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Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions)
Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions)
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health Professions is a recognised route into university for adults who do not have A Levels. This fully online Level 3 Access to Higher Education course is designed for learners preparing for a future in allied health or clinical professions, providing the structure, tutor support and qualification needed to progress into higher education with confidence.
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Progress towards university study in an allied health or healthcare-related profession
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Study fully online with a structured schedule designed to fit around work, family and other commitments
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Regulated qualification awarded by a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency
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Receive ongoing support from your diploma tutor and specialist unit tutors throughout the course
Now available online.
Spread the cost over up to 6 months
Spread the cost over up to 6 months
Got a question?
We'd love to talk about how we can help you.
How does the Access to HE Health Professions Diploma work?
Wondering how to get started with your Access to Higher Education Health Professions Diploma? Pass is here to take the stress out of the journey and keep things simple from start to finish. Whether you need help understanding what the diploma covers and how it opens the door to a health professions degree, or you're ready to sign up and dive into your studies, our friendly team is on hand to support you at every stage.
A Level 3 qualification delivered fully online, this Access to Higher Education Diploma offers rolling start dates throughout the year. While the minimum age is 16, it is best suited to learners aged 19 and over, making it an ideal university route into allied health professions and clinical degrees for adults returning to education and those switching careers into fields such as nursing, paramedicine, or physiotherapy.
Get in touch today, and a Pass advisor will talk through the options with you and help you take the first steps into your Access to HE Health Professions Diploma with confidence.
Enrol
Register for your Access to HE Health Professions Diploma using the link above. A member of the Pass team will reach out shortly afterwards to complete your onboarding and help you begin.
Access your course
Log in to your online learning materials, which span human biology, psychology, health studies and research methods.
Tutor support for your diploma
You'll have a diploma tutor by your side from start to finish, plus unit tutors who grade your assignments and give feedback as you work through each section.
Get your diploma
After you've submitted all your assignments and the necessary quality assurance has been carried out, you'll be awarded your recognised Access to HE Health Professions Diploma.
Get into University
Check which UK universities currently accept the Access to HE Health Professions Diploma.
Other Access to HE Diplomas
Take a look at the other Access to HE Diplomas available through Pass, covering nursing, education, psychology and more.
Equivalent to 3 A Levels, Accepted by Universities
Equivalent to three A Levels and worth up to 144 UCAS points, the Access to HE Diploma helps you progress towards an allied health or clinical degree at universities across the UK.*
Officially Recognised Level 3 Diploma
A nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Subject Descriptor Compliant.
What does this mean?Fast-Track Route into Health Professions
Complete your Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) in as little as 6 to 9 months, a faster route into university than many traditional college courses.
100% Online Diploma, No Classroom
Study 100% online with structured units, tutor support and feedback on every assignment, fitting around work, family and other commitments.
Awarded by Open Awards
The Diploma is regulated and awarded by Open Awards, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency.
What does this mean?Low Cost, No Hidden Fees
Clear, upfront pricing with course materials, tutor support, assessment and certification all included, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
*Learners are responsible for checking that their chosen university accepts the qualification for their intended course.
1 Enrol
Complete our simple sign-up steps to secure your spot on the Access to HE Health Professions Diploma. Take a moment to review the information below to confirm this qualification pathway is suited to your goals.
Diploma Enrolment Details
Level 3 Access to HE Health Professions Diploma issued by a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency
Open to learners from age 16. Best suited to those age 19+
A UK postal address is required
Designed as a recognised Level 3 progression route to higher education for health professions degree applications, subject to each university's entry criteria
2 Access your course
Course Access
After purchase, you'll be able to log into the online learning platform and start exploring the course content, layout and what's coming up next.
Structured Learning Plan
Progress through a clear unit-by-unit plan covering Human Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Health Studies, and Research Skills, all aligned to the requirements of health professions degrees.
Interactive Course Materials
Engage with carefully crafted reading content and structured study activities that bring each diploma unit to life and prepare you for the demands of university study.
Ongoing Unit Tutor Feedback
Upload your assignments online and get feedback from unit tutors, in keeping with qualification regulations, while your diploma tutor provides tutorials and helps you stay on track.
3 Tutor support for your diploma
Throughout your Access to HE Diploma, you will receive tutor support in two different ways. Your diploma tutor remains with you from beginning to end, holds tutorials and helps keep your studies moving forward. Unit tutors rotate as you move between units and are tasked with grading your assignments and providing feedback against the assessment criteria.
Tutor support is offered throughout the Diploma, but it is structured and tied to the support framework for each individual unit. This approach keeps the assessment process fair while ensuring you receive guidance as you make your way through the course.
Tutor Support Information
Diploma tutor support throughout your studies
Unit tutors responsible for marking assignments and giving feedback on each unit
Tutorials to help you understand the course structure and keep you progressing
Feedback delivered in accordance with the rules and limits of the qualification
4 Get your diploma
Unlike conventional qualifications, the Access to HE Health Professions Diploma has no fixed results day. The diploma is achieved through assignments, each marked at the unit level upon submission, meaning grades are released on a rolling basis throughout your studies rather than in one lump sum.
To achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma, you need to complete 60 credits in total:
- 15 ungraded credits from study skills-based units
- 45 graded credits from academic subject units
After your final assignments have been marked, your work needs to pass through the mandatory internal verification, external verification and final awarding body ratification process before your diploma can be issued.
Once it is awarded, your nationally recognised Level 3 diploma can be used to support your UCAS application. The Access Validating Agency can also share your achievements directly with UCAS, making it easier for universities to confirm your results during the admissions process.
5 Get into University
Most UK universities and higher education providers recognise the Access to HE Health Professions Diploma as a legitimate entry route onto allied health and clinical degrees. That said, requirements differ from course to course, so it's worth confirming your target university's policy before you apply.
To make that easier, we keep a full, up-to-date directory of universities known to accept this diploma, plus what to do next if your chosen institution doesn't appear on it.
6 Other Access to HE Diplomas. It all starts with a Pass.
Pass provides a range of Access to Higher Education Diplomas, giving adult learners a recognised path to university across a variety of different career routes. See the other Access to HE Diplomas on offer below.
How can the Access to HE Health Professions Diploma help you succeed?
Our market-leading diploma is designed to help you secure a place on a health professions degree at university. Discover how below.
Course Onboarding
Independent Learning Plan
Course Materials and Reading
Assignment Submission
Track Your Progress
24/7 Access, 100% Online
Course Onboarding
Welcome to Your Diploma
After purchasing the online Access to HE Health Professions Diploma, you will complete an onboarding process before beginning your studies. This introduction is designed to help you understand how the qualification is structured, what support is available to you, and what to expect as you prepare to start the course.
Throughout onboarding, you will be guided through the units you will study, how credits and grades are awarded, and the process for submitting assignments. Once your registration is complete, your Independent Learning Plan will be created, providing a personalised framework for your studies.
By completing onboarding, you can start your diploma with confidence. Instead of feeling uncertain about the next steps, you will begin your first unit with a clear understanding of the course structure and what is expected throughout your studies.
For more information on how our Access to HE Diplomas work, we have created a handbook explaining everything.
View Diploma HandbookOfficially Recognised and Regulated
Learn more about the recognition, regulation and awarding body behind your Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions).
Officially Recognised Level 3 Diploma
The Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that supports adult learners into higher education. It is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and is Subject Descriptor Compliant, meaning it meets the recognised requirements set for Access to HE Diplomas.
QAA learning aim reference code: 40015592
Awarded by Open Awards
Your Access to HE Diploma is awarded and regulated by Open Awards, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency. As the awarding body, Open Awards sets the qualification standards and assessment requirements, and confirms the final award once you have completed the required credits and quality checks.
Get support with your Maths and English qualifications
Most universities ask applicants to hold at least two Level 2 qualifications before starting a health professions degree. If you do not yet have Level 2 Maths and English, Pass can help you gain them while you study your Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions).
We offer both GCSEs and Functional Skills qualifications, although Functional Skills tend to be the most practical route for adult learners returning to education. Both can be studied online at your own pace, with exams sat remotely from home.
Where needed, support with Functional Skills Maths and/or English can be provided during the course, helping you build the qualifications you need to progress to university.
FAQs
What is the Access to HE Health Professions Diploma and what can I do with it?
The Access to HE Health Professions Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification used by adult learners looking to move into a healthcare-related degree at university. Many universities accept it as an alternative to A Levels for UCAS applications, though specific entry requirements vary by institution and course. After completing the diploma, you can apply for a wide range of allied health and clinical degrees including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiography, Speech and Language Therapy, Dietetics and Operating Department Practice.
It is also a popular Access to Higher Education Health Professionals pathway for adult learners returning to study.
You can find out more about how it works with our Access to HE Diploma Handbook.
How long does the diploma take to complete?
The time it takes to complete depends on the pace you set and how quickly you finish the required work. Our fast track online Diploma is typically finished within 6 to 9 months, while a more relaxed pace usually takes between 9 and 12 months. Because the course is delivered fully online, you can study around your existing commitments. Once your Independent Learning Plan has been produced, there is a defined schedule to follow. Learners may be able to move through the course more quickly, or apply for extensions or study freezes when needed.
Is the diploma recognised by universities?
Yes. The Access to HE Diploma is a recognised Level 3 qualification awarded by a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency, and it is built to support entry into higher education. It carries UCAS tariff points and is widely accepted by universities offering allied health and clinical degrees as a valid Level 3 route into higher education. That said, every university sets its own entry criteria, so it remains the learner’s responsibility to check that their chosen university and course will accept the diploma before submitting an application.
How is the course assessed?
Assessment is by coursework, with no final exams. Most assessment takes the form of written assignments, although some units may use other formats such as presentations. All required assessment criteria across the units must be met in order to achieve the diploma. Submissions are graded by unit tutors, then internally verified, externally verified and ratified before the qualification can be awarded.
Can I study around work and family commitments?
Yes. The diploma is designed to fit around work, family and other responsibilities, allowing you to study flexibly from home at a pace that suits your circumstances. How quickly you finish depends on how soon you complete the required work. Our fast track online Diploma typically takes 6 to 9 months, while a steadier pace is usually closer to 9 to 12 months.
Once you have received your Independent Learning Plan, you will have a clear study schedule to help you stay on track. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to move faster or apply for an extension or study freeze where appropriate.
How much tutor support will I receive?
All learners receive tutor support throughout the diploma. Your diploma tutor stays with you across the qualification and runs tutorials to help keep you on track. Unit tutors change from one unit to the next, and they are responsible for marking your assignments and giving feedback. Tutor support is structured and delivered within the support arrangements permitted for each unit, so it is not unlimited or available 24/7.
Do I need any qualifications to enrol?
The minimum age is 16, but the diploma is recommended for learners aged 19 and over. You do not need A Levels or any previous Level 3 qualifications to enrol. However, most universities will expect you to hold GCSE English and GCSE Maths at grade 4/C or higher (or accepted equivalents) when you apply for a healthcare-related degree, and many courses additionally require GCSE Science.
If you don’t yet have these, we also offer Functional Skills to help you achieve accepted equivalents alongside or before your diploma. Alternatively, if you would prefer to complete full GCSEs we also offer online GCSE courses and GCSE exam booking across a range of subjects, including GCSE Maths, English and Science.
What qualifications do I need to work in a health profession?
To practise in most regulated allied health professions in the UK, you need to complete an approved degree and then register with the appropriate regulator. For roles such as physiotherapy, paramedic science, radiography, occupational therapy, dietetics and speech and language therapy, this is the Health and Care Professions Council.
To get a place on an approved degree, universities typically expect a Level 3 qualification such as A Levels or an Access to HE Health Professions Diploma, along with GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above or accepted equivalent, and GCSE Science for many courses.
You will usually also need to pass an enhanced DBS check and a health assessment.
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