Access to HE Diploma (Nursing)
What is the Course About?
The Open Awards Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is specifically designed to help mature learners who have life and work experience but not the required qualifications to access higher education. A minimum of GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above or equivalent is essential. The course has been designed to give you relevant academic subject knowledge and the opportunity to learn how to approach study at university-level and develop techniques to help you succeed.
This pathway is offered as a one-year programme typically between 32 and 34 weeks over two or three days. Students usually attend college for approximately 15 hours per week and are expected to undertake independent study outside of these hours.
Access courses are designed to prepare students for undergraduate study and are therefore intensive courses that require significant time investment. This Level 3 course is subject to minimum student numbers.
What subjects/units/modules* will I study?
The Access to HE Diploma will allow you to begin studying course specific subjects whilst also working on units aimed at preparing you for undergraduate level study, such as study and research skills.
The Diploma is composed of a number of units with a level and a credit value. Students must achieve 60 credits in total. 15 of the credits are from ungraded units and 45 are graded and are awarded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Graded units are divided equally between biology, psychology and specialist nursing and health professions modules. There are 5 units per module, with a coursework assignment to be completed for each unit. Coursework is marked internally by lecturers; there are no exams for this course.
The combination of modules has been carefully selected to help students progress on to courses such as Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and other Health profession pathways.
When will I get a timetable?
Timetables are issued during Induction in September.
Useful links
What are my progression and career options?
Subject to UCAS points students can progress onto a range of degree courses both on and off island. The number of UCAS tariff points availablefor the Access to HE Diploma varies between 48 and 144 points, dependent on your Diploma grade profile.
How will I be assessed?
The Access to HE Diploma is equivalent to a full level 3 qualification e.g. 3 A levels or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. Study on the Access to HE Diploma makes academic demands that are at an equivalent level to those of other level 3 qualifications. Assessment methods vary between courses but may include reports, essays, coursework, projects, case studies and centre set examinations.
Entry requirements
GCSE English Language and Maths at C or above or equivalent