10 – 14 Months
Gateway Qualifications
Access to Higher Education Diploma – Medical Sciences
Overview
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medical Sciences) is a UK-regulated Level 3 qualification designed to prepare learners for successful progression into university-level study in medical and health science subjects. It is particularly suitable for adults who do not have traditional A-Level qualifications or who are returning to education after a break.
This diploma is equivalent to three A-Levels and recognised by UK universities, making it a valuable route for entry into degree programmes such as Biomedical Science, Paramedic Science, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Podiatry, and other healthcare or science-related degrees.
What does the course cover?
- Biology (cells, human physiology, genetics)
- Chemistry (organic and inorganic principles)
- Human anatomy and physiology
Does it give me UCAS Tariff Points?
Yes. An Access to HE Diploma carries up to 144 UCAS tariff points depending upon grades achieved.
The Diploma is made up of 45 graded credits and 15 ungraded credits. 144 points equates to 45 Distinctions in the Diploma. At A level, 144 points equals 3 grade A’s. You can calculate UCAS Tariff Points for different Grades using the Tariff Calculator
Delivery Methods
To cater to different learning styles and preferences, the London College of Professional Studies (LCPS) offers a range of flexible delivery methods, allowing learners to study in a way that suits their needs and schedules.
Learners will be able to:
Access all course materials – including online modules, study guides, and written assignments.- Receive expert tutor support throughout the course.
- Use the LCPS Online Learning Portal – available 24/7, providing a user-friendly platform for all study resources.
- Obtain detailed assignment briefings to guide assessment preparation.
- Access high-quality study notes designed to support learning and understanding.
- Receive assignment feedback and marks to monitor progress and improvement.
- Earn a fully accredited UK qualification upon successful completion.
- Get dedicated customer support via chat, telephone, or email (Monday to Friday).
- Enjoy full academic and administrative support from enrolment to course completion.
Accreditation
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medical Sciences) programme is accredited by Gateway Qualifications awarding body regulated and licensed by the QAA for Access Courses
Successful candidates will be awarded a nationally recognised Access to HE Diploma awarded by Gateway Qualifications. The diploma is approved by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and is accepted for entry to a wide range of universities and higher education institutions.
Duration
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medical Sciences) is available in 2 durations:
- 10 Months (Fast Track)
- 14 Months
Learners are granted a maximum of two years’ access to complete the course from the date of enrolment.
Course Delivery
- Online
- Blended Learning
Entry Requirements
To study Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medical Sciences) course Learners should be aware that entry requirements vary for Medical Sciences courses, but as a minimum, you should have the following:
- GCSE grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or Functional Skills equivalent) or Level 2. If you do not have these already, you can study these with us.
- Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths or GCSE equivalent international qualifications. You may need functional skills qualifications
- Learners must be age of 19 to study the qualification
Module Structure
Learners must achieve a total of 60 credits, of which 45 credits must be achieved at level 3 from graded units which are concerned with academic subject content and the remaining 15 credits must be achieved at level 3 from units which are ungraded.- All learners must register for at least one 6-credit or one 9-credit unit as part of their programme of study; this can be a graded or ungraded unit.
- The maximum number of credits that can be made up from 6-credit or 9-credit units is 30 credits; this can be from graded and ungraded 6-credit and 9-credit units.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medical Sciences) Units Break down
Mandatory Graded: Graded Academic Subject Content
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Principles: Particles and Forces | 3 | 6 |
| Fundamental Chemistry | 3 | 6 |
| Fundamental Physics: Theory | 3 | 6 |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3 | 6 |
Research Graded Academic Subject Content
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research: Practical Investigation Project for Medical Sciences | 3 | 6 |
Optional Units: Graded Graded Academic Context Graded
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| An Introduction to Health and Disease | 3 | 3 |
| Introduction to Biology: Cells and Tissues | 3 | 3 |
| Physical Science: Environmental Health and Medical Physics | 3 | 3 |
| The Blood | 3 | 3 |
| Actions of Medicines on the Human Body | 3 | 3 |
Mandatory Ungraded
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics: Algebra, Exponentials and Logarithms | 3 | 3 |
| Preparation for Higher Education | 3 | 3 |
| Quantitative Methods – Statistics | 3 | 3 |
Optional Units: Ungraded
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing Skills | 3 | 3 |
| Communication – Speaking and Listening | 3 | 3 |
What could this qualification lead to?
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medical Sciences) is designed to support learners in progressing towards rewarding careers within the healthcare and medical sectors. While this qualification itself does not provide direct professional registration, it serves as a strong foundation for university study, which can lead to careers such as:- Registered Nurse
- Midwife
- Paramedic
- Physiotherapist
- Radiographer
- Occupational Therapist
- Biomedical Scientist
- Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Research Assistant
- Pharmaceutical or Healthcare Research Roles
- Public Health Practitioner
Assessment
The qualification will be assessed using a range of methods. This could include presentation, one to one discussion with teacher or a portfolio of evidence, written assignments, or a task.University Progression
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medical Sciences) provides a recognised pathway to university and professional healthcare careers. Upon successful completion, learners may progress to undergraduate degree- Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health, Learning Disabilities)
- Midwifery
- Biomedical Science
- Paramedic Science
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography
- Pharmacy
- Public Health and Health Sciences
- Other related medical and healthcare programmes
