Access to Higher Education: Nursing / Human Sciences

Change your career direction! The Access to HE Diploma is awarded by CAVA and is nationally recognised as an alternative educational pathway into higher education.

Duration 1 year
Qualification Access to HE
Start Date Monday 7th September 2026
Course Code ACNURHS26B
Nurse, wearing a surgical mask, checks the settings of a mechanical ventilation machine, which is seen in the foreground. Therapy used for lung breathing, in intensive care.

Top Course Highlights

  • Small Class Sizes
  • Supportive environment
  • Clear career guidance
  • Excellent progression
  • Study skills embedded

Learn Study Skills

This route provides excellent study skills in specific subject areas, giving people the confidence to s쳮d.

Route to university

Students progress to a wide range of universities near and far, and the vast majority of our students are accepted at their first choice of university.

Two people looking at a book together.

Experienced Specialist Tutors

You will be taught by staff with extensive experience who will advance your knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of higher education.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

The Access course is a 1-year course run over 3 days per week. It is for adults wanting to gain an academic qualification so as to gain access to University. It provides you with a qualification that leads you into your chosen career in the Health and Social Care sector. In previous years students have gained places to train as nurses, teachers, midwives, paramedics, operating department practitioners, occupational therapists and in other health care professions.

This course also provides learners with a step-up to Higher Education by giving them the necessary grounding and qualifications for progression to University Courses.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Students study three core subjects, which are Human Biology, Psychology and Sociology. Together these form the 45 academic subject credits, which can be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. In addition to the core subjects learners will also undertake 15 credits in Study Skills. This will help you to develop your written skills, which is particularly important if you have not studied for a number of years. The units are designed to give students the full confidence they will need for Higher Education. Skills developed include: exam preparation and performance, essay writing, referencing, presenting information to peers, how to apply to university, time management, etc.

WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?

The Access to Higher Education programme is designed to give students the necessary grounding to progress on to Higher Education courses. The majority of British Universities will accept Access to Higher Education courses as an alternative to A Levels and other more traditional routes. In previous years students have gained places to train as nurses, teachers, midwives, paramedics, operating department practitioners, occupational therapists and in other health care professions.

Assessment is continuous throughout the course and consists of essays, reports, presentations and other written assignments. You will also be required to sit an examination as part of the course requirements; this will help you to prepare for university level study.

You will have a personal tutor who will support you throughout the course and assist you in completing the university admissions (UCAS) process. Furthermore, your Study Skills lecturer will assist you in developing the necessary academic skills and attributes for study at university level.

Course code: ACNURHS26B
Duration 1 year
Qualification Access to HE