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.

Modules

Unit 1: Perspectives on Psychological Disorders

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the challenges in defining normal human thoughts and behaviour
• Understand a range of explanations for a chosen psychological disorder
• Understand a range of psychological treatment methods for a chosen psychological disorder

Unit 2: Human Digestive System and Dietary Needs

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and functions of the human digestive system
• Understand how to achieve a balanced diet in humans
• Understand the importance of a balanced diet and dietary needs at different stages of the human lifespan

Unit 3: The Classification, Use and Misuse of Drugs and Medicines

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the reasons for using recreational drugs
• Understand how medicines and controlled drugs are legally classified
• Understand the individual and societal implications of drug use

Unit 4: Promoting Equality, Diversity and Rights of individuals in Healthcare Settings

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the methods of promotion of equality and diversity within healthcare and give an example of why this is important
• Understand the importance of respecting the rights of the individual in a healthcare setting
• Understand equality and diversity legislation related to the healthcare sector

Unit 5: The Creation and Development of the National Health Service

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the creation and evolving nature of National Health Service in the UK
• Understand how funding reforms have impacted on the National Health Service in recent years

Unit 6: Working as a Healthcare Professional

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the impact of change on the roles and responsibilities of a chosen health care professional
• Understand the role of professional/regulatory bodies in the health care sector
• Understand the multidisciplinary approach in the health care sector

Unit 7: Social Work Interventions and Assessments

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the impact of planned intervention
• Understand how social work assessments and tools work and relate to theory
• Understand the effectiveness of social work assessments
• Understand different social work interventions

Unit 8: The Impact of Dementia

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand dementia’s impact on the brain and the challenges of diagnosis
• Understand risks, signs, symptoms, and prevalence of different types of dementia
• Understand the medical model and the social model of dementia
• Understand the impact of dementia on people

Unit 9: The European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the general scope and application of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
• Understand the impact of ECHR
• Understand the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA)

Unit 10: Introduction to Psychological Research and Approaches

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand scientific research methods in the field of psychology
• Understand different psychological approaches to explaining behaviour
• Understand ethical issues connected with psychological research

Unit 11: Modern Social Policy in Context

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the current issues in social policy today
• Understand how legislation can affect social policy
• Be able to analyse social policy in the context of economics

Unit 13: The Evolution and Structure of the Social Work Sector

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the history and evolution of social work
• Understand social workers role in the current day
• Understand the different structures of social work and social services in a range of sectors
• Understand the intent and values of the modern social work sector

Unit 14: Morality and Ethical Challenges in Social Work Practice

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the ethical principles of social work practice
• Be able to find solutions to moral challenges arising in social work practice

Unit 15: Social Care Provisions

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the adult and child social work provisions in the UK
• Understand the contributions of the voluntary and private sector in the provision of care
• Understand the differing welfare needs of groups of people

Unit 16: The Approach of Social Science to Poverty and Health

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the work of social science in the area of poverty and health
• Understand the social scientist’s approach to explaining health chances

Unit 17: Exploring Cellular Structure and Activity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand cellular structure
• Understand the processes and products of cellular metabolism
• Understand cellular growth, division and the impact of cancer at a cellular level

Unit 18: Planning and Writing an Assignment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task
• Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style
• Understand different reading strategies
• Be able to take effective notes
• Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment

Unit 19: Learning and Study Skills

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know how to plan and organise study activity
• Understand the application of learning theories relating to personal learning
• Be able to create a range of strategies to address the factors which may impact upon study
• Understand the value of assessment feedback

Unit 20: Writing and Studying Academic Texts

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write academically and with relevance
• Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work
• Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism

Entry Requirements

To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode.

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.

Skills & Education Group Access

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care), (QAA ref = 4001468X), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. 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.

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions