All You Need to Know About Access Courses to Nursing & Midwifery

Access to Higher Education Diplomas are the perfect way for mature students to get the formal qualifications they need to get on the university course they want to study.

Currently, there are close to 40,000 unfilled nursing roles in the NHS, so now is the perfect time to get your qualifications and enter this vital and fulfilling profession.

If you want to find out more about how an Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery course can help you, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.

Why do you need an access course?

There are many reasons why someone would opt to do an Access to HE course. These include:

Not having the right qualifications or grades

Although some Access to HE students might not have a Level 3 qualification at all, some might have, but not the type of A Levels nursing courses require!

For example, many universities across the UK require at least one science from the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Psychology or Sociology.

If you don’t have the above qualifications or the right grades, you should consider an Access to HE course to meet the requirements.

Wanting to get to university in a year

Many Level 3 qualifications can take two years to complete, and even longer if you need to retake a year to get the right grades! With an Access to HE course, you can reach higher education in just one year if you complete the full-time course.

Wanting to develop your knowledge and confidence

Do you want to go to university but are nervous about returning to education? An access course can provide you with the nursing knowledge you need to fill in any gaps from your years away from education. This can make you feel more confident and prepare for your degree course.

Who is a Nursing & Midwifery Access to HE course for?

If you fall under at least one of the following categories, you should consider doing an Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery course. 

• You are an aspiring nurse or midwife
• You are over the age of 19 and wanting to return to education
• You don’t have the right A Levels or grades to meet the degree entry requirements
• You’re wanting a career change.

What are the entry requirements for an Access to HE Nursing & Midwifery course?

Our course requirements are: 

• GCSEs grade C/4 or above in English and maths
• Completion of initial assessment and informal interview during application process
• An enthusiasm for the course and a passion for healthcare.

Want to find out more about the entry requirements and course details?

Check out our Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery course page.

How long does it take to complete an Access to HE Nursing course?

If you choose to complete the full-time course, you will be finished in just one year! 

Alternatively, if you have a busy lifestyle and want to fit education around your schedule, you can complete the part-time course in two years.

The course contents of an Access to HE Nursing course

The course contains the following units:

• Biology
• Psychology
• Sociology.

Some topics in this course include:

• Cell biology
• Safeguarding in health and social care
• Human reproductive biology
• Homeostasis
• Mental health
• ICT
• Study skills.

The course contains a combination of subject specific content and developmental units to support you in developing your academic skills in preparation for university.

You will also be provided with support through your UCAS application, personal statement and personal reference.

Want to begin an exciting career in healthcare? An Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery course is the perfect pathway to get you into a Nursing higher education course. 

Apply to our Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery course today to begin your career.