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

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.

About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) Course in Birmingham. Evening classes run at Longbridge Campus, one evening at a time, so you can fit study around work or other commitments. Fees vary depending on your circumstances. Call 0121 694 5001 or visit the website for full fee information.

The course takes one year part-time. You'll study the knowledge and skills needed to progress to a health-related undergraduate degree. Units cover biology, chemistry, psychology, and academic study skills. You'll need GCSE grade C or above in maths and English, plus relevant work experience in a health-related area. Entry is by interview and initial assessment.

You'll finish with an AIM Qualifications Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions).

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 knowledge of human biology and the sciences that underpin health care.
  • You'll study psychology and its relevance to health and patient care.
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills needed for degree-level study.
  • You'll practise critical thinking and analysis across health-related topics.
  • You'll learn how to reference sources and structure academic arguments.
  • You'll explore the structure and values of health professions in the UK.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Longbridge Campus on evenings throughout the year. Assessment is through a combination of written assignments, essays, and coursework submitted across the units. There is no final exam. Work is marked against national Access to HE grading criteria, and you must pass all units to achieve the Diploma.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Longbridge Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Registered nurse, following completion of a nursing degree programme.
  • Midwife, following a midwifery degree at university.
  • Paramedic, via a paramedic science degree.
  • Healthcare assistant, entry-level NHS or private care roles while studying.
  • Occupational therapist, following a relevant allied health degree.
  • Radiographer, via a diagnostic or therapeutic radiography degree.

What you could study next

  • BSc Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health, or Learning Disabilities), the most common next step for graduates of this access to HE diploma course.
  • BSc Midwifery, for those aiming to qualify as a midwife.
  • BSc Paramedic Science, a popular route into emergency care.
  • Other allied health degrees such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or radiography, all of which recognise the Level 3 Access to HE Diploma qualification as a standard entry route.

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