Health, Science and Social Care Professions

Access to Higher Education: Health and Social Care Professions Level 3 Part-time

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In Brief

Start Date / Duration

This course starts in September 2025. Dates and times to be confirmed. It will take two years to complete.

Entry requirements

  • You will need to be 19 when the course commences in September.
  • You will need to have GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above and at least a grade D in Science. The acceptance of Level 2 equivalents in English and Maths is based on the qualifications needed for your future career path.
  • Learners MUST provide certificate(s) of qualification(s) gained.
  • All learners should have experience of vocational/voluntary work within their intended specialist area, prior to commencing the course.
  • Prospective students will be required to attend an interview prior to being enrolled on the programme and will be required to demonstrate sufficient fluency in reading and writing English.

You will achieve

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma Level 3 Health, Science Professions
  • You can achieve Level 3 credits validated by CAVA, which is a QAA recognized accreditation body. To achieve the Access to HE Diploma, you must achieve 60 credits.

Course Code

QHEAAXH312

Course overview

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification which prepares students for study at degree level. If you would like to go to university but left school without the qualifications you need, then an Access to HE course could be for you.

This course is for those interested in a career in Nursing or other health-related occupations such as Midwifery, Radiography, Physiotherapy and Paramedical science.

Course content

You will be expected to carry out a substantial amount of self-study in your own time. There is a mixture of study methods employed on both programmes e.g. lectures, practical experiments, group workshops and discussions to stimulate your interest and enhance your learning.
The curriculum content comprises of:

  • Health: you will study different aspects of health and disease, explore alternative and complementary therapies and evaluate health care interventions
  • Psychology: you will explore the theoretical basis of human behaviour through study of child development, health psychology perspectives, social interaction and psychological disorders (12 credits available)
  • Biology: to include the structure and function of human circulation and gas exchange, nutrition and digestion, human urinary system, coordination, cell transport; endocrine system, muscular-skeletal system, human sex and reproduction. (27 Credits available)
  • Study Skills (which underpin all of the subject units): academic writing skills, presentations, and exam techniques

You will be continually assessed on this programme through a wide variety of course work e.g. an essay, a report, a presentation and/or group work. Although there is no formal examination end of module tests are used to collect some evidence needed for assessment.

Stationery equipment will be required. Access to a computer/laptop, connection to the internet and printing facilities are highly recommended.

On completion of this programme, you could apply for training in a career such as nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy or other paramedical professions such as chiropody, laboratory technician, physiotherapy, radiography, paramedical science, operating department technician, cardiology or audiology. You could also apply for other degrees such as Social Work; Health and Community Studies; Psychology, Justice and Criminology.

Students wishing to apply to University are advised to contact the relevant admissions tutor to check that the course is acceptable as an entry qualification for the degree programme they wish to enter.

How much does the course cost?

This course costs £1,675 per year. You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for this course. If you are aged 19-23 and this is your first full level 3 qualification then you may not have to pay for the course

You may be eligible for assistance with expenses such as travel, books, equipment and childcare. For further information please contact the Student Services Team on 01226 216 267.

Extra information

This course may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

For eligibility information and details about how to apply, visit the Advanced Learner Loan page. Or contact our Information Team by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

If you’re undertaking an Access to Higher Education (HE) course and then go on to complete an HE qualification, the outstanding balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off, once you have fully completed both courses.

For further information please contact our friendly Information Team on +44 (0)1226 216 123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, Honeywell Sports Village where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates. You don’t have to be studying sport to get involved in the Sports Academy.

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

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

Access to Higher Education: Health and Social Care Professions Level 3 Part-time

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