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Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for two years so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

Tutor Support Included

Learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own! You’ll be able to message your tutor through our industry-leading learning platform.

Flexible Payment Options

Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for one year so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway

Get in touch with us and we’ll call you back
Get in touch with us and we’ll call you back
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 31st May
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 31st May
RECOMMENDED OPTION
Add GCSE English Language and Maths - save 5% buying as a bundle

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway

Your Course at a Glance 

  • 100% online learning
  • Career prospects in Health and Medical Sciences
  • Progress to degree-level study
  • Can be completed in 9-12 months
  • Schedule your own study time
  • Gain a QAA recognised qualification

About Your Diploma

The medical and healthcare sphere is vast and wide, opening up a realm of career opportunities. If you have a certain career path in mind, undertaking the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway will give you valuable foundation knowledge. With this accredited qualification, you can move on to degree-level study.

You will cover a multitude of units over the course of your online study, including:

  • Cell biology
  • Atomic structure
  • Trigonometry
  • Human immunity

By covering a wealth of topics, you will enhance your overall knowledge in a sector that is constantly thriving and developing.

Access Healthcare Careers Without A Levels

This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway is the first step towards a career in health and medical science professions, as it prepares you to go to university without having to go back to college.

A qualification of this calibre is widely regarded as an alternative to A Levels. Therefore, they are the perfect option if you have been out of education for a long time, or if you do not meet the A Level entry requirements for higher education.

Refresh Your Study Skills

To ensure that you are ready for the challenges of university level education, this course provides the perfect level of academic study. With modules that help to improve your writing and research skills, as well as specific units on Biology, Chemistry and Physics, this diploma will get you ready for your chosen undergraduate degree.

Getting Started

As soon as you enrol on the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway course with learndirect, you can begin your journey! You will get access to all of the course materials you need to study online, and you will also be able to contact our experienced tutors and dedicated Access Support Team.

Keep Track of Your Assignments

An Individual Learning Plan will be issued, containing submission deadlines for your assignments to help keep you on track. An Access to Higher Education Diploma can be completed over two years, but most students complete their course within 9 months. With the course being 100% online, you can learn from the comfort of your own home.

Study on Your Terms

Whether you work full-time or have family commitments, you can study around your schedule. Most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas as part of their entry requirements, so you could potentially secure a position at the university of your choice.

+ Free Upgrade Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS On-Demand & Live Classes
Access your course materials immediately
Tutor support via our market-leading platform
Study around existing commitments
Progress as quickly as you’d like
Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
Industry-leading 5 days marking turnaround
Live class scheduled between 10 am to 8 pm daily (including weekends)  
Access to our video library of previous lectures available on-demand  
Interact with your tutors directly during your class  
Network with like-minded students via our chat functionality  
Take live classes multiple times or access recordings as you like  
OUR PASS RATE
Access to Higher Education Diplomas (National Average 78.4%)
88%

Modules

Unit 1: 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 2: 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
  • Unsterstand note-making methods
  • Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment

Unit 3: 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 4: Atomic Structure

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand protons, neutrons, and electrons in terms of their relative charges and masses
  • Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom given its Atomic number and Mass number, including some isotopes
  • Understand the number and relative energies of the s, p and d orbitals for the principal quantum numbers and know the shapes of s, p and d orbitals
  • Understand how ionisation energies of elements relate to reactivity
  • Understand the position of elements within the Periodic Table from ionisation energy data

Unit 5: Cell Division & Heredity

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of cell division
  • Demonstrate an understanding of heredity and genetic variation

Unit 6: Electromagnetic Spectrum

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the principles and types of electromagnetic waves
  • Understand the properties and applications of visible and ultraviolet light
  • Understand the properties of microwaves and infrared
  • Understand the biohazards of ultraviolet and infrared radiation
  • Understand the hazards and uses of X- Rays in medical applications

Unit 7: Periodic Table

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the Periodic Table
  • Understand periodicity in the elements of Period 3
  • Understand ionisation energy
  • Understand oxidation and reduction
  • Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals
  • Understand the Group 7 elements

Unit 8: Cell Metabolism

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand metabolism and metabolic pathways
  • Understand the tricarboxylic acid cycle
  • Understand the dark reactions in photosynthesis
  • Understand the biochemical basis of generating adenosine triphosphate in subcellular organelles

Unit 9: Trigonometry

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to use trigonometrical functions
  • Be able to use trigonometry to solve equations and problems
  • Be able to use trigonometric functions and identifies in the context of proofs
  • Be able to produce trigonometric graphs

Unit 10: Atomic Structure & Bonding

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the structure of the atom
  • Understand electronic structures
  • Understand the formation of ionic bonds
  • Understand the formation of covalent bonds

Unit 11: Human Immunity

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand non-specific defences against disease
  • Understand specific immunity
  • Understand the biology of vaccination

Unit 12: Medical Physics

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand atomic structure
  • Understand the nature of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and X-rays
  • Understand the main uses of ionising radiation in monitoring and treatment
  • Understand how radio isotopes are used in healthcare
  • Understand the health applications of a selected part of electromagnetic spectrum
  • Understand how ultrasound is used in healthcare

Unit 13: Hydrocarbons

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the importance of organic compounds
  • Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkanes
  • Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkenes

Unit 14: The Human Endocrine & Nervous System

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the nervous system
  • Understand how the endocrine system co-ordinates body functions
  • Understand the role of the nervous and endocrine systems homeostasis

Unit 15: Physics

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the connection between force and motion and be able to use Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Understand conservation of energy and momentum
  • Understand the concepts and vocabulary of wave motion
  • Understand the straight-line model of the behaviour of light
  • Understand the behaviour and properties of magnets and magnetic fields, electric charge and electric current

Unit 16: Chemical Change

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Be able to measure the concentrations of solutions
  • Understand energy changes during chemical reactions
  • Understand factors influencing rates of chemical reactions
  • Understand the concept of chemical equilibrium

Unit 17: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Know the anatomy, organisation and function of the muscular system
  • Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the skeletal system
  • Be aware of how the muscular system and skeletal system interact in locomotion

Unit 18: Optics & Sound

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the Laws of Reflection
  • Understand the Laws of Refraction
  • Understand the action of convex and concave lenses
  • Understand the simple optics of the eye
  • Understand the nature of transverse and longitudinal wave motions
  • Understand how the ear detects sound waves

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, scenario analysis, illustrated report, presentation (video and audio recording), series of questions, work sheet, 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.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway includes a number of units containing rich, interactive study materials. At the end of each unit of study, you will need to complete an assignment, which your tutor will then mark and provide you with feedback and a grade to help you progress.

Credits

To successfully achieve this Access to Higher Education Diploma you will need 60 credits, which are divided into units. You receive these credits through the completion of assignments, and the credits are split into two categories:

  • Graded - Units that are focused on academic subject areas make up 45 credits
  • Ungraded - The remaining 15 credits are from ungraded units that aim to improve your academic writing and study skills

As part of your programme, you will also receive guidance on how to put together your university application as well as the research you need to get the most out of your diploma.

Open College Network West Midlands

Open College Network West Midlands logo

On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science), you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: (40013212). This course has also been assigned 60 credits.

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.

Career

By obtaining an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway, you can embark on further study in a related career of your choice. The options are vast and extensive such as the broad spectrum of units that you cover during the course.

The foundation knowledge that you gain will allow you to branch out into a range of Health and Medical Science degrees. Before undertaking the Access to Higher Education Diploma, it is likely that you already had a career path in mind. It is always worth noting, though, that you are not limited when it comes to further study.

Degrees You Could Study

Should your chosen university accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas as part of their entry requirements, you can go on to study degrees in many areas, including the following:

  • Pharmacy
  • Radiography
  • Paramedic Science
  • Biomedical Science
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Practice
  • Dental Nursing

Please note that the above list is subject to change and entry requirements for these courses can differ between universities.

Further Qualifications and Prospects

Once you have progressed into the career of your choice, you should be aware that many professions in this sector require mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD). You will have to undertake a certain number of hours in order to maintain your registration. This is to make sure that you are up to date on current practices so that you can continue to perform competently.

Not only that, but you will be able to enhance your skillset and potentially progress towards another area of practice. Depending on your profession, you will have to undertake CPD courses.

Examples of study you can embark on include:

Your opportunities don’t end there, you can undertake postgraduate qualifications if you want to advance your role or even become a Lecturer or Researcher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway is a QAA nationally recognised Level 3 qualification. By completing this course, you will get the equivalent of three A Level qualifications.
You don’t have to go to university, however, Access to HE Diplomas are designed with the purpose of helping you get accepted onto a university degree. If you choose not to go to university after the course, the foundation knowledge you will have gained about medicine and healthcare professions will enable you to pursue various entry-level roles in the healthcare system that don’t require a degree.
You get up to two years to complete this online medicine and healthcare professions course, but you can complete it in as quick as six months. Most of our learners have it finished and are ready to go to university within 9-12 months.
You don’t need qualifications to enrol but you will need an English and Maths GCSE at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications by the time you apply to university.
Yes! As part of your medicine and healthcare professions course study package, we provide you with help and guidance with your university application.
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 31st May
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 31st May
RECOMMENDED OPTION
Add GCSE English Language and Maths - save 5% buying as a bundle

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway

Your Course at a Glance 

  • 100% online learning
  • Career prospects in Health and Medical Sciences
  • Progress to degree-level study
  • Can be completed in 9-12 months
  • Schedule your own study time
  • Gain a QAA recognised qualification

About Your Diploma

The medical and healthcare sphere is vast and wide, opening up a realm of career opportunities. If you have a certain career path in mind, undertaking the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway will give you valuable foundation knowledge. With this accredited qualification, you can move on to degree-level study.

You will cover a multitude of units over the course of your online study, including:

  • Cell biology
  • Atomic structure
  • Trigonometry
  • Human immunity

By covering a wealth of topics, you will enhance your overall knowledge in a sector that is constantly thriving and developing.

Access Healthcare Careers Without A Levels

This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway is the first step towards a career in health and medical science professions, as it prepares you to go to university without having to go back to college.

A qualification of this calibre is widely regarded as an alternative to A Levels. Therefore, they are the perfect option if you have been out of education for a long time, or if you do not meet the A Level entry requirements for higher education.

Refresh Your Study Skills

To ensure that you are ready for the challenges of university level education, this course provides the perfect level of academic study. With modules that help to improve your writing and research skills, as well as specific units on Biology, Chemistry and Physics, this diploma will get you ready for your chosen undergraduate degree.

Getting Started

As soon as you enrol on the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway course with learndirect, you can begin your journey! You will get access to all of the course materials you need to study online, and you will also be able to contact our experienced tutors and dedicated Access Support Team.

Keep Track of Your Assignments

An Individual Learning Plan will be issued, containing submission deadlines for your assignments to help keep you on track. An Access to Higher Education Diploma can be completed over two years, but most students complete their course within 9 months. With the course being 100% online, you can learn from the comfort of your own home.

Study on Your Terms

Whether you work full-time or have family commitments, you can study around your schedule. Most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas as part of their entry requirements, so you could potentially secure a position at the university of your choice.

+ Free Upgrade Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS On-Demand & Live Classes
Access your course materials immediately
Tutor support via our market-leading platform
Study around existing commitments
Progress as quickly as you’d like
Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
Industry-leading 5 days marking turnaround
Live class scheduled between 10 am to 8 pm daily (including weekends)  
Access to our video library of previous lectures available on-demand  
Interact with your tutors directly during your class  
Network with like-minded students via our chat functionality  
Take live classes multiple times or access recordings as you like  

Modules

Unit 1: 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 2: 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
  • Unsterstand note-making methods
  • Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment

Unit 3: 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 4: Atomic Structure

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand protons, neutrons, and electrons in terms of their relative charges and masses
  • Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom given its Atomic number and Mass number, including some isotopes
  • Understand the number and relative energies of the s, p and d orbitals for the principal quantum numbers and know the shapes of s, p and d orbitals
  • Understand how ionisation energies of elements relate to reactivity
  • Understand the position of elements within the Periodic Table from ionisation energy data

Unit 5: Cell Division & Heredity

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of cell division
  • Demonstrate an understanding of heredity and genetic variation

Unit 6: Electromagnetic Spectrum

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the principles and types of electromagnetic waves
  • Understand the properties and applications of visible and ultraviolet light
  • Understand the properties of microwaves and infrared
  • Understand the biohazards of ultraviolet and infrared radiation
  • Understand the hazards and uses of X- Rays in medical applications

Unit 7: Periodic Table

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the Periodic Table
  • Understand periodicity in the elements of Period 3
  • Understand ionisation energy
  • Understand oxidation and reduction
  • Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals
  • Understand the Group 7 elements

Unit 8: Cell Metabolism

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand metabolism and metabolic pathways
  • Understand the tricarboxylic acid cycle
  • Understand the dark reactions in photosynthesis
  • Understand the biochemical basis of generating adenosine triphosphate in subcellular organelles

Unit 9: Trigonometry

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to use trigonometrical functions
  • Be able to use trigonometry to solve equations and problems
  • Be able to use trigonometric functions and identifies in the context of proofs
  • Be able to produce trigonometric graphs

Unit 10: Atomic Structure & Bonding

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the structure of the atom
  • Understand electronic structures
  • Understand the formation of ionic bonds
  • Understand the formation of covalent bonds

Unit 11: Human Immunity

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand non-specific defences against disease
  • Understand specific immunity
  • Understand the biology of vaccination

Unit 12: Medical Physics

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand atomic structure
  • Understand the nature of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and X-rays
  • Understand the main uses of ionising radiation in monitoring and treatment
  • Understand how radio isotopes are used in healthcare
  • Understand the health applications of a selected part of electromagnetic spectrum
  • Understand how ultrasound is used in healthcare

Unit 13: Hydrocarbons

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the importance of organic compounds
  • Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkanes
  • Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkenes

Unit 14: The Human Endocrine & Nervous System

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the nervous system
  • Understand how the endocrine system co-ordinates body functions
  • Understand the role of the nervous and endocrine systems homeostasis

Unit 15: Physics

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the connection between force and motion and be able to use Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Understand conservation of energy and momentum
  • Understand the concepts and vocabulary of wave motion
  • Understand the straight-line model of the behaviour of light
  • Understand the behaviour and properties of magnets and magnetic fields, electric charge and electric current

Unit 16: Chemical Change

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Be able to measure the concentrations of solutions
  • Understand energy changes during chemical reactions
  • Understand factors influencing rates of chemical reactions
  • Understand the concept of chemical equilibrium

Unit 17: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Know the anatomy, organisation and function of the muscular system
  • Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the skeletal system
  • Be aware of how the muscular system and skeletal system interact in locomotion

Unit 18: Optics & Sound

On completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the Laws of Reflection
  • Understand the Laws of Refraction
  • Understand the action of convex and concave lenses
  • Understand the simple optics of the eye
  • Understand the nature of transverse and longitudinal wave motions
  • Understand how the ear detects sound waves

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, scenario analysis, illustrated report, presentation (video and audio recording), series of questions, work sheet, 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.

Excellent Marking

Assessment

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway includes a number of units containing rich, interactive study materials. At the end of each unit of study, you will need to complete an assignment, which your tutor will then mark and provide you with feedback and a grade to help you progress.

Credits

To successfully achieve this Access to Higher Education Diploma you will need 60 credits, which are divided into units. You receive these credits through the completion of assignments, and the credits are split into two categories:

  • Graded - Units that are focused on academic subject areas make up 45 credits
  • Ungraded - The remaining 15 credits are from ungraded units that aim to improve your academic writing and study skills

As part of your programme, you will also receive guidance on how to put together your university application as well as the research you need to get the most out of your diploma.

Qualifications

Open College Network West Midlands

Open College Network West Midlands logo

On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science), you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: (40013212). This course has also been assigned 60 credits.

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.

FREE Digital Certificate

Career

By obtaining an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway, you can embark on further study in a related career of your choice. The options are vast and extensive such as the broad spectrum of units that you cover during the course.

The foundation knowledge that you gain will allow you to branch out into a range of Health and Medical Science degrees. Before undertaking the Access to Higher Education Diploma, it is likely that you already had a career path in mind. It is always worth noting, though, that you are not limited when it comes to further study.

Degrees You Could Study

Should your chosen university accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas as part of their entry requirements, you can go on to study degrees in many areas, including the following:

  • Pharmacy
  • Radiography
  • Paramedic Science
  • Biomedical Science
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Practice
  • Dental Nursing

Please note that the above list is subject to change and entry requirements for these courses can differ between universities.

Further Qualifications and Prospects

Once you have progressed into the career of your choice, you should be aware that many professions in this sector require mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD). You will have to undertake a certain number of hours in order to maintain your registration. This is to make sure that you are up to date on current practices so that you can continue to perform competently.

Not only that, but you will be able to enhance your skillset and potentially progress towards another area of practice. Depending on your profession, you will have to undertake CPD courses.

Examples of study you can embark on include:

Your opportunities don’t end there, you can undertake postgraduate qualifications if you want to advance your role or even become a Lecturer or Researcher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Medicine and Healthcare Professions Pathway is a QAA nationally recognised Level 3 qualification. By completing this course, you will get the equivalent of three A Level qualifications.
You don’t have to go to university, however, Access to HE Diplomas are designed with the purpose of helping you get accepted onto a university degree. If you choose not to go to university after the course, the foundation knowledge you will have gained about medicine and healthcare professions will enable you to pursue various entry-level roles in the healthcare system that don’t require a degree.
You get up to two years to complete this online medicine and healthcare professions course, but you can complete it in as quick as six months. Most of our learners have it finished and are ready to go to university within 9-12 months.
You don’t need qualifications to enrol but you will need an English and Maths GCSE at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications by the time you apply to university.
Yes! As part of your medicine and healthcare professions course study package, we provide you with help and guidance with your university application.
OUR PASS RATE
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
88%
(National Average 78.4%)
Accreditation by Open College Network West Midlands
100% online
learning
18 units
600 notional
learning hours

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