Health, Science and Social Care Professions

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

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 Diploma is for adults who left school without the qualifications they need but wish to study a health-related field at degree level.

The course covers:

  • Health: health and disease, alternative therapies, and health care interventions
  • Psychology: human behaviour, child development, health psychology, and more
  • Biology: human circulation, cell transport, reproduction and more
  • Study Skills: academic writing, presentations, and exam techniques

We also offer this course as a full-time course, which runs on evenings over one year.

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

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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