Access to Higher Education: Health Science Professions Part-time (Northern College)

Level 3 - Access to Higher Education

This course is designed to prepare You for Higher Education looking to acquire key knowledge, subject-specific skills, and transferable skills essential for success in these areas. Course content The course is tailored...

Course description

This course is designed to prepare You for Higher Education looking to acquire key knowledge, subject-specific skills, and transferable skills essential 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. Classes are held 9.30am – 4.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 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:

Nursing and Health Professionals
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare settings
Safeguarding
Health Care Communications
The Structure and Function of Cells
Mental Health and Coping

What can this course lead to?

Course progression

Upon completion, you could progress onto a further course, including:

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).
Any nursing pathway (adult, paediatric, mental health etc)
BA Hons/apprenticeships Midwifery Courses
BA (Hons) Paramedic Science
BA (Hons) Health and Social Care

Career progression

Upon completion, you could progress onto careers, such as:

Families and Community Health
Social Work
Psychologist
Teaching
Clinical Psychologist
Social Services
Youth Worker

Course session dates

2 September 2026 - 28 May 2027 9:30am - 4:30pm
Apply

Other Resources

For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Having good English and Maths qualifications are important for most careers and we want to give you the help you need to succeed.

If you're aged 19 or above and don't hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths we can help. We offer FREE English and Maths qualifications that can be studied on a part-time basis, subject to eligibility.

If you need any further information, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.

When does this start and end?

2 September 2026 to 28 May 2027

What are the entry requirements?

You will need a GCSE in English Grade 9-4 (A*-C) or Level 2 English Functional Skills. GCSE Maths Grade 9-4 (A*-C) or Level 2 Maths Functional Skills Level 2 would be an advantage but is not required. Previous experience in the subject, through work or education, is desirable.

To secure a place on this course, you will need to:

Attend an interview and demonstrate sufficient research, reading and writing skills
Show an ability to meet tight deadlines

How much does this cost?

This course is FREE subject to eligibility criteria. If you are not eligible, the cost of the course is £3,384. There is no option to pay to stay residentially if you do not meet the criteria for residential funding. The vast majority of students are eligible to study and stay residentially for free and we will confirm as part of the application process.

Aged 19 or over and thinking about studying a course?

You may be eligible for free or reduced course fees. Please visit the How to apply and fees page for further details.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through written assessment.

What equipment will I need?

You will need to bring basic study equipment such as notebooks and pens.

What qualification will I achieve?

Access to Higher Education

Free courses for jobs

If you are aged 19 or over, you may not have to pay for this course if:

You do not already have a Level 3 qualification OR
You already have a Level 3 qualification or higher but earn below the earnings threshold set by your local authority, which includes benefits (see below) OR
You already have a Level 3 qualification or higher but are unemployed and in receipt of a means-tested benefit, below the earnings threshold set by your local authority (see below).

This course is funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and/or West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). You must be living in the South or West Yorkshire regions to qualify for funding.

Earnings Threshold

If you live in the qualifying West Yorkshire region and earn below £25,000 a year, then you may not have to pay for this course.
If you live in the qualifying South Yorkshire region and earn below £30,476 a year, then you may not have to pay for this course.

Did you know?

Many learners are able to study with funding support. We will confirm the options available to you as part of the application process.

Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The course information on this page was last updated 06 August 2026.

Access to Higher Education: Health Science Professions Part-time (Northern College)

Course description

What can this course lead to?

Course session dates

View available session dates

Other Resources

Access to Higher Education: Health Science Professions Part-time (Northern College)