Level 3 Diploma Access to HE - Nursing & Midwifery

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 Nursing & Midwifery is tailored for those without traditional qualifications, who are aiming to study healthcare-related fields at university. 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.

This course is ideal for any adult who aspires to become a midwife or nurse. The Access to HE Diploma is designed to provide you with valuable insight into various fields related to midwifery and nursing, including specialist midwifery fields, paediatric nursing, and mental health nursing. All of our Access to Higher Education courses are approved by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

For those who have not studied for some time, this course is an excellent way to rebuild your confidence and academic skills, preparing you for university and a successful career in healthcare.

You will study a variety of units, such as:

• Infectious Disease

• Human Physiology

• Ethical Issues in Professional Practice

• Treating Psychological Disorders.

You will be assessed during the course as each unit is completed through a variety of methods such as essays, presentations, research projects, and examinations.

This course is delivered on a blended model, with most sessions being face to face and a small part delivered online.

The qualification you will achieve is Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing & Midwifery).

Students who successfully complete this qualification progress to university to study degrees such as:

• Adult Nursing

• Paediatric Nursing

• Mental Health Nursing

• Learning Disability Nursing

• Midwifery.

If you apply to study nursing or midwifery at university, you may also be eligible to apply for the NHS bursary of up to £5000.

Universities expect adults who apply for some vocational degrees to have previous relevant paid or voluntary experience. Life and work experience is valuable, and applicants need to have spent some time out of school and have a high level of maturity.

If you do not already have work experience, you will be required to organise relevant experience before you begin the course. For example, if you are aiming for a midwifery degree, voluntary experience working within healthcare would be an advantage. If you require advice about which type of experience would help your university application, ask to speak to our Careers Advisor based in Learner Services.

There will also be a number of local universities coming in to discuss your potential progression routes.

All HE students receive termly one-to-one tutorials with their programme leader to support them with their progress on programme. You will also have access to an online tutorial programme, Amplify, which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as mental health, managing finances, support for single parents, and working online. In addition, you can access a programme of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing, and time management.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required, and a Wellbeing Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed.

All HE students have access to a designated progress coach who can also provide welfare support.

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

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.

Direct Entry Requirement

You will need to hold GCSE English and maths at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.

However, please be aware that for midwifery, universities often do not allow GCSE equivalencies; it is common for them to only accept English Language and maths at a grade 4/C or above. If you hold equivalent qualifications to GCSE we strongly advise you to check university entry requirements to confirm they will accept your equivalent qualifications.

If you do not meet the entry requirements

• Don’t worry - you can apply for our Level 2 Pre-access course which will prepare you for the Level 3 Access to Higher Education course in your chosen pathway. You will also work towards achieveing your level 2 (GCSE) maths or English at the same time.

19+ students studying on a level 3 qualification may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. For finance support and enquiries please visit https://www.wvr.ac.uk/higher-education/higher-education-help-finances/

Apart from the course and registration fees, you will need the usual student stationery such as pens, paper, and files. The purchase of textbooks is not compulsory - there is a wide selection of books available in our dedicated Learning Resource Centre. Should you wish to purchase textbooks, your subject tutors will recommend suitable books.