Access to HE Nursing Course Online – East Sussex College Eastbourne

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
Start7 Dec 2026
Awarding bodySEGA

About this course

Access to HE Nursing Course. Study online, at your own pace, fitting learning around work and other commitments. The course is free for some learners aged 23 or under with no prior Level 3 qualification. Fees may apply for others. To enrol, you'll need Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths (GCSE grade C/4 or above, or Functional Skills equivalent). The course takes around one year and is recognised by UK universities as a route into nursing and other health-related degrees. You'll be supported by a team of subject specialist assessors throughout.

Who this course is for

Do you have dreams of going to university, but don't quite have the qualifications to get in?

With start dates that are offered all year round our online Access to Higher Education diplomas are the perfect solution to helping you get the grades AND the study skills you need.

The beauty of our online courses is that they are self-directed, meaning you can study at home whenever you have some spare time. It fits perfectly around your work and adult life commitments - we know there can be a few.

You'll be assigned a subject specialist team of academic assessors, so you won't be left on your own to figure it all out. These assessors will guide you in the right direction and provide feedback on your assignments. Additionally, the support staff, are available to offer further advice and assistance.

As you get towards the end of your course, we'll be able to give you tips and support with your university application and help make that dream a reality.

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification, equivalent to a level, which allows students to go on and study higher education courses including bachelor's degrees, foundation degrees, higher national certificates and diplomas (HNC/HND) and higher degree apprenticeships. Access to HE courses are available in a wide range of different subjects and are widely recognised by UK universities and higher education institutions.

Due to limitations with funding, our online Access to HE Diplomas are only available to those who are aged 19 or older on the 31st of August 2026.

Contact us 0303 003 8368

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Entry requirements

To enrol on this Online Access Diploma, you must have already achieved Level 2 qualifications in both English Language and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grade C/4 or above, or Functional Skills). Please note that it is not permitted to study English and Maths concurrently with the Online Access Diploma.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop the academic writing and study skills needed for university-level work.
  • You'll build knowledge of biology and human sciences relevant to nursing.
  • You'll study health, care, and the principles that underpin nursing practice.
  • You'll learn how to research, reference, and construct evidence-based arguments.
  • You'll complete assignments that prepare you for the demands of a nursing degree.

How you will learn

You'll study entirely online, working through self-directed materials at times that suit you. A team of subject specialist assessors will guide your learning and give written feedback on your assignments. Support staff are also available for additional advice. Assessment is assignment-based throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

East Sussex College Eastbourne will confirm anything you need before you start. You won't need to purchase books, though you may choose to supplement the study materials provided.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Registered nurse: the degree is the direct route into nursing
  • Midwife: nursing degree opens a pathway into midwifery training
  • Healthcare assistant: entry-level NHS and care roles while studying
  • Mental health support worker: community and inpatient settings
  • Nursing associate: a degree-level apprenticeship route in the NHS
  • Care coordinator: managing care plans in health and social care settings

What you could study next

This Diploma is designed to take you into higher education. Most learners go on to apply for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing, which leads to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Some choose a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care as a shorter first step. If your interests develop during the course, related degrees in midwifery, paramedic science, or health sciences are also open to Access to HE graduates.

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