Access to University

Access to Higher Education Health and Social Care

Level 3 - Diploma

What is Level 3?

This is equivalent to Access to Higher Education, A-Levels grades A to E or an Advanced Apprenticeship.

The Access to HE Diploma (Health and Social Care) provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices within health and social care sectors.

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Level 3

This is equivalent to Access to Higher Education, A-Levels grades A to E or an Advanced Apprenticeship.

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Course description

This course prepares students for Higher Education leading to careers in healthcare, social work, and related fields. Students will acquire essential knowledge, specific skills, and transferable skills necessary for success in these areas.

Course content

The course is tailored to prepare you for university, equipping you with essential skills such as critical thinking, advanced research abilities, and refined writing skills. If a career in healthcare is your goal, this Level 3 diploma could serve as the ideal foundation for your academic journey.

This programme is delivered fully onsite 3 days per week, to which your attendance is required. The course also requires at least 15 hours of independent study per week, in addition to your classroom hours.

You will have the opportunity to study subjects such as:

Responding to Prejudice and Discrimination
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare
Professionalism and Multidisciplinary Teams
Biopsychology: Behaviour and the Brain
Biopsychology: Behaviour and Drugs
Social Care Provisions

What can this course lead to?

Access to HE Diplomas are intended to provide preparation for study in UK higher education (University), but the award of a Diploma does not provide guaranteed entry to UK higher education (University).

BA (Hons) Health Care
BA (Hons) Counselling
BA (Hons) Health and Social Care
BA (Hons) Youth Work
BA (Hons) Social Care

Course session dates

When does this start and end?

17 September 2025 - 17 April 2026

What are the entry requirements?

You will need a GCSE in English Grade 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills English Level 2. GCSE maths Grade 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills Level 2, would be an advantage but not required to gain entry. Previous experience in the subject, through work or education, is desirable. To secure a place on this course you will be required to attend an interview and demonstrate sufficient research skill, reading writing skills and an ability to meet tight deadlines.

Did you know? Working-age graduates earned £10,000 more than non-graduates in 2018 and had higher employment rates.

“I started with a couple of short courses to build my confidence and now I have finished my Pre-access in social studies.” - Samantha
Learn more about Samantha's story

Amazing college and amazing tutors. I can't believe how quick the time went. I've left not only achieving my Diploma in Humanities and Social Science; I've also taken with me confidence and aspirations to be the best I can be.

They do everything they can to support you and help you, and it really does feel like a little community whether you live there or not. My confidence has grown immensely since starting here and I will miss coming when my Access to Higher Education Diploma is finished!

It's a life changing place. I started the access course in 2013 without a qualification to my name and not much hope. Last year I started my PhD. I'm now a different person.

Northern College for adults changed my life. I did short courses and an Access to Higher Education course. I am now a midwife with a first class degree.