Free Access to HE Medicine Course in Ardwick

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOpen Awards awarding body

About this course

Free Access to HE Medicine Course in Ardwick. Classes run at Nicholls Campus, full-time during the day.

The course is designed for adults who want to apply to university to study medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy. It meets the QAA Descriptors for Medicine required by certain universities for these applications. Over one year, you'll study biology, chemistry, and other science subjects alongside academic skills units that prepare you for degree-level study. You'll also get support with your UCAS application and personal statement.

You'll finish with the Access to HE Diploma (Medicine SDM) at Level 3, recognised by UK universities.

Who this course is for

If you are interested in taking the nest steps towards a career in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy the Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) is the course for you!

An Access to HE Diploma is a qualification designed specifically for adults returning to education who would like to go on to study at university (Higher Education).

This diploma meets the QAA Descriptors for Medicine as required for certain universities for Medicine and Dentistry applications.

There are a range of reasons that students may choose to study an Access to HE diploma: they may lack formal qualifications needed for university entry, they may want to develop their knowledge and confidence after being out of education for a while, or they may be considering on a career change that requires a fresh start.

The Access to HE Diploma is equivalent to studying three A Levels and supports students in developing the academic knowledge and skills required to begin their journey in to Higher Education. It is important to note that an Access to HE Diploma is a challenging and intense course and students need to be highly motivated, dedicated and have a positive attitude to learning in order to succeed.

Whilst studying the Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) you will complete units in the following modules:

  • Biology
  • Maths
  • Chemistry

In addition to these subject specific modules, the course includes developmental units to support you in developing your academic skills in preparation for university.

When applying to university, we will support you with completing your UCAS application, personal statement and we will provide you with an academic reference. It is important to note that successfully completing your Access to HE Diploma does not guarantee you a place at university. While most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas, it is your own responsibility to check that your UCAS application meets the current entry requirements for your university course choices.

What you will learn

  • You'll study biology, building the scientific knowledge needed for medicine and dentistry applications.
  • You'll develop your understanding of chemistry and its role in medical science.
  • You'll build academic writing and study skills for university-level work.
  • You'll learn how to construct arguments and analyse information critically.
  • You'll prepare a UCAS personal statement with guidance from the centre.
  • You'll gain an understanding of the QAA requirements relevant to medicine and dentistry entry.

How you will learn

You'll learn through full-time, face-to-face teaching on campus. The course uses a mix of classroom sessions, written assignments, and coursework to assess your progress. There are no formal exams in the traditional sense. Instead, you build a portfolio of assessed units throughout the year. You'll also complete developmental units designed to strengthen your academic skills for university study.

What you will need to bring

You'll need official evidence of GCSE grade C or grade 4 or above in both English and maths. Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths may also be considered. Nicholls Campus will confirm what else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Medicine, requires a medical degree and foundation training after university.
  • Dentistry, requires a dental degree and further professional registration.
  • Pharmacy, requires a pharmacy degree and registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
  • Biomedical science, requires a relevant degree and may lead to laboratory or research roles.
  • Paramedic science, requires a degree and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

What you could study next

  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), the degree required to become a doctor in the UK, typically five or six years at university.
  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), the degree needed to qualify as a dentist.
  • MPharm (Master of Pharmacy), the degree required to register as a pharmacist.
  • BSc Biomedical Science, a Level 6 degree opening routes into laboratory and research careers.