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

CostFee:3382.00 Concession: 240.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA

About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) Course in Cambridge. Classes run at Cambridge Regional College, full-time during the day.

The course is designed for adults who want to progress to university without traditional A Levels. You'll need Level 2 Maths and English, such as GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above, before you apply. Check with your chosen universities about their specific GCSE requirements too. The course takes one year and covers the academic knowledge and study skills you need to succeed in higher education. Units include health sciences, biology, and research and communication skills.

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

Who this course is for

Access to Higher Education (HE) diplomas prepares adults without traditional qualifications such as A Levels for study at university or other higher education programmes. This diploma course is widely recognised by UK universities and Colleges. You will be given the opportunity to develop not only academic knowledge in your chosen subjects but also broader study skills to help you succeed at university. For further information on the benefits of studying an Access to HE diploma Access course and what it can lead to, please visit our Awarding body website at https://www.cava.ac.uk/about-access-to-he/for-students/

In this pathway, you will study Human Biology, Psychology and Sociology, as well as a compulsory units in Professional Behaviours, Numeracy in a health context and Study Skills. A strongly supportive tutorial and study skills system is also in place to encourage the development of an independent and self-disciplined approach to learning as required for higher education. This includes regular group and one-to-one tutorials to set and review targets and ensure sufficient progress is made. Career advice provided by personal tutors and the College Careers officers focus predominantly on university application, registration with UCAS and completion of the application form, as well as assistance with personal statement writing and advice on a range of higher education courses.

You are advised to apply for this course between November 2024 to June 2025. Interviews start in February for this very popular course

Entry requirements

You are strongly advised to contact the universities you are interested in to check GCSE entry requirements prior to applying for this course. You will need Level 2 Maths and English, e.g. GCSE Maths and English grade 9 - 4 (A - C) as a minimum before applying for this course.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of human biology and health sciences.
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills for university study.
  • You'll study the social and psychological factors that affect health.
  • You'll learn how to plan, structure, and present academic arguments.
  • You'll practise critical thinking and independent study techniques.
  • You'll explore topics relevant to nursing and other health professions.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Cambridge Regional College. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than formal exams. You'll complete graded units throughout the year, and your tutors will give feedback to help you develop your academic skills. The Diploma is credit-based, so each unit contributes to your final award.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Registered Nurse, following a nursing degree and NMC registration.
  • Midwife, following a midwifery degree at university.
  • Paramedic, following a paramedic science degree and HCPC registration.
  • Occupational Therapist, following a relevant degree and professional registration.
  • Radiographer, following a diagnostic or therapeutic radiography degree.
  • Healthcare Support Worker, entry-level role in NHS or private settings.

What you could study next

  • BSc Nursing (Adult, Child, or Mental Health), the degree route to becoming a Registered Nurse.
  • BSc Midwifery, for those aiming to work in maternity care.
  • BSc Paramedic Science, leading to HCPC registration and frontline ambulance work.
  • BSc Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy, for allied health careers.

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

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