Free Access to HE Nursing Course in Widnes

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body

About this course

Free Access to HE Nursing Course in Widnes. Classes run full-time at Riverside College Kingsway Campus. This is a one-year, daytime course designed for adults who have been out of education for some time and want to progress to university. You'll study Psychology and Criminology at Level 3, alongside units covering study skills, academic writing, and academic research. The college also offers support with university applications. This level 3 access to he nursing qualification is recognised by UK universities as meeting entry requirements for nursing and related degree programmes.

Who this course is for

The course is modular and designed for progression to university. It is designed for adult students ages 21+, who may have been out of education for some time in preparation for higher education. You will study two Level 3 subjects; Psychology and Criminology. The diploma also includes modules in study skills, academic writing, and academic research to prepare you for your degree. Preparation for university: students are offered support and guidance on university applications. There are excellent links with local universities, who value the quality of the Access provision at Riverside College. Students receive in-depth guidance from subject tutors on essay writing and research skills, together with additional support if required. A successful personal tutor programme is in place to offer support to all students and monitor progress to help students succeed on the course. Degree Progression and Career Opportunities include: Social Work, Psychology, Youth Studies, Criminology, Sociology, Law and Criminal Justice, Psychotherapist, Probation officer, Legal and Government careers.

Entry requirements

Please enquire at the college website

What you will learn

  • You'll study Psychology at Level 3, covering key theories and research methods.
  • You'll study Criminology at Level 3, exploring crime, society, and justice.
  • You'll develop academic writing skills to meet university standards.
  • You'll build research skills needed for degree-level study.
  • You'll practise study skills to help you manage independent learning.
  • You'll receive guidance on applying to university, including UCAS support.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Riverside College Kingsway Campus. The course is modular, so you work through units across the year. Assessment is built into each module and is designed to reflect the kind of work you'll do at university. This includes written assignments, academic essays, and research tasks. There are no formal exams in the traditional sense; your work across the modules builds toward the full Diploma.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Riverside College Kingsway Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Registered nurse. Qualifying through a nursing degree after this course.
  • Midwife. Entry to midwifery degrees often accepts Access to HE qualifications.
  • Mental health nurse. A common progression route from nursing-focused Access courses.
  • Healthcare assistant. Entry-level NHS and care roles while studying or after.
  • Social worker. Some social work degrees accept Access to HE Diplomas.
  • Occupational therapist. Allied health degree programmes recognise this qualification.

What you could study next

The natural next step is a nursing degree (BSc Nursing) at a UK university. This Access to HE Diploma is recognised by universities as meeting standard entry requirements for nursing programmes. You could also progress to other health and social care degrees, such as midwifery, mental health nursing, or social work. Some learners go on to study a Foundation Year first if they want extra preparation before a full degree.

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