Take the first step toward a rewarding career in nursing. Our online course helps you gain the qualifications you need to apply for university.
Level 3 Access To Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)
Skills covered in this course
Start your journey towards a career in nursing
If you’ve wanted to work in nursing for a long time, or you’re thinking about changing direction, the Access to HE Online Diploma (Nursing) is a Level 3 programme built to guide you into a nursing degree. If you’re not quite at the grades required for university, this Access to Higher Education Diploma is still a great route because it supports you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need.
This online course is designed with the nursing degree in mind. You’ll cover key areas that help you settle into your studies, including what registered nurses actually do and the responsibilities that come with the role. You’ll also explore the wider healthcare system, because understanding the bigger picture is a big part of becoming a nurse.
Course Units
This course includes the units below:
- Progressing to Higher Education
- Academic Study Techniques
- Professional Behaviours
- Numeracy in Health Context
- Understanding Stress
- The History of the National Health Service
- Roles and Responsibilities of a Nurse
- Inequalities in Health and Illness
- Human Cell Biology
- Respiration and Circulation
- Nutrition and Digestion
- Homeostasis and Endocrine System
- The Nervous System
- The Human Muscular and Skeletal System
- The Urinary System
- Reproduction
- Human Immunity
- Understanding Poverty
Course Entry Requirements
Before you apply, please check you can meet our entry requirements:
- You must be 19 or older when your course starts
- You need a Level 2 qualification in Maths and English (for example GCSE, or an equivalent qualification, including Level 2 qualifications earned outside England). During enrolment, we’ll ask you to provide copies of your certificates
- You’ll need to be able to use a laptop confidently
- You’ll need reliable internet access
- You must be resident in England
In most cases, applicants need at least two Level 2 qualifications (or above). That said, if you only have an English qualification, we may still be able to consider your application. If you need extra support with Functional Skills in English and/or Maths, that can be arranged while you study the Access to HE course.
As part of enrolment, you’ll also complete a telephone interview and a written task. This helps us confirm the course is the right level for you.
Getting ready for University entry:
Many learners complete an Access to Higher Education Diploma as part of a longer-term plan to move into university.
Your tutors will support you while you put together your university application, but you’ll still need to do your own research on the specific entry requirements for the course you want to apply for.
Assessment Method
Each Access to HE Diploma is made up of units worth 45 graded credits and 15 credits that aren’t graded. Throughout the modules, you’ll complete assignments that build your electronic portfolio. Assessment is done through formal written work, which then becomes a portfolio you can use to show what you’ve achieved.
Who is this course suitable for?
Access courses are a good fit for people who’ve been away from education for a while. If you left school without the qualifications you needed to go straight into university, this is a solid option. It gives you a strong grounding in both knowledge and practical study skills, so you feel ready to start a degree. Whether you’re switching careers, returning to learning after time away, or you want to study something you genuinely care about, an Access to HE course could be just what you need.
Is this an accredited course?
Yes. This course is accredited by AIM Group. When you finish the programme, you’ll receive a national qualification that many universities across England and Wales accept as a valid entry requirement.
How long is this course?
You’ll study this course part time, over 47 weeks. Our delivery is designed to feel similar to a university timetable, with learning completed in structured blocks called modules.
How will you study?
Our Access to HE Diplomas are delivered online, so you can learn from wherever you are. You’ll get access to our online platform, where you can work independently, build your understanding, and take part in interactive activities that support your learning along the way.
And no, studying online doesn’t mean you’re left on your own. You’ll have ongoing support from our experienced tutors, plus help from our engagement support team throughout the course.
Because it’s an online programme, you’ll need a laptop or PC to complete your diploma.
Learn more about pathways to becoming a Nurse
Explore how to become a Nurse in the UK, step by step, and find out what you’ll need along the way.
If you’d prefer to pay for this course yourself, you can apply for interest free instalments through Premium Credit.
Get in touch with our team today, or call us on 01388 777129 to learn more.

Fund your course with Premium Credit
If you’d prefer to pay for this course yourself, you can apply for interest free instalments through Premium Credit.
Get in touch with our team today, or call us on 01388 777129 to learn more.

Explore our other payment options
If you don’t want to use Premium Credit, you can still self-fund. We can accept the following payment methods:

Pay in 12 Interest Free Instalments
If you’d like to spread the cost with interest free payments, you can apply for finance using Premium Credit.
Call us on 01388 777 129 and we’ll talk you through it.
Support with your UCAS application
As part of our access courses, you’ll receive complete support for your UCAS application. You’ll begin with our 'study skills hub', which is designed to build the skills you’ll need for progression during your Access to HE Diploma.
Live online classes with specialist tutors
Our tutors bring both industry experience and academic knowledge, and they specialise in their subjects. Throughout the programme, you’ll take part in blended learning, including live online sessions and assignments.
Seminars with experts in the sector
As a learner with us, you’ll have chances to join extra events, including webinars with guest speakers such as NHS professionals. It’s a great way to understand what day to day life in the sector is really like!
Studying made simple!
We know enrolment can feel a bit overwhelming, so we’ve got a dedicated team to make it easier. They’ll respond quickly, guide you through each step, and help ensure you’re enrolled, inducted, and set up on the programme without unnecessary delays.
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"description": "You’ll be given some forms to complete so we can process your enrolment. Please return everything as soon as you can so your start date doesn’t get pushed back."
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Access to HE Diploma (Health Professionals)
Access to HE Diploma (Midwifery)
Certification Process
Complete all the classes
Attend classes, ask questions, and finish your homework. We check your activity and support your learning journey every step of the way.
Get the Summary Notes
Receive high-quality supporting documents, summary notes, and recommended readings. Ensure you have access to all tools and resources.
Complete 100% Impact
Complete the final assessment to validate your learning. Earn your certificate and share your achievement with your professional network!
This Course Includes:
Get Certified
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