Access to HE Diploma Level 3: Nursing

General information

This is a one year course for adults who are returning to education, intending to pursue a career in nursing or midwifery. It is an academic, level 3, full-time course which prepares students for university study. It is essential that you are 100% comitted to studying full-time and that you have an ability and a desire to study at Advanced (A) level.

Please note that 2013/14 Access courses will be run from our Orpington Campus only.

Course content

To achieve the Access Diploma, students must achieve a minimum of 60 credits, 45 of which must be achieved at level 3 (most units have a value of 3 credits). The Diploma includes GSCE equivalences in maths, science and English (which most universities require) and also incorporates study skills, nursing studies, psychology and sociogy units.

Teaching and assessment

The course is assessed through a combination of written assignments, exams, oral presentation and project work. Students build a course work 'portfolio' which is submitted to the external moderators early in the summer. Much of the course work is delivered through tutor lectures. Students should allow approx.10 hours a week for self-study/homework.

Entry requirements

To apply for Access to Nursing you must be aged over 19yrs and have a genuine commitment to study full time. Although no formal qualifications are required, you must achieve Level 1 in your numeracy and Level 2 in your literacy admission tests and will also be required to produce a piece of Level 2 'free writing'. All students are interviewed.

Additional course costs

Registration fee £100.

Progression

Most students apply for university courses in the first term. Upon successful completion of the Access to Nursing Diploma they progress on to degree courses, usually studying midwifery, adult nursing, children's nursing or mental health nursing.

Dates and times

Three days a week for one year.