Access to HE Diploma (Medicine)
Access to Higher Education Diploma
Leaflet Code: L6758
Overview
Interested in a career in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or biomedical research? The Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) is your pathway to university and professional healthcare training.
Designed for adults returning to education, this diploma is ideal if you're changing careers, building confidence, or lack formal qualifications for university entry. This course meets QAA Descriptors required by some universities for Medicine and Dentistry applications.
Equivalent to three A Levels, it prepares you academically for Higher Education through intensive study and skill development.
You’ll study modules in:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Maths
Plus, you’ll complete units to strengthen your academic writing, research, and study skills.
We’ll support your UCAS application, personal statement, and provide an academic reference. While most universities accept Access to HE Diplomas, it’s your responsibility to check specific entry requirements. For example, some universities may have additional requirements, such as the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), or other types of initial assessments.
Please be aware the course fills quickly, so apply early to avoid disappointment.
- Citylabs
- Full Time
- 1 year
- September 2026
Academic Entry Requirements
For entry on to the Access to HE Diploma (Medicine) you need to have achieved and have official evidence (e.g. certificates) in line with the following. If progressing to medicine and dentistry courses, students will require:
• GCSE English and maths at grade 6/B or above or (we will also accept IELTS at 6.5 or above with no aspect under 6.0 in place of GCSE English)
• Please be aware that some universities may also require GCSEs in science subjects.
• Many medical and dental schools also require students to complete and achieve good scores on the UCAT (Please see https://www.ucat.ac.uk/ for more information)
If progressing to pharmacy courses, students will require:
• Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English and maths (we will also accept IELTS at 6.5 or above with no aspect under 6.0 in place of GCSE English).
Prospective students should check the entry requirements of their preferred university carefully to ensure the best possible opportunity for progression.
If you do not yet meet these entry requirements, our Level 2 programme provides an opportunity to take GCSE in Maths and English alongside a program of study to give a grounding in scientific study. Further details can be found here www.tmc.ac.uk/courses/pre-access-skills-applied-science-and-engineering
How will I be assessed?
A range of assessment methods will be used to assess your progress throughout the academic year. Depending on the unit, assessment methods may include written work, presentations, practical assignments, set tasks, and exams. All assessments are designed to support you in preparing for study at university.
Fees, Finance and Funding
If you need help with affording college, there are a number of different finance and funding options available to you. You might be eligible for special bursary support or extra help from the government. Have a look at our fees, finance & funding page to find out all the information you need.
You will need a calculator for the course. One model that is stuitable is Casio FX-83GTCW Scientific Calculator; any scientific calculator suitable for A level study can be used.
Learn more