Not everyone’s journey into science or health care starts at 16.
The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas are designed for adults who want to move forward – whether that means progressing in their current role, changing career direction, or finally going to university after thinking it was no longer an option.
If you’ve been out of education for a while, didn’t get the grades you needed at school, or simply didn’t realise what you were capable of at the time, this course offers a fresh start and a clear route into higher education.
Who is the Access to HE Health Care and Medical Science course for?
There is no “typical” Access student.
This course is ideal if you:
- Are an adult learner returning to education
- Work in a health, care or science-related role and want to progress
- Need a university-recognised alternative to A-levels
- Want to study a science or health care degree but don’t have the required qualifications
- Know what you want to do next – but need the right stepping stone to get there
Many students choose Access to HE because they are motivated, focused and ready to commit to their future.
A direct route to university
The Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 qualification, equivalent in level to A-levels, and is widely recognised by universities across the UK.
It is specifically designed to prepare students for degree-level study, not just academically, but in how to:
- Research effectively
- Write at university level
- Manage time and deadlines
- Study independently and with confidence
Each year, thousands of Access students across the UK progress to university degrees, including science, nursing, midwifery, biomedical science, environmental science and related disciplines.
What could these courses lead to?
The Access to HE Health Care and Medical Science pathways can support progression into degrees and careers such as:
- Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health professions
- Biomedical or Medical Science
- Environmental and Biological Sciences
- Public Health and Health Sciences
- Pharmacy-related or laboratory-based roles
- Physiology, Genetics or Microbiology
Some students already work in health care, laboratories or support roles and use this course to unlock the next stage of their career.
Others are starting something completely new.
What will I study?
Access to Health Care
This is an intensive, modular course that builds both subject knowledge and academic confidence.
You will study key subjects including:
- Human biology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Sociological and psychological perspectives
- Numeracy for health professionals
- Communication and academic skills
Within these subjects, you’ll work on topics such as:
- Human body systems, the human skeletal system, pulmonary respiration, the cardiovascular system, the renal system and the human reproductive system
- Cell structure and transport
- Data handling and probability
- Stress and stress management
- Theoretical approaches to psychology
- Sociological perspectives, effects of lifestyle on health
- Independent investigation and extended academic writing
Alongside subject content, you’ll develop the practical study skills needed for success at university, including planning, research, academic writing and time management.
Access to Medical Science
This is an intensive, modular course that builds both subject knowledge and academic confidence.
You will study key subjects including:
- Human biology
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and physiology
- Level 3 mathematics
- Academic skills
Within these subjects, you’ll work on topics such as:
- Human body systems, the human skeletal system and the cardiovascular system
- Genetics and heredity
- Microbiology and health
- Enzymes, atomic structure, cell structure and transport
- Waves and sight
- Chemistry of living systems and analytical procedures
- Core mathematics, statistics, algebra and graphs
- Independent investigation and extended academic writing
Alongside subject content, you’ll develop the practical study skills needed for success at university, including planning, research, academic writing and time management.
Studying as an adult – support that understands you
Access to HE courses are designed with adult learners in mind.
You’ll be taught in a supportive environment where tutors understand the challenges of returning to study, balancing learning with work, family or other commitments.
Whether it’s your first exam in years or your first experience of academic writing, you’ll be guided step by step – building confidence as well as knowledge.
One year. A lifetime of opportunity.
For many students, the Access to HE Diplomas are the turning point – the moment university becomes achievable, and a future in science or health care becomes real.
It’s not about going back to school.
It’s about moving forward.
