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Free Level 3 Access to HE Diploma in Health and Social Care Course in Truro – Truro College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) Course in Truro. Classes run at Truro College three days a week, full-time over one year. The course is designed to prepare you for university-level study in health, social care, psychology, social work, and related fields. You'll build the academic skills and subject knowledge that universities look for. The provider recommends GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above, but encourages you to get in touch to discuss your situation. Past students have gone on to study clinical psychology, social work, counselling, and teaching.

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 psychology, social work and the social sciences. In previous years students have gained places to train as clinical psychologists, social workers, teachers, counsellors etc.

This course provides learners with a step-up to Higher Education by giving them the necessary grounding and qualifications for progression to University Courses.

Entry requirements

We recommend that you have GCSE English and Maths at a minimum of Grade 4 (C) before you commence the Access course. However, please contact us to discuss your prior qualifications and planned progression route and we would be happy to advise based on your particular set of circumstances.

It is advisable to check the GCSE requirements for the higher education course you wish to complete following the Access course, as they may have different stipulations.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop academic writing and research skills needed for university study.
  • You'll study core concepts in health, social care, and the social sciences.
  • You'll explore psychology and its application to health and social care settings.
  • You'll build critical thinking skills to analyse evidence and form arguments.
  • You'll gain an understanding of social work principles and practice.
  • You'll learn how to plan and structure extended academic assignments.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom three days a week. Learning is delivered through taught sessions, guided study, and written assignments. Assessment is coursework-based, as is standard for Access to HE Diplomas. You'll complete graded units across the year, with marks contributing to your overall Diploma grade. That grade is what universities use when considering your application.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support people in residential or home care settings.
  • Support worker: work with adults or young people with complex needs.
  • Mental health support worker: assist people managing mental health conditions.
  • Social care worker: help individuals and families access services and support.
  • Healthcare assistant: work alongside clinical staff in NHS or private settings.

What you could study next

  • BSc (Hons) Social Work: a degree leading to registration as a qualified social worker.
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology: opens routes into clinical, educational, and occupational psychology.
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing: leads to NMC registration as a registered nurse.
  • BA (Hons) Counselling or Psychotherapy: for those aiming to work in talking therapies.

The Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) qualification is recognised by UK universities as meeting entry requirements for a wide range of health and social science degrees.

Apply on truro-penwith.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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