09 – 12 Months
Gateway Qualifications
Overview
The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma in Nursing is a Level 3 qualification designed for adults who want to progress to a university nursing degree in the UK. It is a recognised alternative to A Levels and provides the academic preparation needed for entry into higher education.
This course is ideal for learners aged 19+ who wish to pursue a career in Adult Nursing, Child Nursing, Mental Health Nursing or Learning Disability Nursing.
What does the course cover?
- Principles of Nursing Practice
- Safeguarding in Healthcare
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare
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 in Nursing 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 in Nursing 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 in Nursing is available in 2 durations:
- 09 Months (Fast Track)
- 12 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 in Nursing course. Learners should meet the following entry requirements
- 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 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: Graded Academic Subject Content
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Skills for Health or Care | 3 | 6 |
Graded Health Context
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Actions of Medicines on the Human Body | 3 | 3 |
| Promoting Health | 3 | 3 |
| Health Inequalities | 3 | 3 |
Graded Sociology
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Sociology | 3 | 3 |
Graded Psychology
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental Psychology | 3 | 3 |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | 3 |
| Health Psychology | 3 | 6 |
Mandatory Ungraded
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Behaviours: Nursing and Health Professions | 3 | 3 |
Numeracy in a Health Context Ungraded
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Numeracy in a Health Context | 2 | 3 |
Optional Units: Ungraded
| Unit Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing Skills | 3 | 3 |
| Study Skills for Higher Education | 3 | 3 |
| Communication – Speaking and Listening | 3 | 3 |
What could this qualification lead to?
An Access to HE Diploma in Nursing provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to progress to a degree programme in nursing. Successful completion of this diploma can lead to several potential outcomes:1. Higher Education
Many students use the Access to HE Diploma in Nursing as a pathway to enrol on a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing, including Adult, Child, Mental Health or Learning Disability Nursing degrees.2. Professional Qualifications
After completing a nursing degree, graduates can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and practise as a Registered Nurse. This opens career opportunities in hospitals, community healthcare, GP practices, private clinics and specialist units.3. Specialisations
With experience, nurses may choose to specialise in areas such as:- Adult Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Paediatric Nursing
- Learning Disability Nursing
- Critical Care
- Emergency Nursing
4. Further Education
Some nurses progress to advanced qualifications such as:- Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner training
- Specialist Practice qualifications
5. Research and Academia
Individuals interested in teaching or research may move into:- Nurse education
- Clinical research
- University lecturing
- Healthcare policy and development
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.Progression
After completing an Access to HE Diploma in (Nursing) learner will progress:- You can progress to health-related higher education programmes at university the 3 years B.Sc. including nursing and the allied health professions such as occupational therapy.
- Learners can go into many different nursing roles which include adult nurse and health & social care profession etc.
