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Free Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) Course in Birmingham

CostFREE
Duration9 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Fircroft College of Adult Education, full-time during the day. If your annual income is under £36,000 and you live in the West Midlands, the course may be free to you.

The course is designed to prepare you for university study in health and social care subjects. Over nine months, you'll cover topics including human biology, psychology, sociology, research skills, and health and social care practice. You must be aged 19 or over to apply. An initial literacy and numeracy assessment is part of the application process.

You'll finish with an AIM Qualifications Access to HE Diploma in Health and Social Care, recognised by UK universities.

Who this course is for

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) is a great stepping-stone to university, especially if you are wanting to pursue a career in one of the following professions: Psychology, Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Adult Nursing, Counselling, Midwifery.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19 or older by August 31st 2026 (this is a college requirement).

If you do not have a level 2 literacy and level 1 numeracy qualification from within the last 5 years we will ask you to take a Literacy and numeracy assessment.

If you show that you are able to reach the skills level in these areas, you will then be invited to attend an interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll study human biology and how the body works in health and disease.
  • You'll explore psychology and how behaviour and mental processes affect health.
  • You'll examine sociology and the social factors that shape health outcomes.
  • You'll develop research and academic writing skills for university-level study.
  • You'll study health and social care practice and professional values.
  • You'll build knowledge relevant to nursing, midwifery, counselling, and mental health careers.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Fircroft College of Adult Education, with tutor-led teaching and group discussion. Assessment is through assignments and written work completed throughout the course. There are no formal exams. You'll build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your knowledge and skills across the units.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Fircroft College of Adult Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursing, entry to adult or mental health nursing degree programmes.
  • Midwifery, university degree entry for midwifery training.
  • Counsellor, degree-level study in counselling or psychotherapy.
  • Healthcare assistant, support role while progressing to a nursing degree.
  • Social worker, university entry for social work degree programmes.
  • Mental health support worker, frontline role in mental health services.

What you could study next

  • BSc Nursing (Adult or Mental Health), the degree most learners on this course are aiming for, recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
  • BSc Midwifery, for those interested in maternity care.
  • BSc Psychology, for those drawn to counselling or psychological practice.
  • BSc Social Work, for those wanting a career in statutory or voluntary social care settings.
Apply on fircroft.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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