Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professionals)
Access to Higher Education courses offer a one-year, Level 3 qualification specifically tailored for adults who have been out of education for a while and wish to go on to study at university. This programme is ideal for those who did not attain typical qualifications like A Levels upon leaving school. This course aims to develop the skills and knowledge required for undergraduate degree courses in a health related field. If you feel you need extra help with your numeracy and language skills before starting the Access to HE Diploma, please enquire about our Pre-Access courses which are designed to prepare people for Level 3 study.
This course is designed to provide in-depth, relevant learning with the goal of studying a healthcare degree. The core modules include psychology, sociology, health studies, biology and academic study skills.
To be enrolled onto this course, you should have been out of education with a clear idea of the course you wish to study at university. You are required to have GCSE grade C or above in maths and English/English language. Selection is on the basis of an interview and completion of an initial assessment. You should have substantial work experience in an area related to your chosen career. If you would like help with your numeracy and language skills before starting an Access to HE Diploma, please enquire about our adult GCSE and Functional Skills programmes.
Successfully completing the diploma will open routes to further your education in health related fields, such as adult nursing, midwifery, paramedic, children’s nursing, learning disabilities nursing, speech and language therapy, and many other related health care vocations. You are advised to contact universities prior to applying to check their specific entry requirements.
At South & City College Birmingham, we offer a wide range of courses for most age groups.
School Leavers: For learners who are between the ages of 16 to 18, studies will be free.
Adults: For learners who are aged 19 or over, the cost of study will depend on the course or programme that you choose. Some courses may even be free*. If the course is not free, students aged 19 at the start of their programme who wish to study need to either pay their course fees, or take out an Advanced Learning Loan.
*Eligibility criteria applies. There may be an exception for students aged 19 or over that are taking their first full Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A Levels and Access to HE Diplomas), who could be supported by the Learner Support Fund, or free adult course funded by the WMCA. To find out what financial support is available to you or whether your course is free, call our friendly admissions team on 0121 694 5000 during office hours, or email us via: admissions-shared@sccb.ac.uk, we look forward to hearing from you.
Full details regarding our adult funding, or learner loans can be found on our website via: Money Matters
Higher Education: If you are planning to undertake one of our Higher Education courses you can apply for a loan with Student Finance England, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan with the college to support towards your course fees. Adults may be eligible for FREE tuition through the WMCA's free courses for jobs offer.
Full details regarding our adult funding, or learner loans can be found on our website via: Money Matters
Enquire via our website today to chat to one of our Admissions team and make your right choice with South and City College Birmingham. Whatever your passion, we are here to help you land on your dream career path. Email: admissions-shared@sccb.ac.uk to find out what financial support is available. With various funds, loans and bursaries on offer, we may be able to help with travel expenses & childcare costs.
This course combines classroom lectures, workshops, and practical activities to simulate the university study environment. It's structured to equip you with the skills needed for independent study, requiring disciplined, self-directed learning from the outset.
Is this course free?
