Adult

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 1 Year Level 3 Part-Time Evening Bede Campus Access to Higher Education Apply Enquire
September 1 Year Level 3 Part-Time - Day Bede Campus Access to Higher Education Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Our Access to HE Diploma in Health Professions is your stepping stone toward a rewarding career in healthcare. Whether you envision yourself as a compassionate nurse, a skilled midwife, or a dedicated physiotherapist, our program equips you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to thrive in university and beyond. Join us on this transformative path and let your passion heal and inspire.

You will need 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths, or a Level 2 equivalent.

Please be aware students will be considered on a case-by-case basis if the entry requirements are not met by the course leader and curriculum manager. If the entry requirements are not met, students have the opportunity to study the Progression Award to Access and then progress to Access.

Study level Cost Additional fees
19+ Please enquire You will need to provide your own stationery and potentially may wish to purchase additional equipment to help with your learning, for example, a laptop or desktop computer.

Our Access to HE Diploma in Health Professions blends diverse teaching methods and thoughtful assessment to empower you for success in the dynamic field of healthcare. Through this program, you will gain a thorough understanding of core concepts, theories, and frameworks—essential knowledge for your future career in the various healthcare fields.

On the course, students will experience learning through seminars and workshops exploring core concepts, theories, and frameworks in Health. Learning is delivered by staff who are not only specialists in their subject knowledge, but are also specialists in teaching Access for adults and have industry experience.

Sessions are interactive and delivered by skilled professionals either in person or remotely. All students will have the opportunity to gain support through small groups and one-to-one discussions with lecturers and access to digital learning materials, including video tutorials, interactive simulations, and e-books.

Units will be assessed throughout the year with ongoing feedback on coursework and projects to help students improve and learn continuously. Assessment methods are varied and include, portfolios, projects, essays, presentations and reports to name a few to prepare students with the skills needed for HE studies in the different health study degrees.

English and Maths are important life skills that will help you to achieve your best in your studies and progress to your dream career. If you have not already achieved grade 9-4 in GCSE Maths and/or English, we will support you to improve your skills before you start the Access Diploma.

When studying, you will be expected to spend time outside of lessons working on coursework and studying. You will also have access to study areas in college to support your learning and development.

Health Professions is offered as a hybrid model offering students the choice of when and where they study. During Enrolment students will be asked to choose one of the following options:

Option 1:
Session 1 - Tuesday at 11am - 4pm (face-to-face)
Session 2, Tuesday, 5pm - 9pm (face-to-face)

Option 2:
Session 1 - Tuesday at 5pm - 9pm (face-to-face)
Session 2 - Thursday at 11am - 4pm (face-to-face)

Option 3:
Session 1 - Tuesday at 11am - 4pm (face-to-face)
Session 2 - Thursday at 5pm - 9pm (remote)

Option 4:
Session 1 - Tuesday at 5pm - 9pm (face-to-face)
Session 2 - Thursday 5pm - 9pm (remote)

Option 5
Session 1 - Tuesday 11am - 4pm, Face to Face (includes, 1hr lunch)
Session 2 - Thursday 11am - 4pm, Face to Face (includes, 1hr lunch)

Option 6
Session 1 - Thursday 11am - 4pm, Face to Face (includes, 1hr lunch)
Session 2 - Thursday 5pm - 9pm, Remote

The Access to HE Diploma in Health Professions offers a comprehensive curriculum that delves into core subjects, providing students with a solid foundation in health. Our meticulously designed course aims to prepare you for further education and a successful career in the healthcare sector.

Here’s what you can expect -

Prepare for Higher Education:
Acquire the academic knowledge and skills necessary for seamless progression to health-related degree programs.
Bridge educational gaps, welcoming mature students and those without traditional qualifications into the fold of higher education in health professions.

Develop Core Knowledge and Skills:
Explore essential subjects such as biology, biochemistry, health studies, and psychology.
Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities—essential tools for success in healthcare settings.

Promote Lifelong Learning and Professionalism:
Embrace continuous learning and professional development within the dynamic field of healthcare.
Build confidence and independence, equipping yourself to meet the demands of higher education and your future healthcare career.

You will study units including:

Developmental Units:

- Safeguarding

- Communication: Critical Thinking in Academic Writing

- Professional Behaviours: Nursing and Health Professions

- Numeracy in a Health Context

Graded Academic Units:
- From Cells to Organ Systems

- Body Systems

- Exchange and Transport of Gases

- Coordination and Control

- Psychological Perspectives

- Social Perspectives in Mental Health

- Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing

- Dementia Care and Treatment

- Health Promotion

- Social Roles in the Caring Professions

- Context of Health

- Life Style Choices and Health

What’s next?

Graduates of the Access to HE Diploma in Health Professions have a wealth of opportunities awaiting them. This diploma is designed to open doors to Higher Education and exciting careers in the healthcare sector, such as:

– Adult nursing or child nursing
– Mental health nursing
– Learning Disability Nursing
– Midwifery
– Physiotherapy
– Occupational therapy
– Paramedic
– Health and social care
– Public health
– Biomedical science
– Radiography
– Speech and Language Therapy

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted

NSS, 2024

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

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