Nursing
Original price was: £1,499.00.£1,249.00Current price is: £1,249.00.
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Begin your path to becoming a Nurse with a fully accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma which allows you to access some of the best Nursing degress programs in the UK.
Enrol on our Access to Higher Education Diploma for Nursing
Are you passionate about healthcare and making a real difference in people’s lives? Do you dream of becoming a nurse but don’t have the traditional qualifications to enter university? Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing is designed to help you take that vital first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare.
This diploma is specifically tailored for adults who want to return to education and gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to progress to university-level study. Whether you’re looking for a career change or a fresh start, our course provides a supportive and flexible learning environment to help you succeed.
With expert guidance, a structured curriculum, and a focus on preparing you for degree-level study, this diploma opens the door to university nursing programmes across the UK. Take control of your future – enrol today and start your journey towards a rewarding and respected profession in nursing.
Nursing Diploma Overview
Enrolling on our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing puts you on the path to becoming a Nurse with a fully recognised entry route for some of the UK’s top universities. This Diploma is designed for people without any previous knowledge or experience in healthcare that wish to begin work in the NHS or other organisations as a Nurse. It may be that you have not got the traditional qualifications required but feel you would make an excellent nurse, in which case this Diploma provides the foundation needed to begin a Nursing degree.
Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to apply for a degree in nursing which may be in adult or childrens nursing or a different discipline. Many universities across the UK accept this qualification as an alternative to A-levels.
Ascentis Access to Nursing Diploma
This course is accredited with Ascentis who are the Access Validating Agency for the Diploma. All Access Diplomas are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) who ensure the standard of learners meets that which is required by Universities and Further Education Institutions to study to become a Nurse.
Online Study
The Diploma is studied completely online through out online campus. Here you will find the lessons, materials and assignments that are needed in order to complete your Access to HE Diploma. Your study is always guided by our dedicated support staff who are there to assist with any technical questions which you may have.
Flexible Enrolment
To ensure our Access Diplomas are as accessible as possible, you can enrol at any time. Once on the Diploma, you can work through the assignments as quickly as you like and finish your studies as soon as all of your work is signed off. Should you wish to apply for University for a September start, you would need to complete this Access Diploma for the end of May.
Full Tutor Support
On all of our Diplomas, you get a personal tutor who is there to help you along the way. This will be the same person that is there to answer questions you have as well as marking and providing feedback on your assignments. Tutor support is completely unlimited, and we work hard to answer all questions within 1 working day and mark assignments within 5 working days.
Units on this diploma
This Access to Nursing covers 17 units, which build up the full Diploma.
Biochemistry is fundamental to understanding life at a molecular level, as it explores the structure and function of biological molecules and the key principles governing cellular processes. This unit focuses on the essential biomolecules—carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids—along with their roles in maintaining life.
Cells are the fundamental units of life, forming the basis of all living organisms. This unit explores the essential principles of cell biology, including the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, membrane structure and transport mechanisms, and the processes of cell division.
This unit provides learners with the opportunity to design and plan an independent biological investigation. It develops essential skills in project formulation, planning, and research design, preparing learners for further study or scientific inquiry in applied and academic contexts. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that the investigation is grounded in biological theory, is feasible within given constraints, and adheres to scientific and academic conventions.
This unit provides learners with the opportunity to carry out a previously planned scientific investigation and to demonstrate competence in practical scientific skills, data handling, and critical reflection. Building on prior work in investigation planning, this unit focuses on the implementation, analysis, and evaluation stages of the scientific process, preparing learners for further study or work in applied scientific and technical fields.
The human skeletal and muscular systems form the structural and functional foundation of the body, providing support, movement, and protection for vital organs. This unit explores the intricate relationship between bones, joints, and muscles, examining their structure, classification, and physiological roles in movement and stability.
The human body is a complex and highly organised system composed of multiple organ systems that work together to maintain life. This unit explores the fundamental aspects of human physiology, focusing on the organisation of the body, the functions of key organ systems, and the vital process of homeostasis.
Infectious diseases have shaped human history, influencing populations, economies, and healthcare advancements. These diseases are caused by pathogens, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, helminths, and prions. Pathogens have evolved diverse mechanisms to invade hosts, evade immune responses, and spread within populations, making them a significant challenge to public health.
The Social and Community Welfare Provision unit explores the social issues that influence health and well-being and examines how welfare systems have evolved to meet the needs of individuals and communities. It develops learners’ understanding of the historical and contemporary factors that shape service provision and highlights the importance of values and ethics in professional practice.
The Equal Opportunity and Diversity unit introduces learners to the key concepts, theories, and practices related to promoting equality and valuing diversity in contemporary society. It equips learners with the knowledge and analytical skills required to understand and address different forms of prejudice, stereotyping, and oppression while fostering awareness of the principles underpinning inclusive and equitable practice. The unit supports learners in recognising how discrimination can manifest at individual, cultural, and institutional levels, and how to apply legislative and organisational frameworks that support equality and diversity.
The Ethical Issues in Professional Practice unit introduces learners to the fundamental ethical principles, legal frameworks, and professional responsibilities that underpin decision-making in various care and service contexts. It provides the tools to understand ethical theories, evaluate the relationship between law and ethics, and apply moral reasoning in realistic professional situations.
The Health Promotion unit equips learners with the knowledge and critical understanding needed to explore the purpose, delivery, and impact of health promotion in a range of individual and societal contexts. It introduces key concepts and models of health promotion and enables learners to assess how these influence public health strategies and personal well-being.
This unit explores the foundational role of communication in promoting high-quality care and building positive relationships with service users. It equips learners with the knowledge and understanding necessary to identify effective communication approaches, assess individual communication needs, and recognise and overcome barriers to communication.
The Perspectives of Health unit enables learners to explore how health is understood, influenced, and experienced across different social, cultural, and personal contexts. It develops the ability to analyse how definitions and models of health shape both individual understanding and the delivery of care, and how wider social inequalities affect health outcomes.
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 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 Nursing Diploma for?
If you have always dreamed of becoming a Nurse and helping others but don’t have the A Levels and other qualifications to allow you into university, the course is perfect for you.
Adult learners and people changing career to something new can benefit from an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing to give them the required qualification to move on to further study at university. After completing an Access Diploma, you can go on to a degree at many different institutes which will result in a Nursing degree and the ability to work in a new and exciting career.
Entry to University Degrees
To become a registered nurse in the UK, you need to complete a degree-level qualification in the profession. Through an Access to HE Diploma, you can quickly become eligible for study at some of the UK’s most prominent universities to achieve your degree and begin practising as a nurse.
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 get into university in order to get qualified in your chosen discipline. The Diplomas build your knowledge of independent study and research to prepare you for further study as well as knowledge units related to your chosen career path.
After completing this Nursing Diploma, you will be eligible to study for a Nursing Degree at dozens of universities and higher education organisations throughout the UK. If you have a specific university you would like to study for your degree, always ensure you check their entry requirements to make sure they accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas for new undergraduates.
UK universities which accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas to study for a Nursing degree include the following major institutes:
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 Nursing
What does a Nurse do?
Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare, providing compassionate care, medical support, and health education to patients of all ages. Their responsibilities vary depending on their specialism and workplace, but typically include:
- Assessing and monitoring patients – Checking vital signs, administering medication, and observing symptoms.
- Providing treatments and procedures – Assisting with medical interventions, wound care, and managing long-term conditions.
- Supporting patients and families – Offering emotional support, guidance, and health advice.
- Working as part of a healthcare team – Collaborating with doctors, therapists, and other professionals to deliver the best care.
- Promoting health and well-being – Educating individuals on disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, and managing medical conditions.
Nursing is a diverse and rewarding profession, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as adult nursing, paediatrics, mental health, and critical care. Nurses make a real difference in people’s lives, providing essential care and support when it matters most.
Why become a Nurse?
Becoming a nurse is a fulfilling and meaningful career choice that allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives. Here are some key reasons to consider nursing:
- Make a Positive Impact – Nurses provide essential care, support, and comfort to patients and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
- Job Security & Career Growth – With a high demand for healthcare professionals, nursing offers excellent job stability and a wide range of career progression opportunities.
- Varied & Rewarding Work – No two days are the same; nurses work in diverse settings, from hospitals and GP surgeries to community care and specialist clinics.
- Specialisation Opportunities – Whether in mental health, paediatrics, critical care, or midwifery, nursing offers numerous specialisms to match your interests.
- Lifelong Learning & Development – Nursing is a dynamic profession with ongoing opportunities for training, further education, and career advancement.
If you’re passionate about healthcare and want a career that is both challenging and rewarding, nursing could be the perfect path 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