Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)
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- FREE On-Demand & Live Classes Upgrade - RRP £480
- FREE On-Demand & Live Classes Upgrade - RRP £480
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)
This Course at a Glance
- Change your career and become a Nurse
- Gain the equivalent of three A Levels
- A popular way to meet university entry requirements
- Flexible learning; study when it suits, at your pace
- Complete over a year or less
- Various payment methods available
- 100% online learning
- No exams
About Your Diploma
If you’ve always thought about becoming a Nurse but life simply got in the way, or nursing has recently appealed to you as a career option, but you don’t have the desired qualifications, you can still make this career switch.
Perfect Preparation for a Nursing Degree
Traditionally, universities were quite strict on what they accepted as adequate qualifications to meet the entry requirements of their courses. This would limit many would-be students from pursuing higher education to reach their career goals, like becoming a Registered Nurse.
Now, many more qualifications are accepted as adequate preparation for learners going into higher level study. So, if you don’t have GCSEs or A Levels, all is not lost. Many universities now welcome students with other qualifications like BTEC Nationals, Functional Skills or Access to Higher Education Diplomas.
An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is a flexible online nursing diploma UK learners can study that allows you to:
- Study from home or wherever suits
- Study at your own pace
Its vocation focused modules provide you with knowledge and skills so specific to nursing that it can be used as the equivalent to 3 A Levels.
Learn Everything You Need to Become a Nurse
Throughout our Nurse course, UK learners will study a range of topics, including:
- Human Body – Discover facts about the human body, from the way we reproduce to how our organs function and the way our cells grow and divide
- History of the NHS – Understand the NHS’s founding principles and how it has been shaped over time
- Roles and Responsibilities of a Nurse – Learn about the purpose and function of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), as well as the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare
You will also complete modules that focus on giving you the study skills for university, which is perfect for those who have been out of education for some time. For more information on what you’ll explore in our Nurse course, UK learners can see the ‘Modules’ tab.
Getting Started
learndirect is a leading UK distance learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
No Classrooms, No Timetables
Studied completely online, the flexibility of this nursing course enables you to work towards your nursing future outside of your current commitments. So, no matter if it’s a full-time job or childcare, you can complete your course around them.
You will have up to one year to complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma. Though, the freedom to move through the course at your pace sees most of our students complete them within 9-12 months.
Stay On Top Of Your Learning
You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies.
*Please note, entry requirements differ between universities. It’s always best to check with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.
| + Free Upgrade | Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support | Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS On-Demand & Live Classes |
|---|---|---|
| Access your course materials immediately | ||
| Tutor support via our market-leading platform | ||
| Study around existing commitments | ||
| Progress as quickly as you’d like | ||
| Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed | ||
| Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes | ||
| Industry-leading 3 days marking turnaround | ||
| Live class scheduled between 10 am to 8 pm daily (including weekends) | ||
| Access to our video library of previous lectures available on-demand | ||
| Interact with your tutors directly during your class | ||
| Network with like-minded students via our chat functionality | ||
| Take live classes multiple times or access recordings as you like |
88%
Unit 1: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas
Unit 2: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 3: Health and Wellbeing
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the relationship between resilience and mental wellbeing
- Understand the expression of feelings and emotions and how these could be managed
- Understand how mental wellbeing can be supported and managed
Unit 4: Cell Biology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure and organisation of cells
- Understand cellular metabolism
- Understand how cells grow and divide
Unit 5: The History of the National Health Service
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the background to and the founding principles of the National Health Service
- Understand how political reforms have shaped the National Health Service
Unit 6: Human Nutrition & The Digestive System
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure and functions of the organs of the digestive system
- Understand nutrients and their sources
- Understand the components of a healthy diet and the consequences of an unhealthy diet
Unit 7: The Roles & Responsibilities of the Registered Nurse
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the changes to the roles and responsibilities of the nurse
- Understand the role of the Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Understand the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare
Unit 8: Introduction to Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of research in psychology
- Understand the main approaches in psychology
- Understand ethical issues in psychological research
Unit 9: The Human Endocrine & Nervous System
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the nervous system
- Understand how the endocrine system co-ordinates body functions
- Understand the role of the nervous and endocrine systems homeostasis
Unit 10: Social Factors in Health and Social Care
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand sociological factors influencing the relationships between patients and health professionals
- Understand the role of social motivational factors in health and ill health
- Understand the significance of social support networks in healthcare and maintenance
Unit 11: Understanding Dementia
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand dementia
- Understand types of dementia
- Understand the medical and social models of dementia
- Understand an individual’s experience of dementia
Unit 12: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the anatomy, organisation, and function of the muscular system
- Understand the anatomy, organisation, and function of the skeletal system
- Understand how the muscular system and skeletal system interact in locomotion
Unit 13: Classification and Use of Social Drugs and Medicines
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand why different types of social drugs are used
- Understand the classification of medicines and controlled drugs
- Understand the impact of the use of social drugs and medicines on the individual and society
Unit 14: Mental Health and Illness
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the difficulties in defining normality and abnormality
- Understand a psychological disorder
- Understand treatments used to treat people with psychological disorders
Unit 15: Human Immunity
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand non-specific defences against disease
- Understand specific immunity
- Understand the biology of vaccination
Unit 16: Understanding Poverty
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand definitions of poverty
- Understand ways of measuring poverty
- Understand the extent of poverty in contemporary Britain
- Understand explanations of poverty
Unit 17: Health Promotion
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand individual societal health promotion
- Organise and plan a health promotion activity
Unit 18: Human Disease & Prevention
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the categories and causes of disease
- Understand the epidemiology of diseases
- Understand preventative measures for a chosen disease or condition
Unit 19: Equality and Diversity within Healthcare
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand equality and diversity within healthcare
- Understand the rights of the individual in a healthcare setting
- Understand the impact of equality and diversity legislation on healthcare provision
The requirements to enrol on our Nurse course, UK learners, are outlined below:
GCSEs
You can get started on your Access to Higher Education Diploma right away, but when you come to apply to university, you will need to have a GCSE in Maths and English (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above. As these commonly feature on the entry requirements list for most degrees.
Should you not have these qualifications when you start your Access to HE Diploma, you can work towards them at the same time. This is something many of our learners do successfully to get fully prepared for their university degrees ahead of applying.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted.
In many cases, to get started on a nursing degree you will need:
- A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade
- A face-to-face interview at the university
- Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university
- Course-related work placements or work experience
- GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.)
It’s up to you to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen nursing degree. learndirect is not responsible if completing this Access to HE Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
*You will have access to the course for 12 months only. You can purchase course extensions here.
*Please note, eligibility for this nursing diploma - UK residents only.
The assessment process of our nursing course consists of the following:
Assignments
The assignments for this course aim to prepare you for your next step in higher education, while providing the number of credits necessary to achieve your qualification.
At the end of each unit of study, you will need to complete an assignment which your tutor will then mark and provide you with feedback and a grade to help you to progress.
Credits
To successfully achieve this Access to HE Diploma you will need 60 credits in total. The credits are split into the following two categories:
- Graded – 45 credits come from graded units, which focus on the academic subject
- Ungraded – 15 credits come from ungraded units, such as writing and study skills
As part of this nursing diploma, UK learners will also receive help as well as guidance with their university application and the research they need to do to get the most out of their diploma.
Open College Network West Midlands
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: 40012542). This course has also been assigned 60 credits.
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.
Career
By completing an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) and a subsequent nursing degree, you will open yourself up to an array of career prospects.
With Nurses being required to facilitate treatments in almost every health service, there is almost no end to the type of Nurse you can become. If you’re passionate about caring for children, working with the elderly, or helping people requiring emergency care, you can find a specialism to suit your interest.
Just some of the many nursing roles you can pursue are:
- Paediatric Nurse
- Neonatal Nurse
- Adult Nurse
- Geriatric Nurse
- Nursing Home Nurse
- Community Nurse
- Theatre Nurse
- ICU Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Cardiology Nurse
- Respiratory Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Special Educational Needs Disability Nurse
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Once qualified and registered as a Nurse, you will need to maintain your registration through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This is any form of training and education that adds directly to your skillset as a Nurse but falls outside of your mandatory and statutory training.
Gaining CPD and taking further training within healthcare facilities can also help you move into your desired specialism. Aligning yourself with the type of nursing work that means the most to you.
You could study courses like:
- Understanding Mental Health
- Clinical Nutrition
- Grief and Bereavement Counselling
- Eating Disorders
- Drug, Solvent and Alcohol Misuse Counselling
- Caring for Older People
- Caring for People with Learning Disabilities
- Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care
- End of Life Care
There will also be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and move into direct health management roles like:
- Ward Manager
- Team Leader
- Matron
- Director of Nursing
Should you choose to complete a postgraduate qualification, you could assume the direct health role of an advanced Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Consultant. If it appeals to you, you could also become a Teacher of future Nurses or go into research.
- FREE On-Demand & Live Classes Upgrade - RRP £480
- FREE On-Demand & Live Classes Upgrade - RRP £480
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)
This Course at a Glance
- Change your career and become a Nurse
- Gain the equivalent of three A Levels
- A popular way to meet university entry requirements
- Flexible learning; study when it suits, at your pace
- Complete over a year or less
- Various payment methods available
- 100% online learning
- No exams
About Your Diploma
If you’ve always thought about becoming a Nurse but life simply got in the way, or nursing has recently appealed to you as a career option, but you don’t have the desired qualifications, you can still make this career switch.
Perfect Preparation for a Nursing Degree
Traditionally, universities were quite strict on what they accepted as adequate qualifications to meet the entry requirements of their courses. This would limit many would-be students from pursuing higher education to reach their career goals, like becoming a Registered Nurse.
Now, many more qualifications are accepted as adequate preparation for learners going into higher level study. So, if you don’t have GCSEs or A Levels, all is not lost. Many universities now welcome students with other qualifications like BTEC Nationals, Functional Skills or Access to Higher Education Diplomas.
An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is a flexible online nursing diploma UK learners can study that allows you to:
- Study from home or wherever suits
- Study at your own pace
Its vocation focused modules provide you with knowledge and skills so specific to nursing that it can be used as the equivalent to 3 A Levels.
Learn Everything You Need to Become a Nurse
Throughout our Nurse course, UK learners will study a range of topics, including:
- Human Body – Discover facts about the human body, from the way we reproduce to how our organs function and the way our cells grow and divide
- History of the NHS – Understand the NHS’s founding principles and how it has been shaped over time
- Roles and Responsibilities of a Nurse – Learn about the purpose and function of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), as well as the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare
You will also complete modules that focus on giving you the study skills for university, which is perfect for those who have been out of education for some time. For more information on what you’ll explore in our Nurse course, UK learners can see the ‘Modules’ tab.
Getting Started
learndirect is a leading UK distance learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
No Classrooms, No Timetables
Studied completely online, the flexibility of this nursing course enables you to work towards your nursing future outside of your current commitments. So, no matter if it’s a full-time job or childcare, you can complete your course around them.
You will have up to one year to complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma. Though, the freedom to move through the course at your pace sees most of our students complete them within 9-12 months.
Stay On Top Of Your Learning
You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies.
*Please note, entry requirements differ between universities. It’s always best to check with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.
| + Free Upgrade | Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support | Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS On-Demand & Live Classes |
|---|---|---|
| Access your course materials immediately | ||
| Tutor support via our market-leading platform | ||
| Study around existing commitments | ||
| Progress as quickly as you’d like | ||
| Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed | ||
| Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes | ||
| Industry-leading 3 days marking turnaround | ||
| Live class scheduled between 10 am to 8 pm daily (including weekends) | ||
| Access to our video library of previous lectures available on-demand | ||
| Interact with your tutors directly during your class | ||
| Network with like-minded students via our chat functionality | ||
| Take live classes multiple times or access recordings as you like |
Modules
Unit 1: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas
Unit 2: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 3: Health and Wellbeing
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the relationship between resilience and mental wellbeing
- Understand the expression of feelings and emotions and how these could be managed
- Understand how mental wellbeing can be supported and managed
Unit 4: Cell Biology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure and organisation of cells
- Understand cellular metabolism
- Understand how cells grow and divide
Unit 5: The History of the National Health Service
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the background to and the founding principles of the National Health Service
- Understand how political reforms have shaped the National Health Service
Unit 6: Human Nutrition & The Digestive System
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure and functions of the organs of the digestive system
- Understand nutrients and their sources
- Understand the components of a healthy diet and the consequences of an unhealthy diet
Unit 7: The Roles & Responsibilities of the Registered Nurse
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the changes to the roles and responsibilities of the nurse
- Understand the role of the Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Understand the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare
Unit 8: Introduction to Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of research in psychology
- Understand the main approaches in psychology
- Understand ethical issues in psychological research
Unit 9: The Human Endocrine & Nervous System
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the nervous system
- Understand how the endocrine system co-ordinates body functions
- Understand the role of the nervous and endocrine systems homeostasis
Unit 10: Social Factors in Health and Social Care
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand sociological factors influencing the relationships between patients and health professionals
- Understand the role of social motivational factors in health and ill health
- Understand the significance of social support networks in healthcare and maintenance
Unit 11: Understanding Dementia
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand dementia
- Understand types of dementia
- Understand the medical and social models of dementia
- Understand an individual’s experience of dementia
Unit 12: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the anatomy, organisation, and function of the muscular system
- Understand the anatomy, organisation, and function of the skeletal system
- Understand how the muscular system and skeletal system interact in locomotion
Unit 13: Classification and Use of Social Drugs and Medicines
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand why different types of social drugs are used
- Understand the classification of medicines and controlled drugs
- Understand the impact of the use of social drugs and medicines on the individual and society
Unit 14: Mental Health and Illness
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the difficulties in defining normality and abnormality
- Understand a psychological disorder
- Understand treatments used to treat people with psychological disorders
Unit 15: Human Immunity
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand non-specific defences against disease
- Understand specific immunity
- Understand the biology of vaccination
Unit 16: Understanding Poverty
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand definitions of poverty
- Understand ways of measuring poverty
- Understand the extent of poverty in contemporary Britain
- Understand explanations of poverty
Unit 17: Health Promotion
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand individual societal health promotion
- Organise and plan a health promotion activity
Unit 18: Human Disease & Prevention
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the categories and causes of disease
- Understand the epidemiology of diseases
- Understand preventative measures for a chosen disease or condition
Unit 19: Equality and Diversity within Healthcare
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand equality and diversity within healthcare
- Understand the rights of the individual in a healthcare setting
- Understand the impact of equality and diversity legislation on healthcare provision
Requirements
The requirements to enrol on our Nurse course, UK learners, are outlined below:
GCSEs
You can get started on your Access to Higher Education Diploma right away, but when you come to apply to university, you will need to have a GCSE in Maths and English (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above. As these commonly feature on the entry requirements list for most degrees.
Should you not have these qualifications when you start your Access to HE Diploma, you can work towards them at the same time. This is something many of our learners do successfully to get fully prepared for their university degrees ahead of applying.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted.
In many cases, to get started on a nursing degree you will need:
- A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade
- A face-to-face interview at the university
- Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university
- Course-related work placements or work experience
- GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.)
It’s up to you to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen nursing degree. learndirect is not responsible if completing this Access to HE Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
*You will have access to the course for 12 months only. You can purchase course extensions here.
*Please note, eligibility for this nursing diploma - UK residents only.
Assessment
The assessment process of our nursing course consists of the following:
Assignments
The assignments for this course aim to prepare you for your next step in higher education, while providing the number of credits necessary to achieve your qualification.
At the end of each unit of study, you will need to complete an assignment which your tutor will then mark and provide you with feedback and a grade to help you to progress.
Credits
To successfully achieve this Access to HE Diploma you will need 60 credits in total. The credits are split into the following two categories:
- Graded – 45 credits come from graded units, which focus on the academic subject
- Ungraded – 15 credits come from ungraded units, such as writing and study skills
As part of this nursing diploma, UK learners will also receive help as well as guidance with their university application and the research they need to do to get the most out of their diploma.
Qualifications
Open College Network West Midlands
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: 40012542). This course has also been assigned 60 credits.
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.
Career
By completing an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) and a subsequent nursing degree, you will open yourself up to an array of career prospects.
With Nurses being required to facilitate treatments in almost every health service, there is almost no end to the type of Nurse you can become. If you’re passionate about caring for children, working with the elderly, or helping people requiring emergency care, you can find a specialism to suit your interest.
Just some of the many nursing roles you can pursue are:
- Paediatric Nurse
- Neonatal Nurse
- Adult Nurse
- Geriatric Nurse
- Nursing Home Nurse
- Community Nurse
- Theatre Nurse
- ICU Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Cardiology Nurse
- Respiratory Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Special Educational Needs Disability Nurse
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Once qualified and registered as a Nurse, you will need to maintain your registration through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This is any form of training and education that adds directly to your skillset as a Nurse but falls outside of your mandatory and statutory training.
Gaining CPD and taking further training within healthcare facilities can also help you move into your desired specialism. Aligning yourself with the type of nursing work that means the most to you.
You could study courses like:
- Understanding Mental Health
- Clinical Nutrition
- Grief and Bereavement Counselling
- Eating Disorders
- Drug, Solvent and Alcohol Misuse Counselling
- Caring for Older People
- Caring for People with Learning Disabilities
- Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care
- End of Life Care
There will also be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and move into direct health management roles like:
- Ward Manager
- Team Leader
- Matron
- Director of Nursing
Should you choose to complete a postgraduate qualification, you could assume the direct health role of an advanced Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Consultant. If it appeals to you, you could also become a Teacher of future Nurses or go into research.
88%
