Program Overview

Access to HE Diploma (Nursing)

Course Overview

The Access to Nursing course is designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to be able to start your journey to a rewarding career in nursing upon graduation.

Why You Should Study This Course

• Quickest route to Higher Education.
• No end-of-year exams.
• Mapped to match with modules taught on Nursing degree programmes.
• Open learning environment.
• Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete an eligible higher education course (subject to SFE requirements).

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

This course is Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated.

What You'll Study

You will study basic human anatomy and biology which aims to help you to gain an understanding of how the human body works, both when healthy and during illness. The course has been designed with support from tutors on Coventry University’s nursing courses, with the focus on providing you with the opportunity to gain the foundation knowledge required to successfully study an undergraduate nursing degree.

Modules

• Human Tissues and Systems – 3 credits
• Mental Health and Illness – 3 credits
• The Role of the Health or Social Care Professional – 3 credits
• Transport and Respiration – 6 credits
• Disease and Immunity – 6 credits
• Extended Project – 6 credits
• Anatomy and Physiology – 6 credits
• Disability and Social Inclusion – 3 credits
• Preparation for Higher Education – 3 credits
• Health Promotion and Health Education – 3 credits
• Early Socialisation and Attachment – 3 credits
• Study Skills – 15 credits

How You'll Learn

The access course offers an opportunity for you to study for a Level 3 Diploma.

The CU model of delivery focuses on one module at a time, allowing you to focus on the in-depth content of the subject. Lectures are delivered by subject experts using a variety of methods to reinforce the concepts of the topic from traditional lectures, group work, worksheets, case studies and research activities.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

• Essays
• Group work
• Presentations
• Projects
• Coursework.

Entry Requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

• UK
• Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English are preferable but not mandatory for commencing the Access course. Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English can be acquired alongside the Access course as they are a pre-requisite to progress onto universities.
• GCSE maths, English and one science at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.

Fees and Funding

Student | Full-time | Part-time
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UK | 2026/27 fees TBC
2025/26 fees: £3384 | Not available

Facilities

Our purpose-built campus building is arranged around an open central atrium that includes IT suites and study spaces.

Careers and Opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will have knowledge of a range of health and social science-related topics that could help you start a degree programme. You will have also gained a range of study skills that will be useful throughout your studies and future career, including research, referencing and the correct style of academic writing.

On successful completion of this course, you will be guaranteed an interview for the following courses:

• Adult Nursing BSc (Hons) (at Coventry University or CU Scarborough)
• Children and Young People’s Nursing BSc (Hons) (at Coventry University)
• Learning Disabilities Nursing BSc (Hons) (at Coventry University or CU Scarborough)
• Mental Health Nursing BSc (Hons) (at Coventry University or CU Scarborough)
• Nursing Associate Foundation Degree (at Coventry University or CU Scarborough)

Where Our Graduates Work

Our graduates are employed in acute care organisations, community care settings and within general practice and social care.