Access to HE Diploma (Nursing and Midwifery)

Course code

ACCMNUJAN

ACCMNUFT

Why study this course?

An Access course is a nationally recognised alternative to A Levels and GCSEs for entry to British Universities and Colleges of Higher Education. The course offers excellent preparation for studying at a higher level and can increase your chances of future success. At Halesowen College our Access programme is specifically linked to Birmingham City University, Newman University and Wolverhampton University.  However, as part of the AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group the qualification is recognised nationally, leaving you free to apply to the University of your choice. Even if you were to decide against progressing to higher education, we believe that you would find the course to be of great personal benefit.

The Health Diploma Access to HE (Midwifery and Nursing Diploma course is extremely useful.  After successfully completing  the 60 credit diploma our students have been able to  progress into further study in  Higher Education  or  training opportunities in the following areas:

  • BSc (Hons) | Midwifery
  • BSc (Hons) | Adult/ Mental Health and Children’s Nursing
  • Midwifery and Nursing Apprenticeships

Course content

Midwifery is a profession that encompasses the care of women during pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period, as well as care of the new-born.  It includes measures aimed at preventing health problems in pregnancy, the detection of abnormal conditions, the obtaining of medical assistance when necessary, and the implementation of emergency measures in the absence of medical help.  Nursing on the other hand course aims to introduce you to health theory and practice, which allows you to gain an understanding of nursing and health care as you make the careful selection of your future career. During the course you will have opportunities to explore a range of topics around Nursing and Midwifery. The range of units selected for study take into consideration current university entry requirements, interview processes as well as the Regulatory Bodies’ (Royal College of Midwifery/Nursing and Midwifery Council) focus on care within the care professions.The range of units selected for study take into consideration current university entry requirements, interview processes as well as the Regulatory Bodies (Royal College of Midwifery/Nursing and Midwifery Council) focus on care within the care professions.

You will be internally assessed by completing course work assessments following a carefully selected assessment plan throughout the duration of your studies. Your progress is also monitored throughout study in classroom-based activities such as quizzes, seminars, presentations, homework and flipped and remote learning activities. Your summative assessments will take the form of essays, podcasts, seminars, and presentations. As the teaching team we aim to vary the way in which we assess you so we can accommodate all learning styles, to prepare all for further study, apprenticeship, or employment opportunities.

Access to HE is a 60-credit diploma which constitute the following:

Biological Science: 24 graded credits from the following modules

  • Human Cell Biology
  • Homeostasis and the Endocrine System
  • Nutrition and Digestion
  • Respiration and Circulation
  • The Human Muscular and Skeletal System
  • The Nervous System
  • The Urinary System
  • Human Reproduction

Health Studies: 6 graded credits

  • Roles and Responsibilities of the Registered Nurse/Roles and Responsibilities of the Midwife
  • Placement

Psychology: 3 Graded credits

  •  Mental Health and Illness

Sociology: 6 Graded credits

  • Sociology of Health

Related Studies: 6 graded credits

  • Extended Essay

Skills for Learning: 15 ungraded units from the following modules

  • Progression to HE
  • Academic Study Techniques
  • Numeracy in a Health Context
  • Professional Behaviours in Nursing

Entry Requirements

You require a GCSE grade C/ 4 in English Language or an equivalent qualification, such as L2 Functional Skills English. It is desirable to have GCSE grade C/ 4 in Maths or an equivalent qualification, such as L2 Functional Skills Maths as well. If not, you can study this alongside your Access Diploma, as you will need it for your degree.

*Please note some universities also require L2 or GCSE in a Science

Materials

You will need access to notebooks and stationery.

Day, time and duration

Monday – Face to face

Tuesday – Face-to-Face

Wednesday – Online

Start date

Monday 6th January 2025

September 2025

Additional Information

For many degrees work experience is vital as part of your application and you should be thinking about this in advance as students who have had prior experience in the healthcare sector tend to stand a much better chance of progression to a university course of their choice.

Fees

If this is your first full level 3 course and you are aged 19 – 23 years, this course may be free.

An Advanced Learner Loan is available for this course. If applying for an Advanced Learning Loan we will need evidence of application before enrolment can be completed, we can also support you to make this application.


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