Pre-Access Health Science Professions

Level 2 - Diploma

What is Level 2?

This is the equivalent to GCSE grades 9-4 / A*-C, O Level grades A- C or an Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This course is a step before the Access to Higher Education Diploma. It is designed for those of you needing extra time to explore your University options, boost study skills, and regain confidence.

Apply Now

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

Level 2

This is the equivalent to GCSE grades 9-4 / A*-C, O Level grades A- C or an Intermediate Apprenticeship.

Find out about progression

Course description

The course covers subjects like:

Health Studies
Health Psychology
Mental Health
Human Physiology

As well as learning the subject specific content you’ll gain English and study abilities, such as conducting research, writing essays, and presenting information in various ways. No prior qualifications are required, just determination and a strong work ethic.

If you’re eager to pave your way to university, this course has you covered, even if you’re starting from scratch.

What can this course lead to?

A level 3 qualification such as our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health Science Professions.

Potential future careers include but are not limited to Community Support Worker, Care Worker, Support Worker, Rehabilitation Worker and Healthcare Support Worker.

Course session dates

Tailored Learning Objective

Preparation for further learning

When does this start and end?

24 September 2025 - 17 April 2026

What are the entry requirements?

No formal qualifications are required to apply for this course. However, we do recommend you access one of our introductory or Level 1 courses before you access this course if you don’t already have a level 1 qualification or if you have been out of education for some time.

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

“The course has allowed me to get the grades that I need to become a Midwife.” - Courtney
Learn more about Courtney'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.