10 – 14 Months
Gateway Qualifications
Overview
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is a Level 3 qualification designed for adult learners who want to progress to university and pursue a professional career in nursing, healthcare or related health professions.
The programme provides an alternative pathway into higher education for learners who may not hold traditional qualifications such as A Levels. It combines nursing and health-related subject knowledge with essential academic and study skills, helping learners prepare for the demands of undergraduate education.
For serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and service leavers, the programme offers an opportunity to build on the valuable skills gained through military service and take the next step towards higher education and a new career within the healthcare sector
What does this course cover?
- Human Biology and Physiology.
- Health and Disease.
- Psychology.
- Sociology and Health
- Health Promotion.
- Professional Practice in Healthcare.
- Communication in Healthcare.
- Research and Academic Skills
- Study Skills for Higher Education
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.
Duration
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is available in 2 durations:- 10 Months (fast track)
- 14 Months
Accreditation
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.
Course Delivery
- Online
Entry Requirements
To study Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) course Learners should be aware that entry requirements vary for Nursing courses, but as a minimum, you should have the following:- 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 that are concerned with academic subject content, and the remaining 15 credits can be achieved at level 2 or 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 HE Diploma (Nursing) Units Break down
Mandatory Graded: Academic Subject Content
| Unit Title | Level | Credit |
| Homeostasis | 3 | 3 |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3 | 6 |
| Human Reproduction and Health Related Issues | 3 | 3 |
| Introduction to Biology: Cells and Tissues | 3 | 3 |
Optional Graded: Research Graded Academic Subject Content
| Unit Title | Level | Credit |
| Research Skills for Health or Care | 3 | 6 |
Graded Health Context
| Unit Title | Level | Credit |
| Actions of Medicines on the Human Body | 3 | 3 |
| Promoting Health | 3 | 3 |
| Health Inequalities | 3 | 3 |
Graded Sociology
| Unit Title | Level | Credit |
| Introduction to Sociology | 3 | 3 |
Graded Psychology
| Unit Title | Level | Credit |
| Developmental Psychology | 3 | 3 |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | 3 |
| Health Psychology | 3 | 6 |
Mandatory Units: Ungraded
| Unit Title | Level | Credit |
| Professional Behaviours: Nursing and Health Professions | 3 | 3 |
Numeracy in a Health Context Ungraded
| Unit Title | Level | Credit |
| Numeracy in a Health Context | 2 | 3 |
Optional Units: Ungraded
| Unit Title | Level | Credit |
| Academic Writing Skills | 3 | 3 |
| Study Skills for Higher Education | 3 | 3 |
| Communication – Speaking and Listening | 3 | 3 |
Assessment
The qualification will be assessed using a range of methods. This could include:- Presentation or
- One to one discussion with teacher or a portfolio of evidence or
- Written assignments or
- A task
What could this qualification lead to?
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is primarily designed to prepare learners for progression to university-level study and can provide a pathway towards a future career in nursing, healthcare and related professionsEmployment Opportunities
Learners undertaking this qualification may work in job roles such as:- Adult Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Children’s Nurse
- Learning Disability Nurse
- Nursing Associate
- Community Healthcare Professional
- Public Health Professional
- Healthcare Coordinator
- Health and Social Care Professional
Higher Education
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)) provides a recognised pathway to university and professional healthcare careers. Upon successful completion, learners may progress to undergraduate degree- BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Children’s Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Learning Disability Nursing
- Nursing Associate programmes
- Health and Social Care
- Public Health
- Healthcare Studies
- Other related health and care degree programmes
