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Free Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) Course in Durham – New College Durham

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 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 Durham. Classes run at New College Durham, full-time during the day.

This qualification is recognised by universities across the UK as an entry route into health-related degrees. It is designed for adults who don't hold the formal qualifications needed for degree-level study. The course covers science, health, and study skills over one year. You'll build the academic knowledge universities expect from applicants to nursing, midwifery, and allied health programmes.

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

Who this course is for

Course may be subject to change.

This course is aimed for people aged 19 years or over.

This Access to Higher Education Health Professions Diploma is widely recognised by universities and colleges, throughout the country, as an entry qualification for degrees and many professional courses. If you do not have the formal qualifications required for degree level study then this course can help you reach your goals.

The Access to Higher Education Health Professions diploma provides the entry criteria for a variety of health related higher education qualifications including nursing, midwifery and paramedic science.

Entry requirements

Please refer to College website.

What you will learn

  • You'll study human biology and how the body's systems work.
  • You'll explore health, disease, and how care is delivered.
  • You'll develop academic writing and research skills for university study.
  • You'll practise critical thinking and how to evaluate evidence.
  • You'll learn how to structure and present arguments at degree level.
  • You'll gain an understanding of health ethics and professional values.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at New College Durham. Assessment is through written assignments and graded units. You'll complete a portfolio of work across the year. Each unit is assessed separately, and grades contribute to your overall Diploma result. There are no formal exams in the traditional sense; continuous assessment through coursework is the main method.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nurse, working in NHS or private healthcare settings after completing a nursing degree.
  • Midwife, supporting women through pregnancy and birth after a midwifery degree.
  • Paramedic, responding to emergencies after completing a paramedic science degree.
  • Occupational therapist, helping patients regain independence after a relevant degree.
  • Radiographer, working in diagnostic imaging after a radiography degree.
  • Healthcare support worker, supporting clinical teams while studying further.

What you could study next

  • BSc Nursing (Adult, Child, or Mental Health), the degree most learners use this Diploma to enter.
  • BSc Midwifery, for those aiming to work in maternity care.
  • BSc Paramedic Science, a popular route for those drawn to emergency care.
  • BSc Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy, for allied health careers requiring degree-level entry.
Apply on newcollegedurham.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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