Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) Course in Southwark. Classes run at Southwark College Main Campus, full-time during the day. The course runs for 35 weeks and covers specialist units across health, social care, and social science. It's designed to prepare you for university-level study, including nursing, social work, and social science degrees, degree apprenticeships, or nursing associate programmes. Universities across the UK recognise the Gateway Qualifications Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) as a route into higher education. Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) with certificate.
Who this course is for
This course aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in a wide range of specialist units to allow for progression onto health social work social science degrees or degree apprenticeships or nursing associate programmes.
Entry requirements
Age 19+ learners will need to have GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above or equivalent qualifications. IELTS tests can be taken before the course starts at the college if students do not have English GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications.
What you will learn
You'll study specialist units in health and social care theory and practice.
You'll develop knowledge of social science concepts relevant to care settings.
You'll build understanding of the principles underpinning social work and nursing.
You'll learn how to apply academic skills including research, analysis, and extended writing.
You'll explore topics that prepare you for degree-level study in health and related fields.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom at Southwark College Main Campus, full-time during the day. Assessment is through a combination of assignments, essays, and coursework across the specialist units. There are no formal written exams. Your work is assessed throughout the course, with grades contributing to your final Diploma result. Universities use these grades as part of their entry decisions.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Southwark College Main Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support people in residential or home care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Social care worker: help individuals with daily living and wellbeing.
Mental health support worker: work alongside people managing mental health conditions.
Community support worker: provide outreach and support in local communities.
What you could study next
BSc (Hons) Nursing: the most direct route for those aiming to register as a nurse with the NMC.
BA (Hons) Social Work: leads to a career as a qualified social worker.
BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care: broader degree covering policy, practice, and management.
Nursing Associate Programme (Foundation Degree): a work-based route into nursing, often available as a degree apprenticeship.
The level 3 access to he diploma (health and social care) qualification is recognised by universities as meeting entry requirements for these courses.
