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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 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 (Nursing)

Accreditation by Open College Network West Midlands
100% online
learning
19 units
600 notional
learning hours
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 31st March
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 31st March
RECOMMENDED OPTION
Add GCSE English Language and Maths - save 5% buying as a bundle

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)

This Course at a Glance

  • Change your career and become a Nurse
  • Gain the equivalent of three A Levels
  • A popular way to meet university entry requirements
  • Flexible learning; study when it suits, at your pace
  • Complete over two years or less
  • Various payment methods are available
  • 100% online learning
  • No exams

About Your Diploma

If you’ve always thought about becoming a Nurse but life simply got in the way, or nursing has recently appealed to you as a career option, but you don’t have the desired qualifications, you can still make this career switch.

Perfect Preparation for a Nursing Degree

Traditionally, universities were quite strict on what they accepted as adequate qualifications to meet the entry requirements of their nursing degrees. This would limit many would-be students from pursuing higher education to reach their career goals, like becoming a Registered Nurse.

Now, many more qualifications are accepted as adequate preparation for learners going into higher-level study. So, if you don’t have GCSEs or A Levels, all is not lost. Many universities now welcome students who have other qualifications like BTEC Nationals, Functional Skills or Access to Higher Education Diplomas.

An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is a flexible online nursing diploma UK learners can study that allows you to:

  • Study from home or wherever suits
  • Study at your own pace

Its vocation-focused modules provide you with knowledge and skills so specific to nursing that it can be used as the equivalent of 3 A-Levels.

Learn Everything You Need to Become a Nurse

Throughout our Nurse course, UK learners will study a range of topics, including:

  • Human Body – Discover facts about the human body, from the way we reproduce to how our organs function and the way our cells grow and divide
  • History of the NHS – Understand the NHS’s founding principles and how it has been shaped over time
  • Roles and Responsibilities of a Nurse – Learn about the purpose and function of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), as well as the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare

You will also complete modules that focus on giving you the study skills for university, which is perfect for those who have been out of education for some time. For more information on what you’ll explore in our Nurse course, UK learners can see the ‘Modules’ tab.

Getting Started

learndirect is a leading UK distance learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

No Classrooms, No Timetables

Studied completely online, the flexibility of this course enables you to work towards your nursing future outside of your current commitments. So, no matter if it’s a full-time job or childcare, you can complete your nursing course around them.

You will have up to two years to complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma. Though, the freedom to move through the course at your pace sees most of our students complete them within 9-12 months.

Stay On Top Of Your Learning

You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies.

*Please note, entry requirements differ between universities. It’s always best to check with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.

+ 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
  • Understand note-making methods
  • Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment

Unit 3: Health and Well-being

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the relationship between resilience and mental well-being
  • Understand the expression of feelings and emotions and how these could be managed
  • Understand how mental well-being can be supported and managed

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: 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 7: The Roles & Responsibilities of the Registered Nurse

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the changes to the roles and responsibilities of the nurse
  • Understand the role of the Nursing and Midwifery Council
  • Understand the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare

Unit 8: 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 9: 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 10: Social Factors in Health and Social Care

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand sociological factors influencing the relationships between patients and health professionals
  • Understand the role of social motivational factors in health and ill health
  • Understand the significance of social support networks in healthcare and maintenance

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: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System

On completion of this unit you will:

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

Unit 13: 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 14: 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 15: Human Immunity

On completion of this unit you will:

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

Unit 16: Understanding Poverty

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand definitions of poverty
  • Understand ways of measuring poverty
  • Understand the extent of poverty in contemporary Britain
  • Understand explanations of poverty

Unit 17: Health Promotion

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand individual societal health promotion
  • Organise and plan a health promotion activity

Unit 18: Human Disease & Prevention

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the categories and causes of disease
  • Understand the epidemiology of diseases
  • Understand preventative measures for a chosen disease or condition

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 on healthcare provision

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 on healthcare courses 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

This course is ideally suited to those who have completed full-time education but have not achieved the grades required to get into university.

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, illustrated report, journal article, portfolio, academic poster, presentation (video and audio recording), developing promotional activity, series of questions, 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 assessment process of our nursing course consists of the following:

Assignments

The assignments for this course aim to prepare you for your next step in higher education, while providing the number of credits necessary to achieve your qualification.

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 to progress.

Credits

To successfully achieve this Access to Higher Education Diploma you will need 60 credits in total. The credits are split into the following two categories:

  • Graded – 45 credits come from graded units, which focus on the academic subject
  • Ungraded – 15 credits come from ungraded units, such as writing and study skills

As part of this nursing diploma, UK learners will also receive help as well as guidance with their university application and the research they need to do to get the most out of their 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 (Nursing) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: 40012542). 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 completing an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) and a subsequent nursing degree, you will open yourself up to an array of career prospects.

With Nurses being required to facilitate treatments in almost every health service, there is almost no end to the type of Nurse you can become. If you’re passionate about caring for children, working with the elderly, or helping people requiring emergency care, you can find a specialism to suit your interest.

Just some of the many nursing roles you can pursue are:

  • Paediatric Nurse
  • Neonatal Nurse
  • Adult Nurse
  • Geriatric Nurse
  • Nursing Home Nurse
  • Community Nurse
  • Theatre Nurse
  • ICU Nurse
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • Cardiology Nurse
  • Respiratory Nurse
  • Mental Health Nurse
  • Special Educational Needs Disability Nurse

Further Qualifications and Prospects

Once qualified and registered as a Nurse, you will need to maintain your registration through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This is any form of training and education that adds directly to your skillset as a Nurse but falls outside of your mandatory and statutory training.

Gaining CPD and taking further training within healthcare facilities can also help you move into your desired specialism. Aligning yourself with the type of nursing work that means the most to you.

What types of courses for nursing CPD exists?

You could study courses like:

There will also be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and move into direct health management roles like:

  • Ward Manager
  • Team Leader
  • Matron
  • Director of Nursing

Should you choose to complete a postgraduate qualification, you could assume the direct health role of an advanced Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Consultant. If it appeals to you, you could also become a Teacher of future Nurses or go into research.

Find out more about nursing courses and careers in our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a fully self-funded nursing course. If you’re wondering ‘how much does a nursing course cost?’, the price is detailed on the course description tab.
You have a year to complete your Access to HE Diploma (Nursing), but most of our learners complete their nursing courses within 9-12 months.
Yes! This nursing course is a nationally-recognised qualification that is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). As such, Access to Higher Education Diplomas like this one are accepted by most universities in the UK, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
On successful completion of your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing), you will have gained a nationally-recognised Level 3 qualification that is equivalent to three A Levels. This will help you meet the requirements for Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved nursing courses at degree level.
The foundation knowledge you will have gained about the NHS, the role of a Nurse and the human body in your Access to HE Diploma (Nursing), will make you desirable for a number of entry-level roles in the healthcare system that don’t require a degree. You can also apply for a Nursing Associate role, which is a new nursing support role in England. However, you will not be a fully qualified Nurse at this stage. This Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) course is designed with the aim of helping you get onto an NMC approved nursing degree, which will allow you to become a fully Registered Nurse and take on the full set of responsibilities the nursing role requires. In this instance, learners enrolling on this nursing course should be aiming to study nursing at university.
If you’re wondering ‘what are the main nurse courses requirements?’, you don’t need any prior qualifications to start this nursing course. However, when you apply for your nursing degree at university, you will need to have GCSEs or alternative Level 2 qualifications to meet the entry requirements. The most commonly requested GCSE subjects are Maths and English at grades C/4 or above. This is why we recommend all our learners who don’t have these qualifications, work towards them alongside their nursing courses. You can either study the full Maths and English GCSEs or study Functional Skills Level 2 courses, which are quicker to complete and provide you with GCSE equivalent qualifications.
There is no in person learning as you complete all your nursing course materials online, from home or wherever suits you best.
When you enrol on your Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) course with us, you also receive help and guidance with your university application, as well as the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
No, you won’t get a refund on your nursing course when you study a nursing degree.
You can reach your course tutor via your learner platform. Simply click on the ‘Mail’ icon at the top of the page and click ‘Compose’. If you have an assigned tutor, you will see this in green.
You can log in via this link https://learndirect.atomlms.co.uk/login/ and use your username and password. You are emailed your login details when enrolling, however, if you have misplaced these you will need to contact our customer service team who can reset your password or resend your login details.
Not to worry! You can catch up in your own time by viewing the previous live lessons under the “Recordings” tab, which is found on your learner platform.
Yes of course, please email our Access Team at A2HEsupport@epearl.co.uk to initiate your study break.
If you decide that the Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) course isn’t for you, you have the option to swap your course and move on to another area of study that’s more suitable. Please note, you may be subject to an admin fee for the course swap to take place. We also offer a 14-day money-back guarantee, should you wish to cancel your nursing course.
Yes, we can. We strive to provide support to learners who have fallen on hard times to help them manage the cost of their learning. As such, we have introduced a series of measures that will ease financial burdens and enable you to keep investing in your future. Please contact our student support team for more information on how we can help.
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 31st March
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Friday 31st March
RECOMMENDED OPTION
Add GCSE English Language and Maths - save 5% buying as a bundle

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)

This Course at a Glance

  • Change your career and become a Nurse
  • Gain the equivalent of three A Levels
  • A popular way to meet university entry requirements
  • Flexible learning; study when it suits, at your pace
  • Complete over two years or less
  • Various payment methods are available
  • 100% online learning
  • No exams

About Your Diploma

If you’ve always thought about becoming a Nurse but life simply got in the way, or nursing has recently appealed to you as a career option, but you don’t have the desired qualifications, you can still make this career switch.

Perfect Preparation for a Nursing Degree

Traditionally, universities were quite strict on what they accepted as adequate qualifications to meet the entry requirements of their nursing degrees. This would limit many would-be students from pursuing higher education to reach their career goals, like becoming a Registered Nurse.

Now, many more qualifications are accepted as adequate preparation for learners going into higher-level study. So, if you don’t have GCSEs or A Levels, all is not lost. Many universities now welcome students who have other qualifications like BTEC Nationals, Functional Skills or Access to Higher Education Diplomas.

An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is a flexible online nursing diploma UK learners can study that allows you to:

  • Study from home or wherever suits
  • Study at your own pace

Its vocation-focused modules provide you with knowledge and skills so specific to nursing that it can be used as the equivalent of 3 A-Levels.

Learn Everything You Need to Become a Nurse

Throughout our Nurse course, UK learners will study a range of topics, including:

  • Human Body – Discover facts about the human body, from the way we reproduce to how our organs function and the way our cells grow and divide
  • History of the NHS – Understand the NHS’s founding principles and how it has been shaped over time
  • Roles and Responsibilities of a Nurse – Learn about the purpose and function of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), as well as the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare

You will also complete modules that focus on giving you the study skills for university, which is perfect for those who have been out of education for some time. For more information on what you’ll explore in our Nurse course, UK learners can see the ‘Modules’ tab.

Getting Started

learndirect is a leading UK distance learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

No Classrooms, No Timetables

Studied completely online, the flexibility of this course enables you to work towards your nursing future outside of your current commitments. So, no matter if it’s a full-time job or childcare, you can complete your nursing course around them.

You will have up to two years to complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma. Though, the freedom to move through the course at your pace sees most of our students complete them within 9-12 months.

Stay On Top Of Your Learning

You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies.

*Please note, entry requirements differ between universities. It’s always best to check with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.

+ 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
  • Understand note-making methods
  • Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment

Unit 3: Health and Well-being

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the relationship between resilience and mental well-being
  • Understand the expression of feelings and emotions and how these could be managed
  • Understand how mental well-being can be supported and managed

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: 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 7: The Roles & Responsibilities of the Registered Nurse

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the changes to the roles and responsibilities of the nurse
  • Understand the role of the Nursing and Midwifery Council
  • Understand the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare

Unit 8: 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 9: 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 10: Social Factors in Health and Social Care

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand sociological factors influencing the relationships between patients and health professionals
  • Understand the role of social motivational factors in health and ill health
  • Understand the significance of social support networks in healthcare and maintenance

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: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System

On completion of this unit you will:

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

Unit 13: 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 14: 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 15: Human Immunity

On completion of this unit you will:

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

Unit 16: Understanding Poverty

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand definitions of poverty
  • Understand ways of measuring poverty
  • Understand the extent of poverty in contemporary Britain
  • Understand explanations of poverty

Unit 17: Health Promotion

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand individual societal health promotion
  • Organise and plan a health promotion activity

Unit 18: Human Disease & Prevention

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the categories and causes of disease
  • Understand the epidemiology of diseases
  • Understand preventative measures for a chosen disease or condition

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 on healthcare provision

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 on healthcare courses 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

This course is ideally suited to those who have completed full-time education but have not achieved the grades required to get into university.

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, illustrated report, journal article, portfolio, academic poster, presentation (video and audio recording), developing promotional activity, series of questions, 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 assessment process of our nursing course consists of the following:

Assignments

The assignments for this course aim to prepare you for your next step in higher education, while providing the number of credits necessary to achieve your qualification.

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 to progress.

Credits

To successfully achieve this Access to Higher Education Diploma you will need 60 credits in total. The credits are split into the following two categories:

  • Graded – 45 credits come from graded units, which focus on the academic subject
  • Ungraded – 15 credits come from ungraded units, such as writing and study skills

As part of this nursing diploma, UK learners will also receive help as well as guidance with their university application and the research they need to do to get the most out of their 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 (Nursing) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: 40012542). 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 completing an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) and a subsequent nursing degree, you will open yourself up to an array of career prospects.

With Nurses being required to facilitate treatments in almost every health service, there is almost no end to the type of Nurse you can become. If you’re passionate about caring for children, working with the elderly, or helping people requiring emergency care, you can find a specialism to suit your interest.

Just some of the many nursing roles you can pursue are:

  • Paediatric Nurse
  • Neonatal Nurse
  • Adult Nurse
  • Geriatric Nurse
  • Nursing Home Nurse
  • Community Nurse
  • Theatre Nurse
  • ICU Nurse
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • Cardiology Nurse
  • Respiratory Nurse
  • Mental Health Nurse
  • Special Educational Needs Disability Nurse

Further Qualifications and Prospects

Once qualified and registered as a Nurse, you will need to maintain your registration through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This is any form of training and education that adds directly to your skillset as a Nurse but falls outside of your mandatory and statutory training.

Gaining CPD and taking further training within healthcare facilities can also help you move into your desired specialism. Aligning yourself with the type of nursing work that means the most to you.

What types of courses for nursing CPD exists?

You could study courses like:

There will also be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and move into direct health management roles like:

  • Ward Manager
  • Team Leader
  • Matron
  • Director of Nursing

Should you choose to complete a postgraduate qualification, you could assume the direct health role of an advanced Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Consultant. If it appeals to you, you could also become a Teacher of future Nurses or go into research.

Find out more about nursing courses and careers in our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a fully self-funded nursing course. If you’re wondering ‘how much does a nursing course cost?’, the price is detailed on the course description tab.
You have a year to complete your Access to HE Diploma (Nursing), but most of our learners complete their nursing courses within 9-12 months.
Yes! This nursing course is a nationally-recognised qualification that is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). As such, Access to Higher Education Diplomas like this one are accepted by most universities in the UK, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
On successful completion of your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing), you will have gained a nationally-recognised Level 3 qualification that is equivalent to three A Levels. This will help you meet the requirements for Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved nursing courses at degree level.
The foundation knowledge you will have gained about the NHS, the role of a Nurse and the human body in your Access to HE Diploma (Nursing), will make you desirable for a number of entry-level roles in the healthcare system that don’t require a degree. You can also apply for a Nursing Associate role, which is a new nursing support role in England. However, you will not be a fully qualified Nurse at this stage. This Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) course is designed with the aim of helping you get onto an NMC approved nursing degree, which will allow you to become a fully Registered Nurse and take on the full set of responsibilities the nursing role requires. In this instance, learners enrolling on this nursing course should be aiming to study nursing at university.
If you’re wondering ‘what are the main nurse courses requirements?’, you don’t need any prior qualifications to start this nursing course. However, when you apply for your nursing degree at university, you will need to have GCSEs or alternative Level 2 qualifications to meet the entry requirements. The most commonly requested GCSE subjects are Maths and English at grades C/4 or above. This is why we recommend all our learners who don’t have these qualifications, work towards them alongside their nursing courses. You can either study the full Maths and English GCSEs or study Functional Skills Level 2 courses, which are quicker to complete and provide you with GCSE equivalent qualifications.
There is no in person learning as you complete all your nursing course materials online, from home or wherever suits you best.
When you enrol on your Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) course with us, you also receive help and guidance with your university application, as well as the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
No, you won’t get a refund on your nursing course when you study a nursing degree.
You can reach your course tutor via your learner platform. Simply click on the ‘Mail’ icon at the top of the page and click ‘Compose’. If you have an assigned tutor, you will see this in green.
You can log in via this link https://learndirect.atomlms.co.uk/login/ and use your username and password. You are emailed your login details when enrolling, however, if you have misplaced these you will need to contact our customer service team who can reset your password or resend your login details.
Not to worry! You can catch up in your own time by viewing the previous live lessons under the “Recordings” tab, which is found on your learner platform.
Yes of course, please email our Access Team at A2HEsupport@epearl.co.uk to initiate your study break.
If you decide that the Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) course isn’t for you, you have the option to swap your course and move on to another area of study that’s more suitable. Please note, you may be subject to an admin fee for the course swap to take place. We also offer a 14-day money-back guarantee, should you wish to cancel your nursing course.
Yes, we can. We strive to provide support to learners who have fallen on hard times to help them manage the cost of their learning. As such, we have introduced a series of measures that will ease financial burdens and enable you to keep investing in your future. Please contact our student support team for more information on how we can help.
OUR PASS RATE
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
88%
(National Average 78.4%)

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