Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions)

This diploma is designed to open entry to a broad range of allied health professional degree programmes, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, speech and language therapy, healthcare science, podiatry, and orthoptics. It is also accepted for entry to nursing, midwifery, and paramedic science programmes at many universities. The broad biological, psychological, and health studies content covers the core subject areas that admissions teams across these disciplines expect to see. Check the specific entry requirements at your target universities before you enrol.

Yes — the Access to HE Diploma is a QAA-regulated Level 3 qualification accepted by universities across the UK as the standard mature student entry route, and online delivery makes no difference to how universities assess the award. Individual institutions set their own grade conditions, so confirm the exact grade profile required by your target programmes before you begin your studies. Our enrolment advisers can help you identify suitable universities based on your target career.

You need to be aged 19 or over, hold UK residency, and have GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or equivalent, or Functional Skills Level 2 in each subject. A science GCSE is helpful for entry to many health science degrees, so check the requirements of your target institutions. Relevant healthcare or care experience is valued by admissions teams but is not a formal requirement for the Access course itself. Every application is reviewed holistically.

The typical completion time is 9–12 months, studying around 10–15 hours per week. The course is fully self-paced, so you can work faster or take longer, with a maximum access period of 24 months. There are no fixed start dates, meaning you can begin at any time and progress through units at a pace that suits your work and personal commitments.

No — the course is 100% portfolio and coursework assessed. You submit written assignments, case studies, and reflective pieces online and receive detailed written feedback from your tutor. There are no timed examinations at any stage. Units are graded at Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and these grades determine your UCAS points and the universities you are eligible to apply to.

You can earn up to 144 UCAS points — equivalent to three A-levels at the highest grades. The total depends on your grade profile across all 16 units. A predominantly Merit profile earns approximately 120–132 points, which is sufficient for most allied health professional programmes. Many health science degrees specify a mix of Distinction and Merit grades rather than a simple points threshold, so the distribution of your grades matters as much as the total.

The diploma covers three core areas: Biology (body structure and function, the musculoskeletal and endocrine systems, genetic inheritance, human growth and development, and non-infectious disease), Health Studies (the diagnosis and management of physiological disorders, healthcare communication, mental health, and health promotion), and Psychology (health psychology perspectives and bio-psychology: behaviour and the brain). The combination provides a strong academic foundation for the broad range of allied health professional degrees.

Yes — the Access to HE Diploma qualifies for an Advanced Learner Loan from Student Finance England. This covers the full tuition fee with no money required upfront, and repayments only begin when your income exceeds the relevant threshold. If you go on to complete a UK undergraduate degree, the loan is written off entirely. We also offer a flexible monthly payment plan from £99 per month, and our enrolment team can help you identify the most suitable option.

Yes — graduates of allied health professional degree programmes register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and are eligible to work in NHS hospitals, community health services, and private healthcare settings. Newly qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians typically start on NHS Band 5 (£29,970–£36,483), with clear progression to Band 6 and Band 7 as you gain experience and specialist skills.

Yes — the course is designed specifically for adult learners with existing commitments. Everything is delivered online with no fixed lecture times or campus attendance. You access all materials and submit assignments through our platform at any time that suits you — evenings, weekends, or during any spare time during your day. We recommend budgeting around 10–15 hours per week, though this is entirely flexible around your schedule.