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Health and social care professionals are the backbone of our communities, offering vital support where it’s needed most. If you’re driven to make a real impact, this diploma is your gateway to a fulfilling and meaningful career.
As a health and social care worker, you’ll empower at-risk individuals, those with medical needs, families, young people, the elderly, and the seriously ill. Your work will promote physical and mental wellbeing, encourage independence, and provide practical, compassionate assistance.
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) is designed to open doors to university, even if you don’t have A-Levels. This Level 3 qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and recognised by most universities—just check with your chosen institution to be sure.
With this diploma, you’ll unlock opportunities in support work, community development, health promotion, nursing, and beyond. You’ll explore essential topics like developmental psychology, effective healthcare communication, equality and diversity, and the challenges posed by poverty, substance misuse, and mental health issues.
This diploma is fully regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and delivered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to study from home and fit learning around your life.
You’ll benefit from a personalised Individual Learning Plan with clear deadlines to keep you motivated and on track. Most learners complete the course in just 9 months, often moving on to university within a year. You’ll have up to two years to finish, with dedicated tutor support and feedback every step of the way—so you can move forward with confidence.
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Alongside the qualification units, you will need to complete brief introductory tasks at the beginning of your course to enhance your academic study skills.
The course is funded through an Advanced Learner Loan, (or in some cases, Adult Skills Funding) which allows eligible learners aged 19 and over to cover the cost of their studies without upfront payments.
Most importantly, if you successfully complete your Access to HE Diploma and then go on to finish a degree, the loan is completely written off—you won’t have to repay it at all.
This makes it a unique and affordable opportunity for adults serious about attending university. Before applying, please check your eligibility, and that your chosen university accepts the diploma for your intended degree program. Be ready to dedicate yourself fully to this intensive and rewarding journey.
Please note: You are eligible for only one Advanced Learner Loan for Access to Higher Education. If you have previously taken an Advanced Learner Loan for Access to Higher Education, you cannot apply for another.
You may take up to four Advanced Learner Loans. If you have used an Advanced Learner Loan for a different Level 3 course, you can still apply for another one for Access to Higher Education.
This qualification is structured around a series of engaging units, each ending with an assignment designed to help you put your learning into practice. You’ll submit your work to your tutor, who will provide personalised feedback to support your progress. To achieve your
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care), you’ll need to earn 60 credits—45 from graded academic units, and 15 from ungraded units that build your writing and study skills.
Right from the start, you’ll complete short introductory tasks to boost your confidence and academic abilities. Throughout your journey, you’ll also receive expert guidance on university applications and research, empowering you to make the most of your diploma and take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Once you complete the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) (QAA aim code: 4001468X), you’ll earn a respected Level 3 diploma—QAA recognised and awarded by Skills & Education Group Access. Alongside your qualification, you’ll benefit from expert guidance on your university application and research, empowering you to make the most of every opportunity your diploma unlocks.
Skills & Education Group Access is committed to championing learners from all walks of life, helping you move forward with confidence and achieve your ambitions in higher education and beyond.
Completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma sets you up to take the next step into degree-level study. If you’re passionate about health and social care, this qualification is your springboard to a truly rewarding and impactful career.
Your Level 3 diploma gives you a solid foundation for further learning and unlocks a range of degree options, including:
With a degree, you’ll be ready to pursue meaningful roles such as:
Some career paths require additional study or specialist training. For example, to become an Occupational Therapist, you’ll need a dedicated degree or postgraduate qualification and registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
If you’re drawn to counselling, you’ll need to complete specialist training—ideally through a course accredited by a recognised counselling professional body. Whatever your ambition, this diploma is your launchpad to a future where you can make a real difference.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) is a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to three A-Levels. Designed for those without traditional qualifications, it offers a direct pathway to university.
Typically completed in just 9 months and delivered entirely online, it provides a faster, more flexible route without the need to attend in-person classes.
A health and social care degree equips you to deliver compassionate, effective, and ethical support to people with diverse needs. These skills open doors to careers in health, education, leisure, and social care. With this degree, you could become a community development worker, education mental health practitioner, health improvement practitioner, medical sales representative, or explore many other roles across the sector.
Yes! Our Access to Health and Social Care courses are 100% online, with no classes or fixed timetables.
Enjoy the flexibility to study at your own pace and fit learning around your lifestyle.
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Social Inequality