This Distance Learning course is accredited by the Skills and Education Group (SEG).
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health & Social Care is a Level 3 qualification designed to equip you with the credentials needed to progress to university-level study in Health & Social Care. Equivalent to three A-Levels, it is tailored for individuals who left school without the necessary qualifications or those returning to education after an extended break.
Throughout the course, you will develop essential academic skills, including note-taking, essay writing, research techniques, time management, exam preparation, and oral presentation delivery, ensuring you are well-prepared for university-level study.
The Health and Social Care sector plays a crucial role in supporting individuals of all ages to live healthier, more independent lives. Professionals in this field provide essential care for those with medical needs, disabilities, or vulnerabilities, promoting well-being and dignity for people ranging from young children to the elderly.
This qualification is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in healthcare or social work by developing your knowledge of the healthcare system, human biology, and the key principles of care.
Through engaging modules, you will explore topics such as health promotion, safeguarding, anatomy, and social care practices, giving you the foundation to succeed in higher education and beyond.
By the end of the course, you will not only gain the qualifications needed to progress to university but also a deeper understanding of the values, skills, and knowledge required to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
This Access to HE Diploma can be started at any point throughout the year, and takes approximately 9-12 months to complete; this means it does not necessarily follow the standard academic year. If you start the course later than September, it is unlikely you will meet the January UCAS deadline to start at university that September.
You will need:
- GCSE grade 4 or above for both English and maths
or - A relevant Level 2 qualification and Functional Skills in English and maths at Level 2*
You will also have an online assessment and interview with our course tutors before completing your enrolment, so we can ensure the course is right for you.
*Some universities do not accept Functional Skills and require GCSEs - please check the entry requirements of your chosen course and universities to ensure you will be eligible to apply.
The assessment process for this course is ongoing and designed to evaluate your progress throughout the year. It includes a combination of:
- Assignments
- Tests
- Exams
Each unit of the course is modular, promoting manageable, bite-sized learning. Every unit consists of smaller components called Assessment Criteria. At the end of each unit, you will complete an assignment, which is reviewed by your personal tutor. Your tutor will provide constructive feedback, highlighting strengths and offering guidance on areas for improvement to help you surpass your expectations.
All assessments are designed by your tutors and externally moderated by SEGA to maintain quality and fairness.
After completing your Access to HE course, you will be able to:
- Apply for a paramedic science-related degree at university*
- Progress directly into employment in the NHS or other health-related organisations
*Please check the entry requirements of your chosen course and universities to ensure you will be eligible to apply, as these can vary between institutions, even for similar courses.
Topics you will study include:
Academic Writing Skills:
- Be able to structure a written response
- Be able to develop a structured response to a plan
- Be able to present the response appropriately for audience and purpose
- Understand how to apply academic writing principles to own work
Reading and Note Making:
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand the use of language in terms of the purpose and context of a range of texts
- Be able to use methods for developing notes from a range of sources
Healthcare Communication:
- Understand the main methods of communication
- Understand the barriers to communication
- Understand the value of developing good communication skills within the context of the health service
- Understand the importance of confidentiality and record keeping
Perspectives in Psychology:
- Understand different psychological perspectives
- Understand the differences between alternative psychological perspectives
- Understand the application of psychological perspectives to contemporary issues in psychology
Family:
- Understand the relationship between the family and the wider society
- Understand role relationships within the family
- Understand the influence of feminism on the study of the family
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare Settings:
- Know the key concepts related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
- Understand key legislation and regulations related to EDI in healthcare
- Understand how EDI issues are managed in healthcare settings
Developmental Psychology:
- Understand the nature/nurture debate in developmental psychology
- Understand early socialisation and the formation of attachment
- Understand cognitive development and the ways in which children process and use information
- Understand the application of developmental psychology theories in the real world
- Understand psychological changes that accompany ageing
Professionalism and Multidisciplinary Teams:
- Understand the impact of changes to the roles and responsibilities of a chosen health care professional
- Understand regulation as a chosen health care professional
- Understand the multidisciplinary team working in a chosen health care
Understanding the Welfare State:
- Understand the historical development of the British Welfare State
- Understand the main welfare services available in contemporary British society
- Understand the differing ideologies of welfare
- Understand a current contemporary issue in welfare provision
Cognitive Psychology:
- Understand theories relating to cognitive psychology
- Understand the contribution of cognitive psychology research to our understanding of three of the following:
- development
- memory
- attention
- perception
- language and thought
Social Inequality:
- Understand the relationship between social differentiation and social inequality
- Understand the main theoretical perspectives on social inequality
- Understand how class, gender and ethnicity influence the opportunities available to people
Biopsychology: Behaviour and the Brain
- Understand the concept of localisation of function
- Understand the strengths and weaknesses of methods of investigating the relationship between the brain and behaviour
- Understand the interaction between the brain and behaviour
Social Care Provisions:
- Understand the adult and child social work provisions in the UK
- Understand the contributions of the voluntary and private sector in the provision of care
- Understand the differing welfare needs of groups of people
Poverty in Contemporary Britain:
- Understand definitions of poverty
- Understand the historical context of poverty in Britain
- Understand the different methods used to measure poverty
- Understand theoretical explanations of poverty
- Understand explanations about why certain social groups are more likely to experience poverty
- Understand recent policies for tackling poverty in Britain
Biopsychology: Behaviour and Drugs
- Understand how neurotransmitters in the brain control behaviour
- Understand the action of drugs on synaptic transmission
- Understand how psychoactive drugs change behaviour
- Understand the role of serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of disorders
Dementia:
- Understand the causes and prevalence of dementia
- Understand the diagnosis of dementia
- Understand treatment and care of dementia patients
Responding to Prejudice and Discrimination:
- Understand theories for prejudice and discrimination
- Understand legal responses to discrimination and prejudice
- Understand community initiatives in overcoming discrimination and prejudice
In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete short introductory tasks at the start of your course to support the development of your academic study skills.
