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

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

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

This access to HE diploma course is designed for adults aged 21 or over who want to move into higher education. It typically takes one year to complete. You'll study Psychology and Criminology at Level 3. The course also covers study skills, academic writing, and research methods to prepare you for degree-level study. Support with university applications is included.

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

Who this course is for

The course is modular and designed for progression to university. It is designed for adult students ages 21+, who may have been out of education for some time in preparation for higher education. You will study two Level 3 subjects; Psychology and Criminology. The diploma also includes modules in study skills, academic writing, and academic research to prepare you for your degree. Preparation for university: students are offered support and guidance on university applications. There are excellent links with local universities, who value the quality of the Access provision at Riverside College. Students receive in-depth guidance from subject tutors on essay writing and research skills, together with additional support if required. A successful personal tutor programme is in place to offer support to all students and monitor progress to help students succeed on the course. Degree Progression and Career Opportunities include: Social Work, Psychology, Youth Studies, Criminology, Sociology, Law and Criminal Justice, Psychotherapist, Probation officer, Legal and Government careers.

Entry requirements

Please enquire at the college website

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of Psychology, including human behaviour and mental processes.
  • You'll explore Criminology, covering crime, society, and the justice system.
  • You'll build academic writing skills for university-level assignments.
  • You'll learn research methods used in health and social science degrees.
  • You'll practise study skills to manage independent learning at degree level.
  • You'll receive guidance on applying to university through UCAS.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Riverside College Kingsway Campus. The course is modular, so you complete units across the year. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than exams. You'll also receive support with your university application as part of the programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Riverside College Kingsway Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nurse, entry via a nursing degree following this qualification.
  • Midwife, entry via a midwifery degree at university.
  • Paramedic, entry via a paramedic science degree programme.
  • Health and social care worker, supporting patients in community or clinical settings.
  • Mental health support worker, working alongside clinical teams in care settings.

What you could study next

  • BSc Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Children's), the degree most learners use this qualification to enter.
  • BSc Midwifery, for those aiming to work in maternity care.
  • BSc Paramedic Science, a common progression route for health-focused access graduates.
  • BSc Psychology, for those who want to continue with the psychology strand of the course.
Apply on riversidecollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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