• Gain skills and knowledge to prepare for a career in healthcare.

  • Access to Higher Education:

    Diploma in Healthcare Professions

    Accredited by Open College Network South East England (trading as Laser Learning Awards). OCN South East is an awarding body approved by The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the UK's accreditation body for higher education.

    Overview

    This is an intensive yet rewarding course which is intended to provide a qualification equivalent to three A-levels, recognised by universities as sufficient for entry to healthcare-related degree courses such as midwifery, nursing, paramedic science, psychology and physiotherapy.

     

    Throughout the course, you will delve into an array of units that can prepare you for the healthcare career you want to work towards. From cell biology and human reproduction to mental health and understanding dementia. With a broad scope, you can use this knowledge to progress into a specified area of healthcare study.

     

    You will also be developing a wide range of academic study skills on the course, from essay writing to using ICT, leading you towards the Independent Academic Study unit, where you will have the chance to experience what producing a dissertation will be like, once you move onto university.

    Course Content

    Mandatory Units

    • Cells, tissues and organs
    • Digestion and the liver
    • Homeostasis for healthcare
    • The musculoskeletal system for healthcare
    • Blood, circulation and gaseous exchange
    • Disease and body defence
    • Reproductive biology
    • Independent Academic Study (Professional Studies)
    • Giving a presentation to an audience
    • Skills for study: Essay writing
    • Skills for study: Research
    • Skills for study: Writing
    • Understanding Mathematics
     
    Optional Units
    Professional Studies
    • Developing professional practice in healthcare
    • Understanding health and wellbeing
    • Understanding health promotion and health education
    • Understanding mental health

    Psychology

    • Introduction to psychology
    • Psychology and mental health
    • Applied Stress Management
    • Psychology of Early Socialisation
    Sociology
    • Introduction to Sociology
    • Social Research Methods
    • The sociology of family
    • The sociology of health

    Chemistry

    • Body Chemistry
    • Fundamentals of chemistry
    • Drugs and food additives
    • Organic Chemistry

     

    Entry Requirements

    • You must be at least 18 years old (17 years old if study 100% online).
    • You must have a Level 2 in Maths and English (GCSE at grade 4/C or above).
    • If your first language is not English you will need an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher.

    Study Formats

    This programme is available in the following formats:

    • 100% online - weekly timetabled lessons.
    • On-campus at our learning centres in England.
    • Hybrid - combination of online and on-campus studies at our learning centres in England.

    Duration

    • Full-time in Reading, UK: 6 months
    • Full-time Online: 9 months
    • Part-time online: 18-24 months
    • Hybrid: 3 months online + 6 months in Reading, UK

    Important Note

    To obtain the full Access to Higher Education Diploma (Healthcare Professions), students must complete at least 50% of the course within the UK or provide a valid UK address as required by QAA. Students who are unable to travel to the UK or wish to complete the entire course outslide of the UK will receive Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Studies upon successful completion of the programme. The Level 3 Diploma is validated by Open College Network South East Region (trading as Laser Learning Awards).

  • Where next?

    Upon successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma, you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare field, making you eligible to pursue various health related undergraduate courses. Following your selection and accomplishment of the chosen degree programme, you will be fully prepared to embark upon your desired professional path. Numerous graduates in healthcare often find employment opportunities within the NHS or in private practice. Careers open to health graduates include:

    • Nursing,
    • Midwifery,
    • Exercise Science and Rehabilitation,
    • Nutrition,
    • Occupational Therapy,
    • Operating Department Practitioner,
    • Physiotherapy,
    • Radiography,
    • Psychology,
    • Speech and Language Therapy.
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