Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free Access to HE Nursing Course in Birkenhead – Wirral Met College

CostFREE
Duration16 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Feb 2027
Study modeFlexible
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOpen Awards awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Access to HE Nursing Course in Birkenhead. Classes run at Wirral Met College, daytime, over one year with flexible study. This level 3 access to HE nursing course prepares you for degree-level study in nursing, midwifery, paramedics, occupational therapy, and related health care professions. It's a university access course designed for adults aged 19 or over. You'll need Level 2 Functional Skills English and Maths, or GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above, to enrol. An interview or assessment is part of the process.

Who this course is for

Many adults can study this course for free. Check the 'Can I study for free?' section below to see if you're eligible. This course is for students who are 19 or above. This course is a preparation for entry to a degree or Higher Diploma course in health care including Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedics, Operations Dept Practitioner, Occupational Therapy and other related health care professions.

Entry requirements

You must be 19 or over on or before 31st August to study on this course. To study a Level 3 qualification, you will need: Level 2 Functional Skills English and Maths or GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above Satisfactory interview and/or assessment, where other requirements for progression to higher education courses will be discussed If English is not your first language, you may need an assessment before enrolling on this course. To discuss further, please contact the ESOL department on

What you will learn

  • You'll study the biological sciences underpinning health and nursing care.
  • You'll develop academic writing and research skills needed for university study.
  • You'll explore psychology and sociology as they apply to health and illness.
  • You'll build knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
  • You'll practise critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.
  • You'll understand the professional and ethical context of health care work.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Wirral Met College, with flexible daytime attendance over one year. Assessment is through a combination of written assignments, essays, and coursework. The Access to HE Diploma uses a credit-based model, so you build up units across the year. There are no formal written exams in the traditional sense. Your work is assessed and graded, and the grades contribute to the overall Diploma profile that universities use when making offers.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wirral Met College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Registered nurse, following a nursing degree and NMC registration
  • Midwife, following a midwifery degree programme
  • Paramedic, following a paramedic science degree
  • Occupational therapist, following an OT degree and HCPC registration
  • Operating department practitioner, following an ODP degree
  • Health care assistant, while studying or as a stepping stone to a degree

What you could study next

This Diploma is designed to take you into higher education. Most graduates go on to apply for nursing, midwifery, or allied health degrees at university. You could also consider a BSc in Paramedic Science or Occupational Therapy. Some learners use the Diploma to apply for foundation year programmes if they want extra preparation before a full degree. The graded profile from Open Awards is what universities assess when making conditional offers.

Apply on wmc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Wirral Met College

More courses near you