Level 3 Access to HE Diploma in Health and Social Care Course in Reading

Cost£3,384.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAscentis awarding body

About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) Course in Reading. Classes run at Reading College, full-time during the day. This one-year course is designed for people who want to progress to university but don't yet have the formal qualifications to apply. You'll study health and social care topics that prepare you for degree-level study in areas like nursing, social work, or healthcare. No formal entry requirements apply for this pathway. For university entry, you'll need GCSE grade 4 or above in English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 2 in both. Recognised by UK universities.

Who this course is for

If you live in England, you might be able to do this course for FREE, see 'Additional Information' tab for more details. Apply today and our team will confirm if you could qualify for free place, with no obligation. An Access to Higher Education course is for students (19+) who have been out of full-time education for one or more years and would like to go on to higher education but do not have the formal qualifications needed. It is appropriate for those returning to education after a number of years, for example in employment, bringing up a family or having a career break. A high level of motivation is required to complete the course. On the Access to HE: Psychology Level 3 Diploma pathway, you will study psychology, human biology and sociology. You will be introduced to some of the theories regarding human behaviour and experience and will explore some of the explanations psychologists have to understand humans and their interactions with the world. You will also conduct an in-depth investigation of human behaviour. Students from this pathway have progressed on to higher education to study psychology, deaf studies, counselling, occupational therapy, human services, sociology, religion and theology. On successful completion of this course you will be awarded the following qualification certificate: Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care). Benefits of studying with Activate Learning: Designed exclusively for adults (19+), Supportive environment provided through tutors with subject expertise and includes guidance webinars for every module., One year programme equivalent to three A Levels, allowing you to achieve the qualification you need to progress to university., Widely recognised and accepted qualification by UK universities. This. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

Entry requirements

Although there are no formal entry requirements for this course*, for university, you will need to have a GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above in both English and maths, or a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification. *The Engineering and some Science pathways do require you to already have achieved a grade 4 (C) in Maths. These pathways will also require an additional entrance ass. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

What you will learn

  • You'll develop an understanding of health and social care systems and how they work in the UK.
  • You'll study human biology and anatomy relevant to health and care settings.
  • You'll explore psychology and sociology as they apply to health and wellbeing.
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills needed for university study.
  • You'll examine ethical and professional issues in health and social care practice.
  • You'll learn how to critically analyse evidence and present arguments in written assignments.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Reading College, with tutor-led teaching, group discussion, and guided study. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than formal exams. You'll build a portfolio of work across the year that meets the requirements of the Ascentis Access to HE Diploma.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support adults in residential or home care settings.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Mental health support worker: work alongside mental health teams.
  • Social care worker: support vulnerable adults or children in the community.
  • Nursery or early years worker: care and learning support for young children.

What you could study next

  • BSc (Hons) Nursing: the most direct route after this Diploma for those aiming to become a registered nurse.
  • BSc (Hons) Social Work: a degree required to practise as a qualified social worker in the UK.
  • BSc (Hons) Midwifery: for those interested in maternity and reproductive health care.
  • Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education option if a full degree feels like a big step.

Most UK universities accept the Access to HE Diploma as a standard entry qualification for health-related degrees.

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