Access to Higher Education (Health and Human Sciences Diploma)

Are you a student aged 19+ who missed the chance to go to university? If you’re hoping for a career in areas like allied healthcare, the humanities or science, our Access to Higher Education courses are tailored for your next step. You can specialise and choose from three distinct pathways in Health and Human Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science.

You’ll benefit from excellent tutoring to gain the qualifications you need, as well as personalised support and guidance for your university application.

In the previous two years, students achieved university places at Russell Group universities, as well as local universities.

What You’ll Learn

Our Access to Higher Education courses prepare you for success at university. You can choose from three diplomas:

• Health and Human Sciences: Perfect for careers in allied healthcare such as nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, occupational therapy, and more. You will study Biology and Study Skills, plus two additional subjects chosen from Psychology, Sociology, or Chemistry.
• Humanities and Social Sciences: Ideal for any humanities subjects, you’ll able to progress into social work, law, psychology, creative writing, and primary teaching. You’ll study Psychology, Sociology, English Literature, and Study Skills.
• Science Diploma: Suited for science-based subjects including medicine, engineering, veterinary science, physiotherapy, diagnostic radiotherapy and similar fields. You’ll study Maths, Chemistry, Biology, and Study Skills.

To succeed in these courses, you’ll need strong IT skills, reliable broadband, and a commitment to 16–20 hours of independent study weekly.

Highlights 

You can expect:

• Exceptional university progression rates, with students moving on to universities such as Bristol, Exeter, Cardiff, and Warwick, SOAS, Goldsmiths College London, Birmingham City, Nottingham, York and Reading. They also progressed to local universities such as University of Gloucestershire, University of the West of England and University of Worcester.
• Tailored diplomas for allied healthcare, humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields.
• Comprehensive tutorial and UCAS application support to boost your chances of success.
• Continuous assessments and personalised guidance throughout your academic journey.

Assessment 

You’ll complete 60 credits consisting of 45 graded credits (15 in each of your main subjects) plus 15 ungraded credits in Study Skills.

Assessment usually occurs at the end of each 6-week unit. Biology, Chemistry and Maths are assessed by tests.  Every other subject is assessed through a combination of tests and coursework.

Anything Else?

To complete this course in one academic year, in addition to attending college for classes, you will be required to set aside 16 – 20 hours each week for study, research and completing homework and assignments.  A home computer or laptop and broadband are essential for creating and uploading assignments via our college intranet for AI and plagiarism checking.

Our courses are eligible for a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan, making them accessible and affordable. Student Services can provide more details.

Our supportive learning environment ensures you’re fully equipped to succeed. With outstanding university progression rates and expert guidance, you’ll be ready for your next step.