Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions)

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma Health Professions is designed for those aspiring to pursue a wide range of careers in the healthcare sector, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, paramedicine, and other allied health professions. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential biological, professional, and ethical knowledge required for further study and successful careers in healthcare. You will explore key aspects of human anatomy and physiology, including the Skeletal and Muscular Systems, Respiration and Circulation, the Nervous System, the Urinary System, and Homeostasis & the Endocrine System. A focus on Human Cell Biology will give you an in-depth understanding of cellular functions, essential for medical and scientific fields. To support your knowledge of disease prevention and treatment, you will study Human Disease & Prevention alongside Nutrition & Digestion, gaining insight into how healthcare professionals manage patient health and well-being. You’ll also explore Health Promotion, learning how preventative healthcare strategies improve public health outcomes. Beyond scientific knowledge, you will examine the Structure & Organisation of the Health and Social Care Sectors, the Roles & Responsibilities of Healthcare Professionals, and the History of the NHS, providing essential context on the UK healthcare system and the role of different professionals within it. A dedicated Progressing to Higher Education unit will support your transition into university-level study, helping you build the academic skills needed for success. The Research Topic unit will further develop your ability to analyse and investigate health-related issues, preparing you for evidence-based practice in your chosen profession. Upon completion, you will be well-equipped to progress into degrees and careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, paramedicine, physiotherapy, biomedical sciences, radiography, and other healthcare professions. Whether you aspire to work in clinical practice, research, or public health, this diploma provides the essential knowledge and skills to take the next step in your healthcare career.

This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue a career in healthcare. By the time you finish, you’ll be ready for university and a fulfilling profession in the health sector.

Want to learn more about each module? Click on the module title to access detailed information and dive deeper into your studies!

There are no formal entry requirements for students applying for the Cambridge Online Education Access to H.E. Diplomas. Tutors are nevertheless, required to ensure that learners admitted onto the Diploma possess the necessary skills and personal qualities to cope with the demands of the course.

All Access to HE Diplomas require the achievement of 60 credits. 45 of the 60 credits must be graded at Level 3 (pass, merit or distinction). Such credits will arise from the Academic Subject Content Modules. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded and can be achieved at either Level 2 or Level 3. Students may only be registered against units with a maximum combined total credit value of 60. In terms of the length of time required for a learner to complete their diploma, for all Access to HE Diplomas the notional learning hours are 600. Notional learning hours comprise all learning that may be relevant to the achievement of the learning outcomes including directed and private study, practical and project work, assignments and assessment time. The assessment methods used for each unit of your course will be detailed in the Programme Handbook. Your tutor will provide you with formative feedback and provisional grades. Your grades will be then evaluated by the Examination Board. Final grades will be released to students after the External Moderation Visit. .

On successful completion of the course, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professionals) at level 3 awarded by the Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group.

Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications. Cambridge Online Education is a fully accredited education provider for this qualification

After completing the Access to Higher Education Health Professionals, you can then continue your education or seek employment in the following popular fields:

• Nurse
• Community or District Nurse
• Physiotherapist
• Nutritionist
• Pharmacist
• Psychologist
• Sports health practioner
• Mental health practitioner
• Health improvement practitioner
• Health service manager
• Medical sales representative
• Naturopath
• Anatomical pathology
• Medical technologist
• Counselor
• Dentistry
• Dental hygienist
• Dental technician
• Dental therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Personal trainer
• Physician associate
• Prosthetist/orthotist
• Social worker

As different universities have different entry requirements, you are strongly advised to check these requirements with your chosen tertiary education provider. You can contact our career advisers for further guidance and support in that matter