Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science)

Course Summary

The Access to HE Diploma provides you with a qualification that will enable you to progress to university to study a range of vocational and academic Health degree programmes.
The course is an ideal way of developing the skills necessary to progress to university whilst studying subjects that are relevant to your chosen degree programme.
The course covers 3 key topics of Psychology, Biology and Sociology for Health as follows:

Psychology:
Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Memory Processes, Stress and Social Psychology

Biology:
Cell Biology, Genetics, Human Immunity, Human Nutrition and the Digestive System, Reproduction and Growth, Respiration and Circulation, Endocrine and Nervous System, Musculo-Skeletal System and Urinary System

Sociology:
Crime and Deviance, Sociology of Health and Family

Entry Requirements

You should have a Grade C/4 or above in GCSE English Language & Maths or a Level 2 in Functional Skills.

You will also be asked to complete a pre-induction statement on intent to make sure this is the right level for you.

In addition, students will need to check the entry requirements for their chosen degree programme. You need to be aware that GCSE Maths at grade C (new grade 4), is essential for progression to Higher Education for many university courses. Some universities will accept alternatives to GCSE, such as Functional Skills Level 2, but it is essential that you find this out yourself before starting the Access to HE Diploma.

How Is It Assessed

You will be assessed through a varied range of assessment methods. These will include; written assignments, laboratory based experiments, open book tests, presentations, group activities and written reports. The assessments take place throughout the course so you will not have to face any final exams at the end to pass the course, and you can monitor your progress at any stage. To achieve the Access to HE Diploma you will need to gain 60 credits in total, a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 which will be graded and 15 credits which will be ungraded

How Is It Taught

The course is taught through a range of teaching methods including lectures, discussions, research, laboratory based experiments, group discussions and workshops and online learning. In addition to taught sessions students will develop independent research and study skills through seminar based sessions. Typically, you should expect to be in College for approximately fourteen hours per week, normally over three days. In addition, you will need to undertake approximately fifteen hours of independent study per week to include additional research and assessment work.

What Could I do Next

Successful completion of the course will provide you with a nationally recognised qualification that is an alternative to the traditional qualifications required to progress to university. Typically, successful students progress to a range of Health related degree programmes including Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Children's Nursing and Midwifery.

What Else Do I Need To Know

Stoke on Trent College has some of the most comprehensive and up-to-date facilities in the country. Learning takes place in a friendly and relaxed environment and your teaching team are here to help you get the most from your course. If you want to study on your own you can use one of the Learning Resource Centres or one of the special study workshops in English, Mathematics and Information Technology. All our classrooms are large, spacious and well equipped, and our staff have an excellent knowledge of the industry gained through many years of experience.