Access to University

Access to Higher Education Nursing

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 (Nursing) provides students with an understanding of the essential elements required by the nursing profession.

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Prefer to talk? Call 01226 776000 or email advice@northern.ac.uk and one of our team will get back to you.

Level 3

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

Find out about progression

Course description

This course is designed to prepare students for Higher Education looking for careers in nursing and healthcare. Students will acquire key knowledge, subject-specific skills, and transferable skills essential for success in these fields.

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 is a blended learning programme which includes some onsite classes, with the remainder of your course being completed online, independently either on or off site.

You will have the opportunity to study subjects such as:

The Structure and Function of Cells
Human Reproduction Growth & Development
Endocrine System
The Cause and Control of Disease
Pregnancy and Health
Hormone Regulation of Human Reproduction and Development

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)/apprenticeship Midwifery
BA (Hons)/apprenticeship Nursing
Other careers allied to health eg Podiatry

Course session dates

Useful information

If you are eligible for ALS funding you will be able to receive onsite learning support via our ALS team on timetabled days. You may also wish to stay residentially, subject to meeting funding criteria.

When does this start and end?

15 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.