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Access to HE – Nursing and Midwifery Level 3

Course Code
ACCS302A.SP
Start Date
15/09/2025
End Date
19/06/2026
Location
Broxbourne Campus
Study Mode
Full Time

If you don’t have traditional qualifications, our Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are the ideal route to help get you one step closer to taking on a degree. Access courses are ideal for those wanting to study at a university level, but need an additional year of preparation before applying for a degree.

This popular daytime course, designed for adults (ages 19+) will prepare you for a career in Nursing or Midwifery. These industries continually recruit new professionals, and demand for professionals with these skills is currently high, so no better time to upskill or consider a career change. 

This course provides students with the skills, knowledge and understanding that will allow them to progress onto Higher Education. Students will complete a wide range of modules covering subjects such as safeguarding, mental health and illness, human anatomy and physiology. This course is flexible for students as it consists of two days a week in college, completing a combination of classroom-based study as well as additional blended/home learning.

What makes Access to HE at HRC special?

  • Our courses are designed for adults who are returning to learning or may not have the right qualifications to take on a degree
  • A blended learning approach helps balance studies, personal life, and work commitments.
    Students progress to degrees in areas such as adult, child, or mental health nursing, and midwifery
  • Expert staff deliver specialist units including science-based topics like human anatomy and homeostasis
  • Full UCAS application support is provided in the first term of the course

What do our students say?

”Access to HE was a great start in the direction I want to head, that provided me with more confidence and so much support with my learning. Plus, it’s a course for absolutely anyone!”

 

”Access to HE was a stepping stone to getting into uni – it was the last shot I had. The positive impacts were meeting people with similar interests at different stages of their lives. I also feel the course has prepared me very well for university because it was structured like a university course.”

 

This course includes a range of graded and ungraded units to give you the knowledge and skills needed for higher education. You will study units such as:
  • Homeostasis:  understanding balance in the human body
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology:  exploring the structure and systems of the body
  • Cells and Tissues:  investigating the building blocks of life
  • Human Reproduction and Health Related Issues: key aspects of sexual health and fertility
  • Antenatal Care and the Role of the Midwife: care provided before and during pregnancy
  • Biological Psychology – The Brain:  understanding how the brain works
  • Mental Health and Illness:  looking at definitions, conditions, stigma and care approaches
  • Safeguarding Children, Young People and/or Vulnerable Adults:  identifying and managing risk
  • Female Genital Mutilation Awareness:  raising awareness of critical issues in health and human rights
  • Care Principles: understanding compassionate, ethical care
  • Research Skills for Health and Care:  building investigation and report-writing skills
  • Numeracy in a Health Context: practical maths for healthcare
  • Academic Writing: developing essay writing skills in preparation for your Access course and future university study
  • Professional Behaviours: Nursing and Health Professions (key skills and values for your career)
  • Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience:  understanding well-being and resilience
  • Preparation for Higher Education:  preparing for university application process
Course structure: Teaching takes place over two days a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) during term time only. Students are expected to attend from 9am to 5pm. There are 2–3 taught sessions per day, with additional independent learning required throughout the week. An assessment schedule (subject to change) is provided at the beginning of the course to help you plan effectively. 
You will be assessed using a range of methods including:
  • Essays
  • Reports
  • Presentations
  • Controlled assessments
  • Academic posters
  • Exams
This variety helps prepare you for university expectations and allows you to showcase your strengths in different formats. An assessment schedule will be shared at the beginning of the year to help you stay organised. 
Bring whatever you need to support your learning. Most students use:
  • Notepads, pens and highlighters
  • A laptop or tablet for completing assignments
  • USB memory stick or cloud storage
If you think you may benefit from financial support, bursaries are available for eligible students. Please note that funding is subject to availability and criteria. For more information, contact:01992 411411 financialsupport@hrc.ac.uk 
To take on this course, you will need:
  • GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (Functional Skills Level 2 may be accepted in some cases)
  • A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required
If you’d like help understanding our entry requirements, give our Information Team a call on 01992 411411 and they will be able to pass your query on to a member of the Access to HE teaching team.
If you are aged 19 or over on 31st August 2025, you may be required to pay tuition fees of approximately £3,400 (based on 2024/25 fees (subject to change for 2025/26).
  • If this is your first full Level 3 qualification, you may be entitled to free tuition
  • You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover course fees if you’re not eligible for free tuition
  • You may also need to pay admin fees, exam fees, or an Awarding Body Registration fee where applicable
Did you know? If you complete a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma and then go on to complete a higher education course, your loan for the Access course will be written off. More information is available via Gateway:https://www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk/learners/information-for-access-students/advance-learning-loans/
  • You are strongly encouraged to take on voluntary work during the course, particularly in health or care settings. This not only supports your personal development, but also strengthens your university application
  • Some university courses expect a GCSE Science qualification (Grade 4/C). You can study this alongside your Access course at HRC if needed
  • You’ll take part in an induction programme covering academic skills like referencing, planning, using command verbs and structuring your assignments — with continued support throughout the year
  • We offer guest speakers, university preparation workshops, and careers guidance to help you make informed choices
 
After completing this course, students can:
  • Apply to university for a degree in Adult, Child or Mental Health Nursing or Midwifery
  • Apply for a related degree such as Public Health, Paramedic Science or Operating Department Practice
  • Enter related employment in the health and care sector
  • Progress to Higher or Degree Apprenticeships in healthcare
  • Enrol in further part-time qualifications to complement career goals
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ACCS302A.SP
Access to HE – Nursing and Midwifery Level 3
2025-09-15 00:00:00.000
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