Program Overview

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medical Science with Health Psychology)

Course Description

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medical Science with Health Psychology) is a one-year Level 3 course designed for mature students (19+ years old) who wish to pursue a degree in the health professions. The course prepares students for the rigors of level 4 study and beyond, providing a foundation in the knowledge and skills required for successful completion of an undergraduate degree.

Study Options

• Full-time: 35 weeks
• Start dates: September, January
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

What You Will Study

Biology

• Human Cell Biology: Explore the components of the human cell, including organelles, cellular transport, and cell membranes.
• Biochemistry: Examine the fundamentals of chemistry, including atomic structure, bonding, and biological molecules.
• Genetics: Investigate the core concepts of molecular biology, including DNA, mRNA, tRNA, genes, and chromosomes.
• Inherited Disease: Explore the medical consequences of errors within the genome, including genetic illnesses and guest lectures from senior geneticists.
• Infectious Disease: Describe the characteristics of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and examine diseases caused by these microorganisms.
• Human Cardiac and Respiratory Systems: Understand the structure and function of the respiratory and cardiac systems, including blood circulation and control mechanisms.
• Skeleton and Muscles: Examine the function of the human skeletal system, including types of bones, joints, and connective tissues.
• Health Promotion: Explore health challenges from a societal perspective, including health inequality and the promotion of health issues.

Health Psychology

• Research Methods: Learn the various methods of studying human behavior, including laboratory experiments, observations, and case studies.
• Treatments and Therapies: Gain insight into different treatments available for mental health disorders, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychosurgery.
• Key Studies in Psychology: Delve into six key studies in the history of psychology, including laboratory experiments, observations, and case studies.
• Health Promotion: Create your own health promotion campaign, selecting a mental health or physical disorder/issue to raise awareness about.

Study Skills

• Progression Skills: Develop essential skills necessary to complete the Access Diploma and progress onto undergraduate study.
• English for Academic Study: Improve your English skills for academic purposes.

How You Will Learn

• Interactive and student-led tasks
• Group work and independent research
• Guest speakers from related fields of practice
• Access to the University of Derby's library and on-site facilities

How You Will Be Assessed

• Essay writing
• Presentations
• Writing and academic posters
• Support is offered to scaffold your progress throughout the course

Careers

• Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, Children's)
• Midwifery
• Occupational Therapy
• Other health professions

Entry Requirements

• 19 years of age or above on the 31st August 2025
• Ideally, Mathematics and English GCSEs at grade A-C/9-4 or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths
• If lacking in level 2 qualifications, a Pre-Access course is available

How to Apply

• Check application deadlines
• Submit application and supporting documents (qualifications or references)
• Review and contact within 4 weeks to confirm success or not

Additional Information

• Course updates: The information provided is correct at the time of publication, but course content, costs, and individual course details may change.
• Teaching hours: Extended teaching hours, with contact time with lecturers and tutors between 9am and 9pm.
• Course intakes: 2 intakes, either 8 September 2025 or 20 January 2026

Other Courses You Might Like

• Nursing (Adult) BSc (Hons)
• Midwifery BSc (Hons)
• Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons)
• Nursing (Mental Health) BSc (Hons)
• Nursing (Children's) BSc (Hons)