contemporary issue
Unit 14: Classification and Use of Social Drugs and Medicines
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand why different types of social drugs are used
- Understand the classification of medicines and controlled drugs
- Understand the impact of the use of social drugs and medicines on the individual and society
Unit 15: Personal Social Services
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the varying nature of social work provision for children and adults
- Understand the roles of the voluntary and private sector in the provision of welfare
- Understand the welfare needs of various groups
Unit 16: Mental Health and Illness
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the difficulties in defining normality and abnormality
- Understand a psychological disorder
- Understand treatments used to treat people with psychological disorders
Unit 18: Morals and Ethics in Social Work
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand ethics and ethical issues in social work practice
- Understand moral dilemmas and social work practice
Unit 19: Equality and Diversity Within Healthcare
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand equality and diversity within healthcare
- Understand the rights of the individual in a healthcare setting
- Understand the impact of equality and diversity legislation for healthcare
Unit 20: Human Rights, the Individual & the Law
On completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the general scope and application of the European Convention on Human Rights
- Understand the impact and interrelationship of specific Convention Rights
- Understand the status and effect of the Human Rights Act 1998
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic report, essay, case study analysis, academic poster, illustrated report, journal article, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course.
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.
Assessment
A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.
As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
Qualifications
Open College Network West Midlands
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: 40012384).
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.
Developing your career
By studying this Access to Higher Education Diploma, you will be able to progress on to degree-level study. If you opt to enrol on a degree course that is in health and social care or related, you could go on to work in a role that is rewarding and fulfilling.
There are a range of degrees that you can study to help you towards your career goal. With the knowledge you gain from your Access to Higher Education Diploma, you will be able to use it as a foundation for further learning. With your Level 3 qualification, you could potentially apply to enrol on the following degree subjects:
- Health Studies
- Health and Social Care
- Social Work
With a degree, you could pursue a range of job roles within the health and social care sector, including the following:
- Social Worker
- Community Development Worker
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Health Service Manager
- Medical Sales Representative
Further Qualifications and Prospects
It is important to note that some roles will require further study and training. For example, if you want to become an Occupational Therapist, you will need a specialist degree or postgraduate qualification. You will also need to be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).Some individuals who study health and social care-related degrees go on to become a Counsellor. If you are interested in this route, then you will need to undergo specialist training, preferably through a course that is accredited by a counselling professional body.
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learning
learning hours
