Level 3 Access to HE - Allied Health Professionals
Subject Area
Access to HE
Student Type
Adults
Study Mode
Full Time
Course Type
Adult Further Education
What is the course about?
This Level 3 qualification is a one-year course, equivalent to three A Levels, specifically designed for adults aged 19 and above. It provides the essential foundation to progress to university and pursue a career in healthcare.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Allied Health Professionals is tailored for those without traditional qualifications who are aiming to study a healthcare-related degree at university and pursue a rewarding career in this sector.
This course not only helps refresh your study skills but also builds your confidence, empowering you to succeed in a higher education environment and take the next step toward your academic and professional goals.
Why should I choose the course?
You should choose to study this course with us if you are looking to progress into a career within the Allied Health Professions, but dont yet have the qualifications you need to go to university. This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to progress to university, where you can pursue degrees in fields such as paramedic science, physiotherapy, psychology, and occupational therapy.
You will be taught in a supportive environment by experienced tutors with subject expertise, who will guide you through your return to academic study and help you achieve the qualification required to advance to university.
Throughout the course, you will participate in guidance webinars for each module and receive valuable support in writing your personal statement and completing your UCAS application.
This qualification is widely recognised and accepted by UK universities. It is validated and moderated by Ascentis under licence from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, ensuring its credibility and quality.
What will I learn?
On this course you will build an extensive knowledge of the human body and mind, through modules in human physiology and psychology. You will also develop your understanding of healthcare professions through the professional healthcare practice module.
In addition to this you will develop your academic skills in a supportive environment, which will allow you to make the transition to degree level. You will have access to outstanding academic and pastoral support and detailed online materials during your time with us.
You will be taught by a team of specialist teachers with extensive knowledge of their subject areas, who have considerable experience and expertise working with adult learners who have taken either a short or a long break from formal education.
What will the course lead on to?
Students who complete an Access to HE Diploma in Allied Health Professionals can go on to study for university degrees in health-related subjects, and other related HE level qualifications.
You could continue on to have a career working as a:
- Paramedic
- Physiotherapist
- Psychologist
- Operating department practitioner (ODP)
- Art therapist
- Drama therapist
- Music therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Dietician
- Orthoptist
- Osteopath
- Podiatrist
- Prosthetist and orthotist
- Diagnostic and therapeutic radiographer
- Speech and language therapist.
Are there any links with industry and university?
The college works closely with health employers in the local area and has worked with them to design an effective curriculum. We have close links to universities which provide opportunities for educational visits and support with personal statements.
What support is available?
We have a Wellbeing Team that are on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.
Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support
Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support
All adult students have access to our online tutorial programme Amplify, and can seek support from our Careers Team.
Why should I choose to study the course at Warrington & Vale Royal College?
During your course your learning will be enhanced by dedicated tutors who have a wide range of industry knowledge and experience. Your diploma has been carefully constructed to maximise the possibility of you obtaining a place for your chosen degree. This diploma contains a large number of science units to ensure you are a desirable candidate to universities. We also use methods of assessment typically seen at university in order to prepare you for the transition into HE, for example, digital timed assessments. Current students comment on the level of support offered within this course and describe how they feel prepared for university. You’ll be part of supportive group of learners, all of whom will have a mature attitude to learning.
The Access to HE team takes the time to know you, and because of this we’re able to provide excellent information, advice, and guidance. We also provide mock interviews to prepare you for any interviews you may be required to attend for university. The Access team routinely adds the latest developments relating to your field, and training opportunities to your virtual learning environment to ensure you are equipped with industrial knowledge.
As an adult student, you’ll gain access to our electronic library which provides you with online books and journal articles. For those students who like to have hardcopy books, don’t worry, our library is well stocked with the books you may require. At WVR, we recognise that as adults, you may appreciate your own communal space to socialise with other adults studying at the college. We have an adult only zone above the library where you can enjoy a coffee and study.
The college also houses a dedicated Health & Social Care Academy, which contains state-of-the-art facilities including a mock hospital ward. These outstanding facilities will ensure you gain valuable skills in a realistic setting, preparing you for employment in the sector.
What are the entry requirements?
You must hold GCSE at minimum grade 4, or level 2 equivalent, in both English and maths.
If you hold equivalent qualifications to GCSE we strongly advise you to check university entry requirements to confirm they will accept your equivalent qualifications.
What are my funding options?
19+ students studying on a level 3 qualification may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
For further information, please contact Learner Services on 01925 494 400, or at Learner.Services@wvr.ac.uk
Are there any additional costs associated with the course?
You will require the usual student stationery such as pens, paper, and files.
Careers Information

Cheshire & Warrington IoT
Institutes of Technologies (IoTs) are a national network of partnerships between local colleges, universities, and leading employers. Winsford campus’ IoT specialises in healthcare and life sciences and houses a dedicated Health & Social Care Academy and a Life Sciences Academy featuring industry-standard equipment, specialist technologies, and a fully-equipped science laboratory.
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