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

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA
Apply now →

About this course

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

The course takes one year and prepares you for university study in health-related subjects. You'll cover biology, human physiology, psychology, and health sciences. Units also develop the academic writing and research skills universities expect. You'll need Level 2 Functional Skills English and Level 1 Functional Skills Maths to join, though the college considers exceptions.

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

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for anyone who wishes to go to university and is taken by students of all ages and backgrounds. There is no upper age limit.

Get on the fast track to a professional career in nursing, midwifery or other supporting health-based practices. If you want to go to university but don't yet have the necessary qualifications this course is for you.

What is an Access to Higher Education course?

An Access to Higher Education course is a 1 year pre-university course that prepares adults for study at university. This course is ideal if you have been out of education for a while, planning a career change or upskill in your current job. A typical Access course is 2-3 days a week, 9.30am-3pm and are taken by students of all ages and backgrounds.

Entry requirements

Level 2 Functional Skills English or equivalent English qualification

Level 1 Functional Skills Maths or equivalent Maths qualification

We will consider exceptions to this requirement, subject to any other qualifications or evidence of the required competencies.

What you will learn

  • You'll study human biology and physiology.
  • You'll explore psychology and its role in health care.
  • You'll develop academic writing and essay skills.
  • You'll practise research and referencing methods.
  • You'll examine health sciences and related theory.
  • You'll build the knowledge universities expect for health profession degrees.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time over the academic year. Learning is through tutor-led sessions, guided reading, and written assignments. Assessment is by coursework and essays rather than final exams. Each unit is assessed separately, and you'll build a portfolio of work across the year.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Registered Nurse, following a nursing degree at university.
  • Midwife, following a midwifery degree at university.
  • Paramedic, following a paramedic science degree.
  • Healthcare assistant, supporting clinical teams in hospitals or GP surgeries.
  • Mental health support worker, working in community or residential settings.

What you could study next

  • BSc Nursing, the degree required to register as a nurse with the NMC.
  • BSc Midwifery, for those aiming to qualify as a midwife.
  • BSc Paramedic Science, leading to registration as a paramedic.
  • BSc Psychology, for roles in mental health and health research.
  • BSc Biomedical Science, for laboratory and diagnostic careers.
Apply on harlow-college.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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