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Level 3 Access to HE Diploma in Medical Science Course in Paignton

Cost£3,624.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Medical Science) Course in Paignton. Classes run at South Devon College, full-time during the day, over one year. This course is designed for adults aged 19 or over who want to return to education and progress to a degree in medical science or an allied health profession. You'll study science and academic subjects that UK universities recognise as meeting their entry requirements. The allied health professions sector includes paramedics, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, and operating department practitioners, among others. You'll need GCSE grade 4 or above in both English and maths to apply.

Who this course is for

The Medical Science Diploma is for those (19+) returning to education and wishing to pursue a degree, and subsequent career in Medical Science or the Allied Health Professions. There is a national shortage of staff in the Allied Health Professions sector, which includes Occupational therapists; Operating department practitioners; Orthoptists; Osteopaths; Paramedics; Physiotherapists; Podiatrists; Prosthetists and orthotists. There are also many careers as technicians in areas such as cardiac and respiratory medicine. This Diploma covers more body systems than the Access to HE (Science) pathway but that is a possible alternative course of study that is also offered full time or part time. You should have a GCSE grade 4 in English and/or maths. Alternatively, you must have a functional skills Level 2 qualification should your chosen university accept this. You may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for your course fees, which you will not have to repay if you progress to University and complete your degree It is desirable if you have a clear idea of the university course that you would like to apply for.Please check your Higher Education institute choice/s for their entry requirements.Both maths and English GCSE grade 4 (or equivalent) are required for all Access to HE Diplomas (exceptions will be considered if you do not need this criteria in order to progress to your selected Higher Education Institute) The Diploma is accredited by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group. Upon successful completion of this course, there is an approved progression route to Foundation Degrees here at University Centre South Devon � part of South Devon College. See below the list of programmes you can progress onto:FdSc Assistant PractitionerFdSc Nursing Associate FdSc Hearing Aid Audiology Visit www.ucsd.ac.uk or email [email protected] for more information on these progression routes.

Entry requirements

You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in English, You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in Maths

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of biological and medical science relevant to degree-level study.
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills needed for university.
  • You'll study topics that underpin careers in allied health professions such as physiotherapy, paramedic science, and occupational therapy.
  • You'll practise critical thinking and analysis at Level 3.
  • You'll complete assignments that mirror the demands of higher education.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time during the day. Assessment is through coursework and assignments rather than formal exams. You'll be assessed on written work throughout the course, building a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your knowledge and academic ability to universities.

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

  • Paramedic: degree entry route via NHS ambulance services
  • Physiotherapist: degree required; high demand across NHS and private practice
  • Occupational therapist: degree entry; growing shortage across health and social care
  • Operating department practitioner: degree or apprenticeship route into theatre teams
  • Podiatrist: degree entry; works in NHS and independent clinics
  • Cardiac technician: technical role in hospital cardiology departments
  • Orthoptist: specialist eye health role requiring a degree
  • Prosthetist or orthotist: degree-level role designing mobility aids and supports

What you could study next

The level 3 access to HE diploma (medical science) qualification is designed to lead directly into university. You could apply for a BSc in Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Biomedical Science, or a related allied health degree. Some learners go on to nursing degrees or graduate-entry medicine programmes. Check individual university entry requirements, as some courses may ask for specific science subjects within your access to HE diploma classes and units.

Apply on southdevon.ac.uk →
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