Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine and Healthcare 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 Healthcare Professions), this is no longer the case.
The Access to HE Diploma (Medicine and Healthcare Professions) is available to anyone, regardless of their educational background. What’s more, 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. This Access to HE Diploma 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 by studying with us, 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, to fit around your personal circumstances.
How does my Access to HE Diploma work?
Once you enrol on your Access to HE Diploma the rest is easy. All of your 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 mold your studies around your lifestyle and responsibilities. You will also have access to qualified and experienced tutors who will provide you with guidance and support throughout your studies.
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. You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies. An Access to HE Diploma can be completed within two years. However, most students complete their course within 9-12 months.
How will my Access to HE Diploma be assessed?
Your Access to HE Diploma will be made up of a number of units. AAt the end of each unit you will need to complete an assignment and submit this for marking. Your tutor will provide you with feedback about your work. 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 (Medicine and Healthcare Professions), you must achieve 60 credits in total. 45 of the credits are graded units which are focused on the different academic subject areas included in your course. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded units which are included to help you to improve your study capabilities in readiness for university study.
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.
After completing your Access to HE Diploma (Medicine and Healthcare 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 degrees. We do advise that you check with your preferred universities to ensure that you are aware of the entry requirements for your chosen degree. 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:
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Pharmacy
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Medicine
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Optometry
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Radiography
Qualification: Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine & Healthcare Professions)
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine & Healthcare Professions) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: (400/0883/6). This course has also been assigned 60 credits.
Requirements for Entry
Learners must have GCSE in both English and Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) or be working towards these qualifications. They also need to aspire to study a Social Science and Humanities related degree at university.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas are widely accepted as an alternative to 'A Levels' for University entry and have a proven track record of helping students to secure a place on their chosen degree.
Learners should, however, be aware that Universities each apply their own entry requirements, and these vary broadly depending on the reputation and popularity of the university and of the degree programme that relates to your area of interest.
These variable admission criteria may include but are not limited to:
- Achievement of a certain amount of Access to HE Diploma units at Merit or distinction.
- Successful completion of a face-to-face interview at the University.
- Successful completion of literacy and numeracy assessments by the University.
- Completion of specific unpaid work experience or a previous job role.
- Prior attainment of GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above, or equivalent such as Functions Skills at Level 2.
It is vitally important that each student investigates the entry requirements of a range of universities that they could practically attend to determine if the Access to HE Diploma, and units included in the course, will meet university entry requirements.
Students should complete this exercise as early as possible so that they can plan for which establishment they will be applying to, and start to work towards it.
Whilst we have the fullest confidence that the Access to Higher Education Diplomas are compliant and perfectly sufficient to form part of a University application, Stonebridge Associated Colleges will not be able to accept any liability for the inability of any Access to Higher Education student to secure an offer from a Higher Education establishment due to the variables involved.
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.
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 ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas
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 structure and organisation of cells, including stem cells.
- Understand cellular metabolism.
- Understand how cells grow and divide.
Unit 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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.
- Understand the biochemical basis of generating adenosine triphosphate in subcellular organelles.
Unit 10: 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 11: 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.
- Understand the formation of covalent bonds.
Unit 12: Human Immunity
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand non-specific defences against disease.
- Understand specific immunity.
- Understand the biology of vaccination.
Unit 13: 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 healthcare.
- Understand the health applications of a selected part of electromagnetic spectrum.
- Understand how ultrasound is used in healthcare.
Unit 14: 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 15: The Human Endocrine & Nervous System
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the nervous system.
- Understand how the endocrine system co-ordinates body functions.
- Understand the role of the nervous and endocrine systems homeostasis.
Unit 16: 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.
- Understand the straight line model of the behaviour of light.
- Understand the behaviour and properties of magnets and magnetic fields, electric charge and electric current.
Unit 17: 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 18: 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)
