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Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) Course in Birmingham

CostCheck if you can do this free
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body

Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Contact South & City College Birmingham for more info.

Apply now →Check if you're eligible

About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) Course in Birmingham. Evening classes run at South & City College Birmingham Bordesley Green Campus, part-time over one year. Fees may apply depending on your circumstances, so contact the centre for full details.

The course prepares you for undergraduate study in a health-related field. You'll cover subjects that support degree-level work in areas such as nursing and other health professions. Units typically include biology, psychology, and academic study skills. You'll need GCSE grade C or above in maths and English to enrol, along with relevant work experience. Entry is by interview and initial assessment.

You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma recognised by UK universities.

Who this course is for

Access to Higher Education courses offer a one-year, Level 3 qualification specifically tailored for adults who have been out of education for a while and wish to go on to study at university. This programme is ideal for those who did not attain typical qualifications like A Levels upon leaving school. This course aims to develop the skills and knowledge required for undergraduate degree courses in a health related field. If you feel you need extra help with your numeracy and language skills before starting the Access to HE Diploma, please enquire about our Pre-Access courses which are designed to prepare people for Level 3 study.

Entry requirements

To be enrolled onto this course, you should have been out of education with a clear idea of the course you wish to study at university. You are required to have GCSE grade C or above in maths and English/English language. Selection is on the basis of an interview and completion of an initial assessment.

You should have substantial work experience in an area related to your chosen career.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop the scientific knowledge needed for health-related degree study, including biology and human physiology.
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills for university-level work.
  • You'll study psychology and its relevance to health and care settings.
  • You'll practise critical thinking and analytical skills across health topics.
  • You'll learn how to reference, structure arguments, and present evidence.
  • You'll gain an understanding of health systems and professional practice.

How you will learn

You'll learn through evening classroom sessions at the centre. Assessment is through a combination of assignments, essays, and coursework completed across the year. There are no formal written exams for most units. Your tutors will give feedback on drafts to help you reach the standard required for university entry.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South & City College Birmingham Bordesley Green Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nurse, qualifying after completing an undergraduate nursing degree.
  • Midwife, progressing through a university midwifery programme.
  • Paramedic, entering a degree-level paramedic science course.
  • Healthcare assistant, working in NHS or private care settings while studying further.
  • Occupational therapist, training at degree level after this qualification.
  • Radiographer, entering a diagnostic or therapeutic radiography degree.

What you could study next

  • BSc Nursing (Adult, Child, or Mental Health), the most common next step for learners on this course.
  • BSc Midwifery, for those aiming to work in maternity care.
  • BSc Paramedic Science, leading to a career in emergency care.
  • BSc Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy, for those interested in allied health professions.

All of these degrees typically accept the Access to HE Diploma as a direct entry qualification.

Apply on sccb.ac.uk →Check if you're eligible
Apply now →Check if you're eligible

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