Access to Nursing

Access to Nursing

Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery Level 3

Have you always dreamed of becoming a nurse or midwife but life got in the way? Or perhaps you have recently discovered a passion for caring for others and want to turn that into a rewarding career? Our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing and Midwifery) could be your first step towards that goal.

Designed for those who don’t yet have the qualifications needed to enter university to study for a degree, this nationally recognised course will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to move forward and apply to university to study nursing or midwifery.

Your route into Nursing or Midwifery:

• • Designed for adults aged 19 and over
• • Offers a clear route into Nursing or Midwifery degree programmes
• • Applicants must hold Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths*
• • Includes dedicated support to help you prepare for written assignments

*We can support candidates to meet this requirement by helping them to achieve their Functional Skill Level 2 in Maths and/or English

Work Placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course. However, having experience in an adult care or hospital setting can be a great advantage and will help you get more from your studies.

Expected Activities

• • Weekly group classes
• • One-to-one blended sessions
• • Independent study
• • Assignment preparation support

How long does it take?

You can usually achieve this qualification in less than a year, helping you take your next step towards university sooner.

Course Content

This course is designed to give you the core knowledge and skills you’ll need to move confidently on to nursing degree in your chosen field.

You will explore a range of different units across the programme – from academic study skills to specialist topics related to health, care and nursing, such as:

• • Study Skills
• • Preparation for Higher Education
• • Introduction to Healthcare
• • Health and disease
• • Care Principles
• • Mental health
• • Human Anatomy and Physiology
• • Independent research

How you will be assessed

You will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills. These may include:

• • Assignments
• • Presentations
• • Examinations

Course Cost & Advanced Learner Loan

Our Access to Nursing course is eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan, meaning there are no upfront costs to get started.

You will only begin repayments once you have completed the course and are earning over the repayment threshold.

Even better – if you go on to complete a university nursing degree, the loan will be written off and you won’t have to repay it

• • Fees: £3,348

The Advanced Learner Loan is a government-backed loan available to individuals aged 19 and over to help cover the costs of eligible further education courses in England.

Learn more: Advanced Learner Loan

What’s next?

This course prepares you to progress to health-related higher education programmes at university or college - most of our learners go on to study nursing, midwifery, or other health professions such as occupational therapy. Be sure to check the specific entry requirements of the university you plan to attend or apply to.

You will also complete modules designed to build your study skills for university, perfect for those who have been out of education for a while and want to feel confident studying at university level.

You will also complete modules that focus on giving you the study skills for university, which is perfect for those who have been out of education for some time.

Other related Qualification Progression Routes