Level 3 Access to Higher Education (Nursing) – on campus

Level 3 Access to Higher Education (Nursing) – on campus

Ready to apply?

Apply now
Apply now
How to apply

  • Course Overview
  • Entry Requirements
  • Course Fees
  • Admissions

Course Overview

Looking to change your career and work towards becoming a Nurse? Access to Higher Education qualifications are designed for learners who may not hold traditional qualifications such as A Levels, but who want to study at degree level. They are designed to give you relevant academic knowledge and skills before progression to higher education and are widely recognised by universities as alternative qualifications.

About Your Diploma

If you have always thought about becoming a Nurse, here is your chance. Nurses are in high demand right now, with the UK Government pledge of increasing the number of registered nurses in the NHS in England by 50,000.

Traditionally, universities were quite strict on what they accepted as adequate qualifications to meet the entry requirements of their courses. Now, many more qualifications are accepted as adequate preparation for learners going into higher level study and that includes this qualification.

An Access to HE qualification is equivalent to 3 A-Levels.

Duration of Study

The Access to HE course is a one-year course, starting every year in September and finishing the following June. You will typically attend timetabled lessons at college for 2 days per week and you will be expected to commit to a further recommended 10 hours of self-study at home.

Modules/What you will learn

The qualification consists of a range of specially selected vocation focused units to enable you to gain the knowledge and skills to progress to University and into the Nursing profession.

The qualification has three main themes: Health, Biology and Psychology.

In Health Studies you will understand the NHS’s founding principles and how it has been shaped over time. You will investigate the contemporary health issues, including access to treatment, while understanding the roles and responsibilities of those working within the NHS. As a final project, you will work in small groups and put on your own health promotion across the college.

In Biology, you will start with the basics of cells, before progressing onto human anatomy, nutrition, reproduction, diseases and infections and the bodies immune system. These units will give you a breadth and depth of knowledge to support you in the nursing profession.

We will also give you an introduction to psychology before moving onto memory processes, personality traits and abnormal psychology.

You will also complete a unit that will help you focus on your career aims and help you understand how to achieve them. You will also work on your Study Techniques and have tutorial guidance for your UCAS application. Additionally, you will study a mental health and wellbeing unit, helping you to self-reflect and build your own resilience.

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods are varied to give you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and to prepare you for the types of assessment you will undertake at higher education. These could include: essays, exams, newsletters, presentations, posters, reports, research projects and groupwork.

Qualification

To achieve this diploma, you will need to achieve a total of 60 Credits (45 graded and 15 ungraded). Grades available are Pass, Merit and Distinction. Universities sometimes ask for a certain number of credits, in certain subject areas, at these grades. It is a good idea to check with your chosen university before you start your Access course.

Will you fit it?

Access Diploma to Higher Education students are generally aged between 19 and 60. They are men and women and are from diverse backgrounds. Some have more recent experience of study while some have not attended school since compulsory education. You will study alongside other learners who have similar progression and career aims as you.

Course Overview

Looking to change your career and work towards becoming a Nurse? Access to Higher Education qualifications are designed for learners who may not hold traditional qualifications such as A Levels, but who want to study at degree level. They are designed to give you relevant academic knowledge and skills before progression to higher education and are widely recognised by universities as alternative qualifications.

About Your Diploma

If you have always thought about becoming a Nurse, here is your chance. Nurses are in high demand right now, with the UK Government pledge of increasing the number of registered nurses in the NHS in England by 50,000.

Traditionally, universities were quite strict on what they accepted as adequate qualifications to meet the entry requirements of their courses. Now, many more qualifications are accepted as adequate preparation for learners going into higher level study and that includes this qualification.

An Access to HE qualification is equivalent to 3 A-Levels.

Duration of Study

The Access to HE course is a one-year course, starting every year in September and finishing the following June. You will typically attend timetabled lessons at college for 2 days per week and you will be expected to commit to a further recommended 10 hours of self-study at home.

Modules/What you will learn

The qualification consists of a range of specially selected vocation focused units to enable you to gain the knowledge and skills to progress to University and into the Nursing profession.

The qualification has three main themes: Health, Biology and Psychology.

In Health Studies you will understand the NHS’s founding principles and how it has been shaped over time. You will investigate the contemporary health issues, including access to treatment, while understanding the roles and responsibilities of those working within the NHS. As a final project, you will work in small groups and put on your own health promotion across the college.

In Biology, you will start with the basics of cells, before progressing onto human anatomy, nutrition, reproduction, diseases and infections and the bodies immune system. These units will give you a breadth and depth of knowledge to support you in the nursing profession.

We will also give you an introduction to psychology before moving onto memory processes, personality traits and abnormal psychology.

You will also complete a unit that will help you focus on your career aims and help you understand how to achieve them. You will also work on your Study Techniques and have tutorial guidance for your UCAS application. Additionally, you will study a mental health and wellbeing unit, helping you to self-reflect and build your own resilience.

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods are varied to give you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and to prepare you for the types of assessment you will undertake at higher education. These could include: essays, exams, newsletters, presentations, posters, reports, research projects and groupwork.

Qualification

To achieve this diploma, you will need to achieve a total of 60 Credits (45 graded and 15 ungraded). Grades available are Pass, Merit and Distinction. Universities sometimes ask for a certain number of credits, in certain subject areas, at these grades. It is a good idea to check with your chosen university before you start your Access course.

Will you fit it?

Access Diploma to Higher Education students are generally aged between 19 and 60. They are men and women and are from diverse backgrounds. Some have more recent experience of study while some have not attended school since compulsory education. You will study alongside other learners who have similar progression and career aims as you.

As the Access course involves a good deal of academic writing, it is required that you have a good level of English before you begin. You will attend a formal interview with a member of the teaching team and carry out a written assessment during the process.

You will also need to hold:

- English GCSE grade 4 (C) or Functional Skills Level 2
- Maths GCSE grade 3 (D) or Functional Skills Level 1

If you have international qualifications, you will need to ensure that these meet the UK equivalence and that your intended university of study will accept them.

This course is free If you live in the West Midlands Combined Authority area. To be eligible for this funding you must:

  • Be 19+ years old
  • Live in the West Midlands
  • Be on a low wage below £30,000 or unemployed.

For 19-23-year olds the course is free if you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification.

If you do not meet the above criteria, the course fees are £3384, 19+ learners may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of the course (and are advised to apply as soon as they are accepted on the course).

More information on Access to Higher Education fees and funding (PDF)

The decisions on applications for HE candidates are made by curriculum staff after interview, audition or portfolio review have taken place.

Course Summary

Length of study:
1 year

Starting:
September

Study campus:
City

Study option(s):
Full time

Course level:
Level 3

Can’t find the information you’re looking for? Contact us.

Need careers advice?

We can help you get the advice and guidance you need. From choosing the right programme, developing your CV, further study options and career planning.

Fees and funding

If you are aged 16-18 and applying for a full-time programme, then you will not have to pay for your course. If you are aged 19+ then there may be a fee for your course.

Why Coventry

From entry-level qualifications, through to degree-level and specialist professional courses there’s something here for students with little or no formal education right up to career high-flyers. Expect a vibrant environment where you can meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Ask a question

Programme Ref: COV_ACHE_29114 Last updated: February 16, 2024 1:49 pm

What’s on at Coventry College


SEE EVENTS