Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) Course in Paignton – South Devon College

Cost£3,504.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start17 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body

About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) Course in Paignton. Classes run at South Devon College, part-time during the day.

You'll study health studies, biology, and psychology. These subjects build the academic grounding universities expect for health-related degrees. You need a GCSE grade 4 or above in English to enrol. You'll also be expected to complete GCSE Maths alongside the course to meet university entry requirements.

You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions), awarded by AIM Qualifications and recognised by UK universities.

Who this course is for

If you’re ready to take the next step towards a career in healthcare but need the right qualification to access university, the Access to Higher Education Diploma: Health Professions (Part-Time) at South Devon College offers the perfect route. Designed for adult learners, this two-year part-time course supports your progression into a wide range of degree-level health programmes. This course is ideal if you're interested in working in roles such as: Adult or Paediatric Nursing Mental Health Nursing Midwifery Paramedicine Occupational Therapy Physiotherapy Speech and Language Therapy Other Allied Health Professions.You’ll study core subjects in health studies, psychology and biology, supported by training in academic writing, research, study skills, and UCAS application guidance to help you transition smoothly into higher education. You’ll attend one day per week, making this programme ideal for those balancing work or family commitments. In Year 1, you’ll complete two of your academic subjects, followed by the remaining content in Year 2. The course is structured to support steady progression, confidence building, and skill development at every stage. If you are under 24 and haven’t previously achieved a Level 3 qualification, funding may be available. Alternatively, an Advanced Learner Loan can cover your course fees, and this is written off if you complete a university degree. If you haven’t yet achieved GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above, we recommend applying for the Pre-Access to Higher Education - Health Professionals Course, where you can study GCSEs alongside your Level 2 studies. Approved progression routes at University Centre South Devon include: FdSc Assistant Practitioner, FdSc Nursing Associate, FdSc Hearing Aid Audiology, FdSc Psychology and Counselling, FdSc Psychology and Sociology and FdSc Psychology and Criminology.

Entry requirements

You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in English, You would then be expected to enrol and complete GCSE Maths alongside the Access course so you are able to progress to University.

What you will learn

  • You'll study core health studies topics relevant to professional healthcare settings.
  • You'll develop your understanding of human biology at degree-preparation level.
  • You'll explore psychology and how it applies to health and patient care.
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills needed for university study.
  • You'll learn how to analyse and evaluate evidence in a health context.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at South Devon College. Assessment is through a combination of assignments and coursework completed throughout the course. Work is marked and graded, and your overall grade is based on the marks you earn across all units.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nurse, progressing via a nursing degree after completing this qualification.
  • Midwife, entering a midwifery degree programme at university.
  • Paramedic, studying a paramedic science degree as a route into the ambulance service.
  • Healthcare assistant, working in hospitals or community settings while studying further.
  • Occupational therapist, pursuing a degree in occupational therapy.

What you could study next

  • BSc Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health, or Learning Disabilities), the degree most learners use this qualification to enter.
  • BSc Midwifery, for those aiming to work in maternity care.
  • BSc Paramedic Science, a common next step for those interested in emergency healthcare.
  • BSc Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy, for allied health careers requiring a degree.

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