Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)
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 Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) 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 with dedicated units that will update your academic abilities, develop your confidence to research independently and write assignments.
How does the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) work?
The qualification is completed via home study, which means that you can prepare for university without affecting your full-time job or other personal commitments.
How long it takes you to complete the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) really depends upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies. The programmes are designed to give you the flexibility to study at times that are suitable to 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.
Throughout your learning experience, you’ll be given support and guidance from a team of qualified and experienced tutors.
How will the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) be assessed?
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is made up of a number of units, with an assignment at the end of each. You’ll submit your work to your tutor for marking who will then provide you with feedback and a grade for the assignment.
The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised QAA regulated qualification. You will need to achieve a total of 60 credits to be awarded with the qualification. 45 credits come from graded units which are focused on the different subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 credits are from ungraded units which are included to help develop your academic writing and study skills.
What happens after I receive my Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)?
During your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing), you can apply to continue your Nursing studies at university level. 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.
Qualification: Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: 40006657). 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 Nursing 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: The History of the National Health Service
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the background to and the founding principles of the National Health Service.
- Understand how political reforms have shaped the 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 the components of a healthy diet and the consequences of an unhealthy diet.
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 healthcare.
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 human reproductive system, specifically the structure and function.
- Understand how the reproductive system is regulated by hormones throughout life.
- Understand the sequence of events from conception to childbirth.
Unit 10: Approaches to Health
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the different definitions of health and ill health.
- Understand different explanatory models of health and ill health.
- Understand contrasting sociological perspectives on health.
- Understand the different ways in which people respond to illness.
Unit 11: The Human Musculo-skeletal System
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the muscular system.
- Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the skeletal system.
- Understand how the muscular system and skeletal system interact in locomotion.
Unit 12: Social Factors in Health and Social 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 healthcare and maintenance.
Unit 13: The Brain & Nervous System (psychology)
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, 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 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 the relationship between theories of health and welfare inequalities and health policies.
Unit 16: Human Immunity
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand non-specific defences against disease.
- Understand specific immunity.
- Understand the biology of vaccination.
Unit 17: Poverty & Health
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand approaches to poverty and health.
- Understand approaches to the social distribution of health chances.
Unit 18: Human Disease & Prevention
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the categories and causes of disease using infectious disease to illustrate your answer.
- Understand the epidemiology of commonly occurring diseases/conditions.
- Understand preventative measures for a chosen disease or condition.
Unit 19: Equality and Diversity within Healthcare
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand equality and diversity within healthcare.
- Understand the rights of the individual in a healthcare setting.
- Understand the impact of equality and diversity legislation on healthcare provision.
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).
