Access to Higher Education Diploma: Health Science Professions

GCSE grade C/4 or above in English Language, Maths and Science.

Please note some midwifery and professional health registration courses may require a minimum grade B/5 in GCSE English Language, Maths and Science.

The course is delivered in-person over one academic year, with a combination of lectures, interactive and practical sessions, with essential independent study.

Under the guidance of our expert tutors, you will be encourage to explore different materials and techniques across our range of purpose-built workshops and studios. A good level of student participation is expected throughout the duration of the course.
 

The Access Health Science Professions Diploma is the ideal stepping stone for anyone wanting to gain the basic knowledge and skills that underpin a successful career in the health sector, whatever field of study you choose to take for your next steps.

This course is designed to offer an alternative route to university for those without A Levels/Level 3 previous qualifications, focusing on developing essential softer skills, essential knowledge and understanding that are required for trainee health science/healthcare professional roles.

Advanced Learner Loan

If you are offered a place on this course, you will be able to apply for a Advanced Learner Loan. The loan means that you will not have to pay any tuition fees up front and will only pay back the loan when your salary rises above £27,525. Repayments are made automatically if you are employed and are part of your tax return if you are self-employed.

If you are taking out an Advanced Learner Loan to study an Access to HE Diploma your Loan will be written off on successful completion of your higher education programme - so in effect your Access to HE Diploma programme could be free.

Please refer to the York College Advanced Learner Loan page for more specific information.

Funding

If you are aged 19 to 23, you may qualify for fee remission for an Access course depending on your circumstances. Eligibility for a free course is based on government guidelines and the most up-to-date information is available on our website or from our Funding Team. If you do not qualify for free tuition, you will be able to pay for your tuition fees in instalments and may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Still have questions? Call 01904 770443 or email funding@yorkcollege.ac.uk

Other costs

All materials are provided for you to complete the course. However, you may need access to a PC/laptop and suitable Wi-Fi to access additional teaching and learning from home as required for the additional guided learning hours.

Students will be eligible to apply to a range of degree courses in the health profession such as:

• Nursing, Midwifery, Physiology, Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science, Speech & Language Therapy, Operating Departments Practitioners

Or alternatively, a range of general health and wellbeing degrees such as:

• Biomedical Science, Human Physiology, Human Biology or Sports Science, Food & Nutrition

Students will receive guidance on university applications and career pathways. Successful completion of the course will allow progression to higher education or degree apprenticeships in various health science/healthcare professions.

The course is divided into units of assessment. Each unit is broken down into learning hours and most of the units are worth three, six or nine credits (one credit equals 10 learning hours). To achieve the Diploma, you must achieve 60 credits, all credits are at level three (equivalent to A Level standard).

Units are designed to give an excellent foundation for progression to university to study nursing (all branches), midwifery and allied health professions such as paramedic practice and physiotherapy.

The curriculum includes modules in human biology, psychology, and professional health related study, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of relevant subjects. Sessions are provided with ample opportunity to engage with others, developing essential communication skills and competence over the year, as developing health professionals. Students must be willing to engage with others in discussion including peers, tutors, college staff and guest speakers.  It is expected that students will demonstrate a good level of verbal communication with confidence and competence.

Students will engage in approximately 13 hours of study per week over 35 weeks.

The course begins with a range of ungraded units, to introduce study skills with academic writing, preparation and application of UCAS for further HE studies and an introduction to the foundations of human biology.  These ungraded units within the first term provide an opportunity to develop writing skills, time management, note taking, researching/searching for evidence and information at level 3, academic conventions, organisation, planning and referencing to name a few.

Further units are introduced that are graded after the first term to develop knowledge and understanding with human anatomy and physiology (biology), to recognise and identify both normal and abnormal function. There are opportunities to develop understanding of the concept of health, disease and illness with some applied knowledge in diagnosing and managing both physiological and psychological conditions. 

The final units on the course include biology focussing on pharmacology, drawing on previous knowledge and understanding with systems such as endocrine and nervous, allowing learners to apply knowledge of metabolic processes and understand the role that health professionals play in supporting service users. Additionally understanding health promotion and education for service users, compliments developing application of healthcare practice prior to HE professional training.

Assessment will be continuous and varied, incorporating essays, reports, presentations,  and group work. There are no formal exams, but end-of-module tests with time-constrained assessments, viva discussions and presentations (individual and group) will require prior revision and planning, and will collect necessary evidence for assessment supporting integrity of the individual, 

Feedback will be provided regularly to support student development.

At the end of the course, you will be given a transcript listing all units and grades awarded: there is no overall grade.

Universities will specify the grades they expect you to achieve in various units as part of any offer they may make.

Students have access to a fantastic range of College-wide facilities such as the Learning & Research Centre, study hubs, computer areas with accompanying multi-function printers and helpdesk advice.

If you choose to progress onto a nursing degree, you will also be eligible for a annual payments of £5,000 - £8,000, this bursary is available to all undergraduates nursing students from August 2020.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma is validated and accredited through the National Awarding Body Skills and Education Group which is an Access validating agency, licensed and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).