Two mature students in classroom

Access to HE (Health Professions)

This course is suitable for individuals returning to education, changing career paths, or re-entering learning after time away. It is ideal for those who need a Level 3 qualification for university entry or higher-level apprenticeships, including people seeking to progress after a career break or time spent raising children.

This course focuses on the key characteristics and responsibilities of healthcare professionals, including the need for appropriate education, training, professional registration, and adherence to regulatory standards to maintain public trust. It emphasises patient-centred care and NHS values such as compassion, respect, dignity, teamwork, and commitment to high-quality care. Effective communication is highlighted as essential to professional practice, covering verbal, non-verbal, and written communication, common barriers to understanding, and differences between professionals and patients. Strong teamworking is also central, with benefits including improved patient outcomes, reduced errors, increased efficiency, and shared skills, supported through clear roles, feedback, training, and reflective practice.

The course introduces and explores key competencies such as: risk management, problem-solving and ongoing professional development in healthcare contexts. Students will explore approaches to identifying and analysing risks, and apply problem-solving models with the aim of positively impacting patient-centred care. Reflection is presented as a core skill, supporting continuous professional development through self-assessment and the creation of a personal development plan. This involves setting realistic and challenging goals, selecting suitable learning activities, and regularly reviewing progress to support continuous improvement in personal and professional practice.

We are a learning community, and your part in that is to demonstrate the following expected professional behaviours: full attendance and punctuality, high levels of engagement and participation, clear communication and being peer supportive.

This course is designed to help adult learners return to education, gain confidence, and develop the skills needed to succeed at university.

Entry requirements: Level 2 English and Level 2 maths.

Access to Higher Education (Health Professions)

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Josephine Ellmore

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions)

"I wanted to pursue Midwifery but had trouble finding universities that accepted my Level 3 qualifications. Then I found the Access course, which provided the right qualifications for my career. The course was diverse, covering relevant subjects like Sociology and Physiology, which I initially knew little about but ended up really enjoying.

Time management and productivity were key skills I developed, as completing the course in a year was challenging. I stayed motivated by the fascinating content in each module. A highlight was working with the NHS as a healthcare assistant. The course also taught me important academic skills, like referencing and critically analyzing information. I’m proud to have graduated with a first-class degree."

Student wearing cap and gown