Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions)

Course Highlights:

• Step into a healthcare career: Lay the foundation for roles like Doctor, Nurse, Midwife, or Dentist.
• Equivalent to three A Levels: Gain the qualifications needed to meet university entry requirements.
• Flexible learning: Study at your own pace, on your schedule.
• Completion Time: Many of the students finish it in 9-12 months.
• 100% online with no exams: Perfect for busy individuals balancing other commitments.
• Affordable payment options: Various plans to suit your budget.

About the Diploma

Healthcare offers a wide range of rewarding and impactful career options, from supporting physical health as a Doctor or Dentist to improving mental well-being as a Nurse or Midwife. This diploma acts as your first step towards these fulfilling professions.

Can Online Healthcare Courses Replace Traditional Qualifications?

For many healthcare careers, a degree in a specific field is required, such as an accredited midwifery program to become a licensed Midwife. However, lack of traditional qualifications like GCSEs or A Levels doesn’t mean your dream career is out of reach.

Today, universities accept a wider range of qualifications, including Access to Higher Education Diplomas, which are tailored to meet entry requirements. These courses provide a quicker and more accessible path for those looking to transition into healthcare.

Why Choose This Diploma?

Not sure which healthcare path to pursue? The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions) is the perfect starting point. It provides a broad introduction to healthcare practices and foundational knowledge across various fields.

This allows you to explore your options while you learn. You might enter the course with one career goal in mind but discover a passion for another healthcare area through the modules.

What You’ll Learn:

The diploma covers essential topics relevant to multiple healthcare careers, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a related degree.

Flexible, Supported Learning

Start Your Journey with Integer

As a leading UK online learning provider, Integer offers this Level 3 nationally recognised qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

Fast-Track to University

While you can take up to two years to complete the course, many students finish in under a year thanks to the flexibility of online learning.

Stay on Track

To support your progress, you’ll receive an Individual Learning Plan with assignment deadlines, helping you stay motivated and focused.

Important Note

Entry requirements vary between universities. Be sure to confirm with your chosen institution that they accept this qualification before enrolling.

Take the first step towards your dream healthcare career today!

Modules Overview

Unit 1: Academic Writing Skills

By the end of this module, you will:

• Be able to structure a written response effectively.
• Develop a structured response based on a plan.
• Tailor your response appropriately for the audience and purpose.
• Apply academic writing principles to your own work.

Unit 2: Reading and Note-Making

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand a variety of reading strategies.
• Recognize the use of language in different texts based on purpose and context.
• Develop effective note-making techniques from various sources.

Unit 3: Healthcare Communication

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand key methods of communication in healthcare.
• Identify and overcome barriers to communication.
• Recognize the importance of strong communication skills within the health service.
• Understand confidentiality and the significance of accurate record-keeping.

Unit 4: Exploring the Structure and Function of Cells

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand cellular structure and organization.
• Explore cellular activity and the cell cycle.

Unit 5: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Healthcare

By the end of this module, you will:

• Gain knowledge of key concepts in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
• Understand relevant legislation and regulations related to EDI in healthcare.
• Learn how EDI issues are addressed in healthcare settings.

Unit 6: Nutrition and Digestion

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the principles of a balanced diet.
• Explore the structure and function of the human digestive system.

Unit 7: Professionalism and Multidisciplinary Teams

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the evolving roles and responsibilities of a chosen healthcare professional.
• Learn about professional regulation in your chosen healthcare field.
• Explore the dynamics of multidisciplinary team collaboration.

Unit 8: Human Musculoskeletal System

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the structure of the human skeleton and its role in movement.
• Learn how muscles contract.
• Explore the process of bone development.

Unit 9: Perspectives in Psychology

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand various psychological perspectives.
• Differentiate between alternative psychological viewpoints.
• Apply psychological perspectives to contemporary issues.

Unit 10: Endocrine System

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the terms hormone and endocrine gland.
• Explore homeostasis and feedback mechanisms.
• Understand the mechanisms of hormone action.

Unit 11: Human Reproduction, Growth, and Development

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive system.
• Learn how hormones regulate the reproductive system.
• Explore the stages of development from conception to childbirth.

Unit 12: Mental Health

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand societal perceptions and responses to mental health.
• Analyze biological, social, and environmental factors affecting mental health.
• Evaluate therapeutic and care strategies for mental health disorders.

Unit 13: Nervous System

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the basic structure and function of the nervous system.
• Learn about nerve impulses and synaptic transmission.

Unit 14: Poverty in Contemporary Britain

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand definitions and historical context of poverty in Britain.
• Explore methods of measuring poverty.
• Analyze theories and social factors influencing poverty.
• Examine recent policies addressing poverty in Britain.

Unit 15: Infection and Immunity

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand the contributions of key figures in infectious disease research.
• Explore the human body’s response to infection.
• Learn about the causes and transmission of various pathogens.
• Understand the role of vaccinations and antibiotics in disease prevention.

Unit 16: Health Promotion

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand current health promotion models.
• Explore initiatives aimed at promoting public health.
• Learn about the roles of agencies and organizations in health improvement.

Unit 17: The Cause and Control of Disease

By the end of this module, you will:

• Understand different categories and causes of disease.
• Explore the epidemiology of specific diseases.
• Learn strategies for disease prevention.

Entry Requirements
To enroll in an Access to HE Diploma, you must:

• Reside in the UK and have a UK postcode.
• Hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths or be actively working towards them while studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

University Entry Criteria
Each university sets its own admission requirements. It is your responsibility to confirm whether your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications are accepted by your desired institution. Typical university requirements may include:

• Achieving a specific number of credits at Merit or Distinction grade.
• Attending a face-to-face interview at the university.
• Passing university-provided literacy and numeracy assessments.
• Completing relevant work placements or having related work experience.
• Holding GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications (e.g., Functional Skills).

Note: Ensure you verify the acceptance of your Access to HE Diploma with your chosen university before applying. Integer is not responsible if the diploma does not meet the entry requirements of your selected institution.

Minimum Age Restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are intended for individuals with substantial life experience gained since completing compulsory education.

Average Completion Timeframe
Most learners complete the course within 9–12 months.

Assessment Requirements
The course uses a variety of assessment methods, such as:

• Academic reports
• Essays
• Case study analyses
• Illustrated reports
• Journal articles
• Portfolios
• Academic posters
• Video or audio-recorded presentations
• Revision guides
• Academic writing tasks

Exams
No exams are required for this course.

Membership Requirements
No membership is necessary to enroll.

Additional Requirements

• Learners must actively study for at least six months before results are ratified and certificates ordered.
• The six-month period begins after passing Unit 2 of your course.
• Regular assignment submissions (as per your Individual Learning Plan) are required to meet this timeline.
• Certificates will only be issued once the course fees are fully paid.

Certification Timeframe
Certificates are typically issued 12–16 weeks after your final assignment is marked and graded. This timeframe may vary depending on the time of year. Regular updates will be provided throughout the certification process.

Course Fees
All course fees, including those under payment plans or through Premium Credit Limited, must be paid in full before certification.

Access Period
You will have access to the course for up to 24 months.

Assessment Overview

The assessment process for our healthcare training courses includes the following components:

Assignments

Each unit within this online healthcare course concludes with an assignment. Upon completion, you will submit your work to your tutor for evaluation and receive personalized feedback to help you progress.

Credits

To earn the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions), you must accumulate a total of 60 credits, divided as follows:

• Graded Credits (45): Focused on academic subjects, these credits are awarded for graded units.
• Ungraded Credits (15): These credits are earned from ungraded units, such as writing and study skills.

In addition to coursework, you will receive support and guidance on your university application process, as well as advice on conducting research to maximize the benefits of your diploma.

Qualifications
Skills & Education Group Access

Upon successfully completing the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions) (QAA aim code: 40012876), you will be awarded a QAA-recognized Level 3 diploma through Skills & Education Group Access. This diploma is specifically designed to prepare you for higher education. Additionally, the program includes tailored support and guidance to assist with your university application and research, ensuring you maximize the opportunities your diploma provides.

Skills & Education Group Access is an access validating agency driven by a strong social mission to promote achievement, particularly for those who may not have thrived in traditional educational settings. It supports learners, providers, businesses, and communities by enabling progression into higher education and fostering success.

Career Opportunities

Completing the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions) opens up a wide range of professional opportunities in the healthcare sector.

During the course, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of various healthcare fields, equipping you to make an informed choice about your degree and career path upon completion.

Depending on your interests and the acceptance of Access to Higher Education Diplomas by universities, you could pursue degrees in:

• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Nursing
• Counselling or Psychotherapy

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Degree options and university entry requirements may vary.

Further Qualifications and Career Development

No matter which degree you choose, the potential for career progression and specialisation in healthcare is vast. Most healthcare roles require ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training to keep your skills current and aligned with the latest advancements.

You will also have access to a variety of online healthcare courses and practical training programs, helping you to specialise or advance into senior professional roles. Examples include:

• Dental Practice Administration
• Understanding Mental Health
• Clinical Nutrition
• Grief and Bereavement Counselling
• Eating Disorders
• Drug, Solvent, and Alcohol Misuse Counselling
• Caring for Older People
• Caring for People with Learning Disabilities
• Understanding Dementia Care Principles
• End of Life Care

Leadership and Advanced Roles

Beyond clinical specialisation, you can take on leadership roles such as:

• Ward Manager
• Team Leader
• Dental Practice Manager

Postgraduate qualifications also provide opportunities to step into advanced positions or transition into academia, including teaching, lecturing, or research within your healthcare field.

The healthcare profession is dynamic and offers endless opportunities for growth, ensuring a fulfilling and evolving career path.