Free Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) Course in Penzance. Classes run at Penwith College three days a week, full-time over one year. The course is designed for adults who want to progress to university in a health or social care field. You'll cover academic study across health, social care, and related subjects, building the knowledge universities look for. There are no entry requirements for the course itself, though most universities ask for GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 alongside the Diploma. There may be the opportunity to study a GCSE alongside your timetable.
Who this course is for
The Access course is a 1 year course run over 3 days per week. It is for adults wanting to gain an academic qualification so as to gain access to University. It provides you with a qualification that leads you into your chosen career in the Health and Social Care sector. This sector is diverse and holds multiple career pathways for your future. This course is therefore ideal for those wishing to progress to university studying toward careers in Adult Nursing, Children’s Nursing, Social Work, Counselling, Care Management, Midwifery, Primary Teaching, Occupational Therapy, Social Science, Psychology, Youth and Community work and more.
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements to come on to the Access Diploma however, most universities require you to have GCSE English Language and Maths at a minimum of grade 5 alongside the Access Diploma in order to progress on to the degree. There may be the opportunity for you to study one GCSE alongside your Diploma timetable.
What you will learn
You'll develop academic writing and research skills needed for university-level study.
You'll study health and social care theory, including key concepts in nursing, social work, and related fields.
You'll explore the structure of health and social care services in the UK.
You'll build skills in critical thinking and analysing evidence.
You'll learn how to reference and present academic arguments clearly.
You'll cover topics relevant to specific degree pathways such as adult nursing, children's nursing, and social work.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions three days a week at Penwith College. Assessment is through a portfolio of assignments and coursework units completed throughout the year. There are no formal exams. Each unit is assessed separately, and you'll build up your portfolio as you progress through the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Penwith College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support adults in care homes or in the community.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Social care worker: help individuals with daily living and wellbeing.
Mental health support worker: work alongside people managing mental health conditions.
Early years practitioner: support children's development in nursery or school settings.
Residential support worker: provide care in supported living or residential homes.
What you could study next
The Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) qualification is recognised by UK universities as an entry route to degree-level study. You could go on to study:
BSc Adult Nursing or Children's Nursing (university degree, leads to NMC registration)
BA or BSc Social Work (university degree, required to practise as a qualified social worker)
BSc Midwifery or Paramedic Science (university degree, for other regulated health roles)
Foundation degrees in health and social care (a shorter higher education route)
