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Health Sciences
Original price was: £1,499.00.£1,249.00Current price is: £1,249.00.
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Begin your journey into Health Sciences with our fully accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma. This qualification is designed to prepare you for entry into top Health Sciences and related degree programmes across the UK, giving you the academic foundation, study skills, and confidence to succeed at university.
Enrol on our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health Sciences
Have you always been interested in a career in healthcare or health science but don’t yet have the qualifications needed for university? Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health Sciences gives you the pathway you need to take the first step.
This diploma is especially designed for adult learners, career changers, or anyone returning to education, offering the academic foundation, subject knowledge (including biology, human health, scientific principles, and healthcare practices), plus the study skills and confidence required for degree-level study. We offer a flexible, supportive structure to help you balance your learning with your life.
With expert tutors, clear course content mapped to what universities require, and a curriculum that prepares you for Health Sciences degree programmes, this course opens doors to many healthcare or science-related degree options. Enrol today and begin your journey toward a future helping others with your scientific and caring contributions in Health Sciences.
Health Sciences Diploma Overview
Our Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health Sciences is designed for learners who want to progress to university but don’t yet hold the traditional qualifications required. This one-year course provides both the academic skills and subject knowledge to prepare you for a range of degree programmes in health, science, and related disciplines.
You’ll study essential topics such as biology, human anatomy and physiology, health and disease, chemistry, and health science practice, while also building transferable skills like academic writing, research, critical thinking, and independent study.
On completion of the course, you’ll achieve 60 credits (most at Level 3) and be ready to apply for Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or related degree pathways at universities across the UK.
Ascentis Access to Health Sciences Diploma
This course is accredited by Ascentis, the Access Validating Agency (AVA) for the Diploma. All Access to Higher Education Diplomas are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), ensuring they meet the rigorous academic standards required by universities and further education institutions. By completing this Diploma, you’ll gain a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you to progress onto a Health Sciences or related degree at university.
Flexible Enrolment
To make our Access to Higher Education Diplomas as flexible as possible, you can enrol on the Health Sciences course at any point throughout the year. Once enrolled, you’re free to complete assignments at your own pace and finish the Diploma as soon as all your work has been marked and approved. If you are aiming to apply for a university place with a September start, you should plan to complete your studies by the end of May to meet admissions deadlines.
Online Study
The Health Sciences Access to Higher Education Diploma is delivered entirely online through our virtual learning campus. Within the platform, you’ll have access to all the lessons, study resources, and assignments you need to complete the course. You’ll also benefit from the flexibility to study when it suits you, allowing you to balance your education with work, family, or other commitments. Our dedicated support staff are always available to help with any technical questions you may have along the way.
Full Tutor Support
With every Access to Higher Education Diploma, including Health Sciences, you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will guide you throughout your studies. Your tutor will be there to answer your questions, mark your assignments, and provide constructive feedback to help you improve. Tutor support is completely unlimited – we aim to respond to queries within 1 working day and return marked assignments within 5 working days, ensuring you always feel supported and on track.
Units on this diploma
This Access to Health Sciences course covers 15 units, which build up the full Diploma.
Within this unit you will learn about the views and perspectives of mental health and wellbeing along with the factors that can influence mental problems.
There are arguments for and against the main physical interventions, here you will delve into these types of intervention and the reasons behind them with the advantages and disadvantages of each. There are also other modes of intervention which will be given within this unit.
You will also learn about rehabilitation and housing support services and the impact carers have, aswell as the difficulties.
This unit focuses on the foundations and basics of mental health, what is mental health and the key components of mental wellbeing.
Positive mental health is an important part of day-to-day life. Within this unit, you will research the need for positive mental health and the risk factors of developing mental health problems, and with the family and culture issues that can occur as a result of mental health problems.
There are different frameworks that can help to understand mental distress and here you will learn about the frameworks and their content.
This unit is an introduction to inequality and will focus on the basics of inequalities in relation to mental health. You will learn about discrimination and mental ill health, the effects and the relationship between them and the issues that can arise.
This unit of the course will guide you through the types of substances that can be misused and both the physical and psychological effects that they have.
Substances can be consumed in many ways, here you will learn about the consumption of legal and illegal substances along with the long term impacts.
This unit begins by exploring mental health legislation in the UK and how they relate to mental health care before moving on to look at the national policy initiatives and having these in place will improve service.
There are specific legislation in place for carers and within this unit you will study each of these and the aims of each one.Not only are there legislation in place to ensure that people with mental health problems are treat fairly and equally but there are also agencies which also provide care and support, which you will research here.It is important to be aware of the roles and responsibilities or mental health workers and you will research them here for various roles within the sector.
Research is a fundamental component of psychological and health-based disciplines, enabling the development of evidence-informed practice and contributing to the wider understanding of mental health and wellbeing. This unit provides learners with the opportunity to plan, conduct, and report on an independent research project focused on a topic within the field of mental health.
Physical activity is crucial in maintaining health and enhancing quality of life. This unit examines the fundamental relationship between exercise, health, and lifestyle, providing an in-depth understanding of how regular physical activity can promote physical, psychological, and social well-being.
The skeletal and muscular systems form the structural and functional foundation of the human body, enabling movement, protection, and support. This unit explores the anatomy and physiology of these systems, focusing on their individual functions and the ways in which they work together to produce movement.
Physical fitness is a central component of health and performance, underpinning the ability to carry out daily tasks efficiently and engage in sport and physical activity. This unit provides a detailed examination of fitness testing methods and the principles involved in developing, delivering, and evaluating a fitness programme.
Human growth and development are lifelong processes influenced by a range of biological, psychological, and social factors. This unit provides a comprehensive overview of the key stages of human development, from infancy to old age, and explores the milestones and influences shaping physical, intellectual, emotional, and social progression.
Psychological well-being is a central concern in modern psychology, encompassing emotional, mental, and social dimensions of human functioning. This unit explores how psychological theories and research inform our understanding of well-being, with a focus on how individuals can maintain and enhance their mental health throughout different life stages and in varied personal, social, and cultural contexts.
Throughout this unit, learners will investigate the diverse factors that influence psychological well-being, including biological predispositions, cognitive processes, emotional regulation, social support, and environmental conditions. Consideration will also be given to how individual differences such as personality, resilience, and coping styles shape the experience of well-being across the lifespan.
The Academic Writing Skills unit equips learners with the tools required to analyse academic questions, produce well-structured written responses, and apply appropriate academic conventions. It focuses on developing the ability to interpret the meaning and implications of specific questions, identify key concepts and terminology, plan responses, and present them clearly and logically using appropriate academic formats and referencing practices.
The Improving Your Own Learning unit supports learners in developing the awareness, strategies, and personal management skills necessary to succeed in further or higher education. It encourages self-reflection, goal-setting, and the application of study skills across a range of academic tasks, promoting autonomy and lifelong learning habits.
The Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Higher Education unit equips learners with the knowledge, planning skills, and personal insight required to make informed decisions about progression into higher education. It supports learners in identifying suitable study options, evaluating the implications of HE pathways, and preparing high-quality applications for their chosen routes.
The Academic Research Skills unit introduces learners to the foundational principles, techniques, and ethical considerations that underpin effective academic research. It supports the development of essential skills for planning, conducting, and evaluating research within a range of subject areas, preparing learners for success in higher education and professional inquiry.
The Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Higher Education unit equips learners with the knowledge, planning skills, and personal insight required to make informed decisions about progression into higher education. It supports learners in identifying suitable study options, evaluating the implications of HE pathways, and preparing high-quality applications for their chosen routes.
The Academic Research Skills unit introduces learners to the foundational principles, techniques, and ethical considerations that underpin effective academic research. It supports the development of essential skills for planning, conducting, and evaluating research within a range of subject areas, preparing learners for success in higher education and professional inquiry.
The support on my course was brilliant – I could contact my tutor at any time to get help which made it much faster to work through the units required.
– Elizabeth Ackroyd
The first step on your journey
Access to HE Diploma
Undertake an Access to Higher Education Diploma to qualify for university.
University Degree
Get on to your degree. Study at university towards an undergraduate of your choice.
Job of your dreams!
Become qualified! After completing your university degree you are qualified to work.
Who is this Access to Health Sciences Diploma for?
If you’ve always been interested in health, science, and the human body – but lack the A Levels or qualifications usually needed for university – this course is the ideal first step.
It’s perfect for adult learners returning to education, as well as those looking to change career into healthcare or science-based professions. Whether your goal is to study biomedical science, public health, or another health-related subject, this diploma equips you with the preparation and confidence to progress.
Entry to University Degrees
To work in many healthcare and science professions in the UK, you’ll need a degree-level qualification. With this Access Diploma, you’ll be eligible to apply for Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or other related degree programmes at a wide range of universities. Always check entry requirements with your chosen university before applying.
Entry requirements
In order to study for this course, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a UK resident and have been for the last 3 years
- Have access to the internet and Microsoft Word or similar
Studying with us
How it works
A comprehensive approach to online study for your Access to HE Diploma
Online Access
Study online using your very own login details.
Personal Tutor
Get access to a personal tutor, dedicated to helping you achieve.
Fast Marking
We offer some of the quickest marking turnaround in the UK.
In-depth lessons
All the lessons and materials are provided on your course.
First Class Support
Speak to our outstanding support staff over the phone or online.
Flexible Study
Login and study any time you like – perfect around other commitments.
University Approved
All Access to Higher Education Diplomas are designed to help you progress to university and gain the qualifications required in your chosen field. The Health Sciences Diploma develops your skills in independent study, academic research, and critical thinking, while also providing subject-specific knowledge that prepares you for further study in health and science-related disciplines.
After completing this Health Sciences Diploma, you will be eligible to apply for degree programmes in Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, or other related areas at universities and higher education institutions throughout the UK. If you have a particular university in mind, it’s important to check their specific entry requirements to ensure they accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas for undergraduate entry.
UK universities that accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas for Health Sciences and related degrees include many leading institutions across the country including:
University of Liverpool
University of Brighton
University of York
University of Birmingham
University of Manchester
University of West London
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start this Access Diploma?
You can enrol and start this course at any time – enrolments are fully flexible and you have the option to enrol whenever it suits you.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no specific entry requirements for this Diploma. The program is designed to prepare you for university and includes numerous sections which prepare you for higher education but students do not require any specific qualifications on entry to the Diploma.
You will need to be a UK residency to study with us but can reside outside of the UK while studying.
Do I get UCAS points?
Yes you do!
Access to Higher Education Diplomas give students up to 144 UCAS points – the exact points achieved would depend on the grade obtained on each of the 60 credits. The full 144 UCAS points is equivalent to achieving 3 A’s at A Level. You can find out more about the UCAS tariff points using the Tariff Calculator.
How long does it take to pass?
On average, an Access to Higher Education Diploma takes 600 hours of study in total. This equates to around 1 day of learning per week to complete the Diploma in 1 year. All students on our courses have a 2 year enrolment length which gives plenty of time to work through the assignments and complete your Diploma.
Can I pass faster?
Yes you can. Our Access to HE Diplomas allow you to work at your own pace once enrolled and you can submit your assignments as quickly as you like once you are enrolled.
How do you get assessed?
All assessments on this Diploma are done through Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and there are no exams. Assignments can be completed as soon as you are ready and submitted to your tutor. Once each of these has been signed off, the Diploma is complete.
Assignments on the course include written coursework, research tasks as well as a project which requires planning and completion. Each assignment has a limited number of attempts when you are completing work and full feedback is given by your tutor.
All about Health Sciences
What does a Health Sciences Professional do?
Health Sciences covers a wide range of disciplines that contribute to understanding, treating, and preventing illness and promoting wellbeing. Professionals in this field work across healthcare, research, and community roles. Common responsibilities include:
- Research and analysis – Investigating causes of disease, testing treatments, and studying human health.
- Supporting healthcare delivery – Assisting in clinical environments with knowledge that underpins diagnosis and treatment.
- Promoting wellbeing – Working in public health, nutrition, or health education to encourage healthier lifestyles.
- Collaborating across disciplines – Working alongside doctors, nurses, and researchers to apply scientific knowledge to patient care.
It’s a versatile and rewarding area of study, offering many pathways into science-based careers that directly improve health outcomes.
Why work in Health Sciences?
A career in Health Sciences opens the door to exciting opportunities where science and healthcare meet. Here are some key reasons to choose this path:
- Make a difference – Contribute to better health, treatments, and wellbeing for individuals and communities.
- High demand – Health science graduates are sought after in healthcare, laboratories, research, and public health.
- Diverse career options – Progress into biomedical science, public health, clinical research, nutrition, or other specialised fields.
- Continuous learning – Stay at the cutting edge of science and healthcare with opportunities for ongoing professional development.
- Career security – The need for skilled health science professionals continues to grow in the UK and worldwide.
If you’re curious about science, passionate about health, and motivated to make a positive impact, Health Sciences could be the perfect choice for you.
Speak to our advisors
Unsure on how to get started and need some advice? Our helpful course advisors are here to help!
Talk to an expert on the right Access course for you, how it all works and what you need to do to get enrolled and on your way to your dream career.
Contact an advisor