Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine and Health Care Professions)

If you didn’t choose science-based A-levels, or didn’t take A-levels at all, you may be under the impression that a career in medicine or healthcare is simply out of the question. However, thanks to the Access to HE Diploma (Medicine and Health Care Professions), this is no longer the case.

Here at Stonebridge, the qualification we offer is available to anyone, regardless of their educational background. What’s more is that when it’s successfully completed, it is widely accepted by higher education institutions across the UK. The Access to HE Diploma has also been tailored to suit learners who have been out of education for some time. The course provides a balance between academic study and skill development, to ensure students are ready for any challenges higher education throws at them.

It is also worth noting that at Stonebridge, you don’t have to wait until September to enrol on your course. You can start studying from the moment you sign up; no matter what time of year it is. Students also needn’t worry about attending classes. With distance learning, all units can be studied from the comfort of your own home, as and when you have time.

How does my Access to HE Diploma work?

Once you enrol on your Access to HE Diploma the rest is easy. All of our course materials are easy to understand and are available to you online 24/7. You will be able to study when and where you want and mould your studies around your lifestyle and responsibilities. What’s more is that you will have access to our expert tutors, who you can contact via our online platform, PEARL, email and phone. If you are struggling with anything, there is no doubt that your tutor will be able to help.

How long it takes you to complete your course really depends upon how much time you are able to dedicate to your studies. The programmes are designed to give you the flexibility to study at times that are suitable for you, and to fit your studies around your other commitments. The maximum time you have to complete your Diploma is outlined in your Individual Learning Plan (ILP). The minimum time you can complete your course is six months,on average learners complete their course within 8 to 9 months. If you do need extra support and encouragement, you can always find it by chatting with your fellow students on our unique online platform.

How will my Access to HE Diploma be assessed?

Your Access to HE Diploma will be made up of a number of units. Assessments will come at the end of the units. These assessments give our students a chance to prove to us how much they have learned. Once your first piece of work is completed, you should send it directly to a tutor. They will then mark it, attach feedback and return it to you. Once you have completed all of the units, we will be able to use your marks to award you with a number of credits. The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). In order to achieve the Access to HE Diploma in medicine and healthcare professions, you must achieve 60 credits in total. 45 of the credits you need are taken from graded units. These graded units are focused on academic subject content. The remaining 15 credits are taken from ungraded units which are included to help you to advance your study capabilities.

What happens after the Access to HE Diploma?

The goal is for you to be fully prepared, so you can apply to a university and begin your journey on a medicine or healthcare related degree course. After successfully completing an undergraduate course at university, you as a graduate, can enter a wide range of careers. These could include physiotherapy, dentistry, pharmaceuticals and many more.

After completing your Access to HE Diploma (Medicine and Health Care Professions), you should be geared up and ready to tackle university level study. Those who possess this qualification will be able to apply for a whole range of healthcare related courses. We do advise, however, if there is one specific course you are interested in, then please check with your chosen institution first. If you do go on to successfully complete a university degree, you will have a number or career opportunities on your doorstep. These could include:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Medicine
• Speech and language therapy
• Teaching
• Research

Unit 1: Preparing To Study

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how study is organised and planned
• Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
• Understand a range of constraints upon study
• Understand the importance of assessment feedback.

Unit 2: Academic Writing Skills 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task.
• Know how to interpret and discuss concepts and debates in responding to a set, academic writing task.
• Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas.
• Understand the role of reference, allusion and paraphrase to avoid plagiarism.

Unit 3: Preparing a Written Assignment   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to use key information sources.
• Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced.
• Understand a range of reading strategies.
• Understand note-making methods.
• Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment.

Unit 4: Cell Biology  

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the cell.
• Understand cellular metabolism.
• Understand how cells grow and divide.

Unit 5: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand anatomical terminology.
• Understand the skeletal system and locomotion.
• Understand the muscular system.

Unit 6: Atomic Structure 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand protons, neutrons and electrons in terms of their relative charges and masses.
• Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom given its Atomic number and Mass number, including some isotopes.
• Understand the number and relative energies of the s, p and d orbitals for the principal quantum numbers and know the shapes of s, p and d orbitals.
• Understand how ionisation energies of elements relate to reactivity.
• Understand the position of elements within the periodic table from ionisation energy data.

Unit 7: Cell Division & Heredity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Demonstrate a knowledge of cell division.
• Demonstrate an understanding of heredity and genetic variation.

Unit 8: Electromagnetic Spectrum

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the principles and types of electromagnetic waves.
• Understand the properties of visible and ultraviolet light.
• Understand the properties of microwaves and infrared.
• Understand the biohazards of ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
• Understand the hazards and uses of X- Rays in medical applications.

Unit 9: Periodic Table

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the periodic table.
• Understand periodicity in the elements of period 3.
• Understand ionisation energy.
• Understand oxidation and reduction.
• Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals.
• Understand the group 7 elements.

Unit 10: Cell Metabolism

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the glycolytic pathway and fermentation of sugar to yield alcohol.
• Understand the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
• Understand the dark reactions in photosynthesis.

Unit 11: Radioactivity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the main types of ionising radiations and their measurement.
• Understand radioactive decay.
• Understand the practical applications of ionising radiation and radioisotopes and their use with acceptable safety.

Unit 12: Atomic Structure & Bonding

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure of the atom.
• Understand electronic structures.
• Understand the formation of ionic bonds

Unit 13: Human Immunity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand non-specific defences against disease.
• Understand specific immunity and the immune response.
• Understand the biology of vaccination.
• Understand how immune sensitivity may cause ill-health.

Unit 14: Medical Physics

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand atomic structure.
• Understand the nature of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and X-rays.
• Understand the main uses of ionising radiation in monitoring and treatment.
• Understand how radio isotopes are used in health care.
• Understand the health applications of a selected part of electromagnetic spectrum.
• Understand how ultrasound is used in health care.

Unit 15: Hydrocarbons

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of organic compounds.
• Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkanes.
• Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkenes.

Unit 16: The Human Endocrine & Nervous System 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the anatomy and organisation of the nervous system and how it co- ordinates the body.
• Understand the structure and function of nerve cells and other cells in the nervous system.
• Understand how the endocrine system co-ordinates body functions.
• Understand homeostasis.

Unit 17: Physics

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the connection between force and motion and be able to use Newton’s Laws of Motion.
• Understand conservation of energy and momentum.
• Understand the concepts and vocabulary of wave motion.

Unit 18: Chemical Change

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know how to measure the concentrations of solutions.
• Understand energy changes during chemical reactions.
• Understand factors influencing rates of chemical reactions.
• Understand the concept of chemical equilibrium

Unit 19: Optics & Sound

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the Laws of Reflection.
• Understand the Laws of Refraction.
• Understand the action of convex and concave lenses.
• Understand the simple optics of the eye.
• Understand the nature of transverse and longitudinal wave motions.
• Understand how the ear detects sound waves.

What's included:

• All study materials
• Study guide
• Full tutor and Admin support
• The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £96)