Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free Level 3 Access to HE Diploma in Health Sciences Course in Wigan

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOpen Awards awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health Sciences) Course in Wigan. Classes run at Wigan and Leigh College, full-time during the day, over 35 weeks. The course is designed for people aiming to study health-related subjects at university. You'll cover the science and academic skills that universities expect for courses such as nursing, midwifery, social work, radiography, occupational therapy, paramedic science, psychology, podiatry, speech therapy, and operating department practice. You'll need GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or equivalent) to apply. Individual universities set their own entry requirements, so it's worth checking these before you apply.

Who this course is for

This course is for people who want to pursue a career in health and social care. From this course, learners are able to apply for places in Higher Education including Nursing, Midwifery, Speech Therapy, Social Work, Podiatry, Radiography, Occupational Therapy, Operating Department Practitioner(OPD), Psychology and Paramedic.

Entry requirements

You will need GCSE English and Maths Grade A* - C / 9-4. Equivalent qualifications may be considered and on an individual basis.

Applicants must check individual university requirements to ensure qualifications are accepted for progression.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop the scientific knowledge needed for health-related university courses.
  • You'll build academic writing and study skills at university level.
  • You'll explore topics relevant to nursing, midwifery, and allied health professions.
  • You'll practise research and critical thinking skills.
  • You'll learn how to structure and present academic arguments.
  • You'll understand key concepts in health sciences, including biology and psychology.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Wigan and Leigh College. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than traditional exams. This is the standard approach for Access to HE Diplomas recognised by UK universities. You'll build a portfolio of assessed work across the year that forms the basis of your final qualification.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wigan and Leigh College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Registered nurse: requires a nursing degree after this qualification.
  • Midwife: entry via a midwifery degree at university.
  • Paramedic: degree-level paramedic science programme needed.
  • Occupational therapist: requires an occupational therapy degree.
  • Radiographer: entry via a diagnostic or therapeutic radiography degree.
  • Social worker: requires a social work degree and registration.
  • Operating department practitioner: degree or Foundation Degree route.
  • Psychologist: requires a psychology degree and further postgraduate study.

What you could study next

This Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health Sciences) Qualification is recognised by UK universities as an entry route into health-related degree programmes. You could progress to a BSc in Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, Occupational Therapy, or a BA in Social Work, among others. Individual universities set their own entry requirements, so check each institution's Access to HE acceptance policy before applying.

Apply on wigan-leigh.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Wigan and Leigh College

More courses near you