Access to Higher Education
Your pathway to a nursing degree and a career that truly makes a difference. Study 100% online at your own pace — no exams, flexible start dates, dedicated tutor support.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, designed specifically to prepare adults for university-level study in nursing and healthcare. Awarded by OCNL (Open College Network London), it is widely accepted by universities across the UK.
Whether you’re changing career direction, returning to education after a gap, or building on healthcare experience, this diploma gives you the academic foundation and the UCAS points you need. Our 88% pass rate — compared to a 78.4% national average — reflects the quality of support our learners receive from enrolment to completion.
The course is delivered entirely online through our dedicated learning platform. You study at your own pace, submitting assignments when you’re ready. A dedicated personal tutor guides you through every unit, offering feedback, support, and encouragement throughout your 12–month journey.
Assessment is entirely portfolio and coursework based. There are no exams — you demonstrate your learning through written assignments, case studies, and reflective pieces at each level, and your final grade directly determines the UCAS points you earn.
All 16 units are mapped to university entry requirements and designed to build your academic skills progressively across three levels.
Level 1 — Academic Foundations
Level 2 — Core Knowledge
Level 3 — Specialist Practice
This course is designed for adult learners aged 19 and over. Formal academic qualifications are helpful but not always required — we assess each application individually.
Our enrolment advisers assess each application individually. We look at your life experience, motivation, and readiness to study — not just your qualifications.
Speak to our team — we're here to help you find the right course and funding option.
Call 01202 006 464This course is 100% coursework-based. There are no exams. You demonstrate your learning through a portfolio of written assignments, case studies, and reflective pieces.
Coursework Based
All assessment is portfolio and coursework based — no exams
Submission
Assignments are submitted online through the learning platform
Feedback Turnaround
Your personal tutor provides detailed written feedback within 5 working days
Resubmission
You can resubmit work if your first attempt doesn’t meet the required standard
Demonstrates solid understanding of the subject matter across all units.
Shows strong analytical skills and consistent high-quality work.
Exceptional performance demonstrating deep insight and originality.
An Access to HE Diploma in Nursing opens the door to a rewarding career in healthcare. Here are some of the career paths available to graduates.
£28,407 – £42,618typical salary range
Provide direct care to patients in hospitals, GP surgeries, and community settings. NHS Band 5–6.
£28,407 – £42,618typical salary range
Support patients with mental health conditions in clinical and community environments.
£35,392 – £42,618typical salary range
Deliver healthcare to patients in their homes, managing complex care plans in the community.
£28,407 – £42,618typical salary range
Specialise in caring for children and young people in hospitals and community settings.
£43,742 – £50,056typical salary range
Lead nursing teams and manage healthcare services. Requires additional experience and qualifications.
£28,407 – £42,618typical salary range
Support women through pregnancy, labour, and postnatal care (requires a midwifery degree).
Graduates of this course go on to universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions. Enrol today and start your journey.
All plans include the same full course content, dedicated tutor, and OCNL-accredited qualification.
Pay Monthly
per month / 24 months
Total: £2,376
Includes
Pay in Full
one-time payment
Was £2,395
Save £400Includes
Formal qualifications are helpful but not always essential. We assess each application individually, looking at your motivation, life experience, and readiness to study at this level. A basic level of written English (equivalent to GCSE grade 3 or above) is recommended. If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements, our enrolment advisers can talk you through your options.
The typical study duration is 12 months, based on approximately 10–15 hours of study per week. However, you study at your own pace — some learners complete in less time, while others take a little longer depending on their personal commitments.
Yes. The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification regulated by the QAA. It is widely accepted by universities across the UK, including many Russell Group institutions. You can earn up to 144 UCAS points, depending on your grades.
No. This course is 100% coursework and portfolio assessed. You submit assignments online and receive detailed feedback from your tutor. There are no formal exams at any point in the programme.
Absolutely. The course is designed for adult learners with busy lives. You study entirely online, at times that suit you. Many of our learners successfully balance their studies with full-time work, family responsibilities, or other commitments.
Every learner is assigned a dedicated personal tutor from day one. Your tutor provides academic guidance, assignment feedback, and motivational support throughout your studies. You can also reach our student support team by phone, email, or live chat.
Student Finance is not available for this course. However, we offer flexible monthly payment plans from £99/month, or a discounted pay-in-full option. Speak to our enrolment advisers to find the payment option that works best for you.
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If the course isn’t right for you, you can cancel within 30 days of enrolment for a full refund. After 30 days, our standard terms and conditions apply.
The number of UCAS points you earn depends on the grades you achieve across the 16 units. A Pass grade typically earns around 96–120 points; Merit earns around 120–132 points; and Distinction earns up to 144 points — the maximum available on this diploma. Most nursing degree programmes require 120 UCAS points for entry, meaning a Merit or above opens the most doors.
I’d left school at 16 without any qualifications and had been working as a healthcare assistant for years. I knew I wanted to become a Registered Nurse but thought my time had passed. This course proved me completely wrong. The tutors were brilliant and I’m now in my second year of my nursing degree at university.
Sarah M.
Access to HE (Nursing) · Completed 2023
As a single parent working part-time, I couldn’t have done a classroom-based course. The flexibility of studying online was a game changer. I completed all 16 units in just over 11 months and got a Distinction. Accepted onto my first-choice nursing degree straight away.
Priya K.
Access to HE (Nursing) · Completed 2024
The quality of tutor support is what sets this apart. My tutor always gave me detailed, constructive feedback and genuinely seemed invested in my success. I was really nervous about going back into education at 34, but the team made it feel very manageable from day one.
James T.
Access to HE (Nursing) · Completed 2023
