Access to HE Diploma (Healthcare Professions)

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Healthcare Professions) is an intensive yet flexible Level 3 qualification, equivalent to three A Levels, designed for adults who aspire to work in healthcare or pursue related degrees such as Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy.

Accredited by Open College Network South East (Laser Learning Awards) and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), this nationally recognised diploma provides the academic foundation and study skills required for university entry and professional advancement in the health and social care sector.

Whether you’re returning to education, changing careers, or aiming to progress to university, this course equips you with the confidence, knowledge, and qualifications to take the next step.

• Level: 3 (equivalent to 3 A Levels)
• Duration: 9 months
• Mode: Tutor-led, cohort-based learning
• Awarding Body: Open College Network South East (Laser Learning Awards)
• Accreditation: Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
• You’ll earn 60 credits in total — 45 graded credits (Pass, Merit, Distinction) and 15 ungraded credits — through coursework and continuous assessment rather than final exams.

• Biology
• Cells, Tissues and Organs for Healthcare
• Blood, Circulation and Gaseous Exchange
• Digestion and the Liver
• Homeostasis for Healthcare
• Musculoskeletal System for Healthcare
• Disease and Body Defence
• Reproduction Biology for Healthcare
• Healthcare Professionals
• Developing Professional Practice in Healthcare
• Understanding Health and Wellbeing
• Understanding Health Promotion and Health Education
• Understanding Ethics in Healthcare
• Understanding Mental Health
• Applied Social Science
• Introduction to Psychology
• Psychology and Mental Health
• Psychology of Health
• Introduction to Sociology
• The Sociology of Health
• Chemistry
• Drugs and Food Additives
• Pharmacology for Healthcare
• Study Skills
• Skills for Study: Writing
• Skills for Study: Essay Writing
• Skills for Study: Research

There are no end-of-year exams. Assessment is continuous and varied — through essays, case studies, reflective journals, research projects, and presentations. You’ll receive constructive feedback and one-to-one academic support throughout your course.

• Minimum age 17 years
• GCSE/IGCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
• GCSE Science is recommended
• International students: IELTS 5.0 or equivalent
• Relevant voluntary or work experience in health or social care is beneficial

Graduates from this diploma successfully progress to degrees such as:

• Adult, Child and Mental Health Nursing
• Midwifery
• Paramedic Science
• Radiography and Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy and Podiatry
• Public Health and Nutrition
• Healthcare Science and Management
• Psychology and Social Work

• Course Fee: £960 including Awarding Body Registration Fee (Online Learning with Tutor Support).
• Flexible monthly instalment plans available
• Save 10% with a one-time full payment.

• QAA-regulated and university-recognised qualification
• Fully online with live Zoom lessons
• Recorded sessions and flexible study schedules
• Dedicated tutor and academic support via Google Classroom & WhatsApp
• Virtual medical work experience opportunities
• Affordable tuition with instalment options and scholarships
• Monthly start dates