What is an Access to Nursing course?
An Access to Nursing course is an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing – a Level 3 qualification specifically designed to prepare adult learners for a university nursing degree. It sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Level 3, the same level as A Levels, and is regulated by Ofqual via the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and the Access Validating Agencies (AVAs).
The Diploma is not itself a nursing qualification – it does not register you with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). It is the recognised entry route into a BSc (Hons) Nursing degree, which is where NMC registration is earned. For the wider picture, see our Access to Higher Education Diplomas pillar.
What does the Access to Nursing course cover?
The Access to Nursing Diploma is built from Level 3 units in the sciences and health-related study skills. Exact units depend on the AVA and provider, but the typical structure includes:
- Human biology – body systems, anatomy and physiology underpinning clinical practice.
- Chemistry for healthcare – core chemistry relevant to nursing and pharmacology.
- Health, social care and nursing contexts – the role of the nurse, the structure of the NHS, ethics and safeguarding.
- Study skills and academic writing – preparing you for degree-level reading, referencing and assignments.
- Mathematics for health – drug calculations, statistics and data interpretation.
See the Access to HE (Nursing) course page for the current unit list and assessment details.
Access to Nursing course entry requirements
The Access to HE Diploma in Nursing is designed for adults without traditional A Levels. Typical entry requirements are:
- Aged 19 or over on the date of enrolment.
- GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 / C or higher – or equivalents. Functional Skills English Level 2 and Functional Skills Maths Level 2 are widely accepted by universities in place of GCSE for Nursing applications.
- No prior degree-level study – the Diploma is built for first-time entrants to higher education.
- Basic IT and study skills – sufficient to study online and submit written assignments.
University nursing programmes set their own additional requirements (DBS, occupational health and references), so always check the individual university course page before applying.
How long does an Access to Nursing course take?
With learndirect, the Access to HE Diploma in Nursing is typically completed in around one year when studied full-time by distance learning. Part-time learners usually take longer, with the flexibility to fit study around work and family commitments.
All assessments are coursework-based and submitted online, so there are no exams to sit. Final grades are awarded as Pass, Merit or Distinction credits across the 60-credit Diploma.
Can you train to be a nurse for free?
There are two main funding routes that adult Access-to-Nursing learners use:
- Advanced Learner Loan – an income-contingent government loan that covers the cost of the Access to HE Diploma. If you go on to complete a higher-education qualification (such as a BSc Nursing), the loan for the Access course is typically written off under current rules.
- NHS Learning Support Fund – additional non-repayable support for student nurses at university, alongside the standard Student Finance England maintenance and tuition loans.
Funding rules change. Always confirm current eligibility with Student Finance England, the NHS Business Services Authority and your university before applying.
Where the Access to Nursing course leads
Successful completion of the Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) is accepted by most UK universities as meeting the entry requirements for:
- BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Children’s Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Learning Disabilities Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Midwifery (with additional entry criteria depending on the university)
On graduation, the BSc Nursing leads directly to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a registered nurse. For the UCAS-tariff picture, see our UCAS points explained guide and university entry requirements pillar.
Access to Nursing vs other routes into nursing
Adults considering a nursing career have several routes available, each with different pros and cons:
- Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) – the recognised, one-year, Ofqual-regulated route into a BSc Nursing degree for adults without A Levels. Studied online.
- A Levels in sciences – the traditional school-leaver route. Usually slower than an Access Diploma for adult learners.
- Nursing degree apprenticeship – an employer-led route where you earn while you train. Highly competitive and depends on a host NHS Trust or other healthcare employer.
- Nursing Associate – a regulated Level 5 role between healthcare assistant and registered nurse, which can itself be a stepping stone to a top-up BSc.
For most adults returning to study from a non-academic background, the Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) is the most direct distance-learning route into a UK nursing degree.