Nursing is a fast-paced and challenging profession that combines communication skills with medical care. Are you looking for a rewarding new role, but don’t have the qualifications needed to take your training to the next level? The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) offers a flexible alternative to students who missed out on the traditional route to university. 

This Access to HE Diploma will increase your understanding of biological science, psychology and sociology and you’ll also explore topics including the history of the NHS and contemporary health issues. Consider the varied responsibilities of a nurse and find out where a career change could take you.

This programme is designed to support your progression to a nursing degree course and dedicated units will update your academic abilities. Develop the confidence to research independently and write assignments.
 

How does my Access to Higher Education Diploma work?

The qualification is completed via home study, which means that you can prepare for university without affecting your full-time job. 

How long it takes you to complete your Access to HE Diploma 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 6 months, on average learners complete their course within 8 to 9 months (the maximum time allowed to complete your diploma is 2 years).

Throughout your learning experience, you’ll have the guidance of a personal tutor and can also connect with a digital network of likeminded students.
 

How will my Access to Higher Education Diploma be assessed?

The course is made up of a set of units, with an assignment at the end of each. You’ll submit your work to your personal tutor for marking and receive learning credits. 60 credits are required to be awarded with an Access to Higher Education Diploma. 15 will be ungraded and 45 graded as a pass, merit or distinction.
 

What happens after the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)?

During your Access to HE Diploma (Nursing), you can apply to continue your nursing studies at university. Opportunities for future employment include working for the NHS, a private hospital, a residential home or a school. You may choose to specialise and take on a role caring for adults, children, people with learning disabilities or mental health patients.  

As you advance in your career, there’s potential to be promoted to become a nursing sister, nursing consultant or team leader. Alternatively, going on to gain a master’s degree will equip you to work as an advanced nurse practitioner. 

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 History of the National Health Service

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the reasons for the rise in public provision of health care between the mid19th century and 1948.
• Understand the background to and the founding principles of the National Health Service as part of the introduction of the Welfare State.
• Understand the political trends which have shaped the National Health Service since 1948.
• Understand the ethos of the contemporary National Health Service.

Unit 6: Human Nutrition & The Digestive System  

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and functions of the organs of the digestive system.
• Understand nutrients and their sources.
• Understand how diet may influence health.

Unit 7: The Roles & Responsibilities of the Registered Nurse

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the changes to the roles and responsibilities of the nurse.
• Understand the role of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
• Understand the multidisciplinary approach to health care.

Unit 8: Introduction to Psychology   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of research in psychology
• Understand the main approaches in psychology.
• Understand ethical issues in psychological research.

Unit 9: Human Reproduction, Growth & Development 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive system
• Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive tract throughout life
• Understand the sequence of events from conception to puberty

Unit 10: Approaches to Health   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how definitions of health and ill health are socially constructed.
• Understand different explanatory models of health and ill health.
• Understand the different ways in which people respond to illness.
• Understand contrasting sociological perspectives on health.

Unit 11: The Human Musculo-skeletal System

On completion of this unit you will:

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

Unit 12:  Social Factors in Health Care

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand sociological factors influencing the relationships between patients and health professionals.
• Understand the role of social motivational factors in health and ill health.
• Understand the significance of social support networks in health care and maintenance.

Unit 13: The Brain & Nervous System   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the major sub divisions of the nervous system.
• Understand the structure and function of glial cells and neurons.

Unit 14: 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 15: Inequalities in Health & Illness

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of social, economic and environmental changes on the nature of morbidity and mortality in the UK.
• Understand inequalities in health and illness.

Unit 16: Human Disease & Prevention   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the categories and causes of disease
• Understand the epidemiology of commonly occurring diseases/conditions.
• Understand preventative measures for a chosen disease or condition.

Unit 17: Poverty & Health

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand definitions of and explanations for poverty and health.
• Understand approaches to poverty and health.
• Understand the approaches to the social distribution of health chances.

Unit 18: 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.
• Understand the formation of covalent bonds.

Unit 19: Equality and Diversity within Health Care   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand equality and diversity within health care.
• Understand the rights of the individual in a health care setting.
• Understand the impact of equality and diversity legislation for health care.

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 £30.00).