Access to HE Diploma – Health Professions

About This Course

This Access to Higher Education Diploma – Health Professions is the academic equivalent of three A Levels and provides a direct route to university study. Designed for individuals aspiring to careers such as nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, or other health professions, this qualification equips you with up to 144 UCAS points and the foundational knowledge required for higher education.

This course covers essential topics such as human biology, safeguarding, healthcare roles, and academic study techniques. Alongside these, you will develop practical skills in research, writing, and critical thinking to prepare you for university-level learning. With no traditional exams, you’ll be assessed through assignments, offering you flexibility and control over your study journey.

Awarded by AIM Group, this fully recognised qualification ensures learners meet the professional standards expected in the healthcare sector. You’ll gain the confidence to progress into higher education and achieve your career goals, all while studying from the comfort of your home.

Course Benefits

• Fully recognised qualification validated by AIM Group and equivalent to three A Levels.
• Achieve up to 144 UCAS points to support university applications.
• Study essential topics like human biology, safeguarding, and professional healthcare standards.
• No traditional exams – assessments are completed through assignments.
• Flexible distance learning allows you to study from home.
• Gain foundational knowledge for careers in nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, and more.

Course Units

Qualification Title: Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions)
Qualification Number: 40015592
Total Credits: Maximum of 60 credits available
UCAS Points: Up to 144

Year 1

Unit 1: Academic Study Techniques

• Learn to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses in learning.
• Explore effective study strategies such as planning and note-taking.
• Understand the basics of referencing and assessing reliable sources.

Unit 2: Roles and Responsibilities of the Healthcare Professional

• Examine the evolving roles of healthcare professionals.
• Understand regulatory bodies such as the HCPC and NMC.
• Learn about teamwork and the multidisciplinary approach in healthcare.

Unit 3: The Structure and Organisation of the Health and Social Care Sectors

• Explore how health and social care sectors are funded and organised.
• Assess the impact of government reforms on healthcare provision.
• Compare statutory, private, and voluntary healthcare sectors.

Unit 4: Safeguarding

• Understand the development of safeguarding policies and legislation.
• Identify categories and signs of abuse.
• Learn how agencies collaborate to safeguard individuals effectively.

Unit 5: Human Cell Biology

• Study the structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
• Examine the roles of organelles within cells.
• Understand material exchanges across cell membranes.

Unit 6: Respiration and Circulation

• Explore the processes of ventilation and gas exchange.
• Understand the structure and function of the cardiovascular system.
• Analyse homeostatic mechanisms in respiration and circulation.

Unit 7: Nutrition and Digestion

• Learn about human nutritional requirements and food molecules.
• Understand the structure and function of the human gut.
• Study the principles of digestion and nutrient absorption.

Unit 8: Homeostasis and Endocrine System

• Understand the endocrine system and its functions.
• Examine the effects of hormones on the human body.
• Learn about feedback mechanisms involved in homeostasis.

Year 2

Unit 9: Numeracy in a Health Context

• Apply mathematical operations such as fractions and percentages in healthcare.
• Understand units of measurement in a healthcare setting.
• Solve numerical problems related to health scenarios.

Unit 10: The Nervous System

• Study the structure and function of the nervous system.
• Examine the autonomic nervous system and its processes.
• Learn about the effects of disorders on the nervous system.

Unit 11: The Urinary System

• Explore the structure and function of the human urinary system.
• Understand how the body maintains water and salt balance.
• Study common urinary system diseases and their impacts.

Unit 12: The Human Skeletal and Muscular Systems

• Examine the functions of the skeletal and muscular systems.
• Learn about maintaining their health and preventing injuries.
• Study the structure and interaction of bones and muscles.

Unit 13: Sociology of Health

• Understand the social construction of health, illness, and disability.
• Explore sociological approaches to mental illness.
• Analyse alternative perspectives on health and healthcare.

Unit 14: Ethical Issues in Social Policy

• Study ethical principles and their role in social policy.
• Examine legislation and policies impacting ethical decision-making.
• Analyse differing views in ethical debates.

Unit 15: Professional Behaviours: Nursing and Health Professions

• Understand the professional and personal characteristics of healthcare workers.
• Learn effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Explore risk management and problem-solving in healthcare.

Unit 16: Care Planning

• Understand the importance of personalised care plans.
• Learn how to assess needs and set measurable outcomes.
• Explore how care plans are implemented and reviewed.

Assessment

This course has no external examinations. You will be assessed through assignments such as essays, presentations, and reports. Assignments are released and submitted according to a detailed assessment timetable. Your grades will reflect individual unit achievements, with up to 60 credits available. These credits translate into UCAS points to support university applications.

Required Knowledge

To enrol, you must be at least 19 years old and have a minimum of a grade C/4 in GCSE English Language and Maths (or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications). You will also need access to a laptop/computer and the Internet for course completion.

This diploma is an ideal entry point for learners returning to education or looking to transition into health-related higher education programmes.

Awarding Body

AIM Group

This qualification is validated by AIM Group, an access validating agency for the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Support

Learners will receive guidance from their expert personal tutor via the online portal throughout their studies. Assistance will be provided every step of the way, ensuring you have the support needed to succeed.