Access to HE Diploma in Nursing
Intro
The Access to HE Diploma in Nursing is a Level 3 qualification, which is equivalent to A Levels.
Successful completion of this course provides a route back into education and will prepare you to study at degree level in a range of healthcare professions including nursing, midwifery, public health, occupational therapy, paramedic science, psychology and social work.
Ruskin is a friendly and inclusive college, with an ethos that puts you very much at the centre of the learning experience. It is the ideal environment to set out on your path to your rewarding career in nursing, especially if you are an adult returning to education.
Course details
You will cover topics relevant to further study in the area of nursing. Modules range from biology to ethics and values, so you will get an excellent all-round learning experience, readying you for further study. There are some examples of study units from this course below, please note that these are subject to change.
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Study units
Study skills
- Essay writing
- Reading and comprehension of texts
- Arithmetic for health studies
- The role of the health or social care professional
- Preparation for higher education
- Sourcing and reading information
Biology
- Blood
- Cells
- Genes and inheritance
- Disease and immunity
- Human tissues and systems
- The reproductive system
History
- Mixed economies of welfare in society
- Development of the welfare state
Sociology
- Ethical dilemmas
- Health and wellbeing
- Health promotion and health education
- Extended project
Start date
The next start date is September 2025.
See How to apply
Entry requirements
Qualifications
No specific qualifications are required to apply for this course. However, a GCSE in English and Maths at grade 4/C or equivalent Level 2 qualifications such as Functional Skills would be beneficial. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted.
Applicants are advised to contact the universities to which they plan to apply, to check their Level 2 Maths and English criteria. If you do not hold Level 2 qualifications, please contact us to discuss your options.
You will be asked to attend an interview and to complete a Maths and English assessment as part of the application process.
Age
You must be age 19 or over by September of the year in which you start the course.
Residency
Access courses are only open to UK residents. Additionally, you must fulfil residency requirements to be eligible for government funding, which we check when you apply.
Teaching and assessment
Length of course
This course lasts for 33 weeks and is classed as full-time learning. Currently teaching takes places on three days per week - Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9.30am – 3.00pm.
To complete this course you will have 450 guided learning hours. These are the hours that you spend being taught or learning on your own.
The course dates we offer fit around school holidays, making it easier to manage your studies alongside family commitments.
Study progression
This course prepares you for degree-level study in preparation for a career in nursing. Although the qualification has not been designed to lead directly to employment, it will support you to take steps towards a career in a range of health professions.
At the end of the course, universities may offer you a place following an interview and they will ask for a number of credits at Pass, Merit or Distinction. They will never ask for all Distinctions in all your units. You can find out more about this on the UCAS website.
Course cost
Please note, the course cost will be confirmed shortly.
We will help you access financial support if you are entitled to it: find out if you are eligible.
How to apply
To apply for this course, please fill in our access course application form.
Find out more
If you'd like to find out more about this course, please get in touch.
We'd be happy to talk through the course in detail, advise about funding options and help you with your application.
Call us on 01865 759658 or email courses@ruskin.ac.uk