Level 3 Diploma Access to HE - Nursing & Midwifery

NEW FOR 2026! Thanks to our brand-new partnership with the University of Chester, successful Access to HE students are now guaranteed a place on a related degree (subject to entry requirements).

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.

This Access to HE Diploma gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to progress into a rewarding career in midwifery or nursing. You’ll be taught and supported by an expert, student‑focused team who are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and take the next step in your healthcare journey.

Thanks to our brand‑new partnership with the University of Chester, successful students are now guaranteed a place on a related degree (subject to entry requirements) — giving you a clear, supported route into higher education.

Throughout the course, the Access to HE team at Warrington & Vale Royal College will guide you from start to finish, offering personalised support with your UCAS application, Student Finance England, and your wider progression plan. You’ll also benefit from our professional partnership with the Manchester Midwives, who will help you develop essential clinical skills and give you first‑hand insight into what it’s really like to train and work within the NHS.

You’ll study a wide range of fascinating and career‑focused units, including Infectious Disease, Human Physiology, Ethical Issues in Professional Practice, and Treating Psychological Disorders. Each unit is assessed as you progress, using a variety of methods such as essays, presentations, research projects, and examinations — giving you the academic skills and confidence needed for university‑level study.

This course is delivered through a blended learning model, with most sessions taught face to face and a smaller element delivered online for added flexibility.

On successful completion, you will achieve the Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing & Midwifery) — your pathway to higher‑level study and a future career in healthcare.

Students who successfully complete this qualification progress to university to study a range of specialist degrees, including Adult Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disability Nursing, and Midwifery. Thanks to our exciting new partnership with the University of Chester, successful students are now guaranteed a place on a related degree (subject to entry requirements) — giving you a clear, supported route into higher education.

If you choose to study nursing or midwifery at university, you may also be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which currently offers bursaries of up to £5,000 to support your training.

Absolutely. Thanks to our brand‑new partnership with the University of Chester, successful students now have a direct progression route onto a related degree (subject to entry requirements). This partnership gives you early insight into university expectations and strengthens your application from day one.

Universities often expect adult applicants for vocational degrees to have relevant paid or voluntary experience. Your life and work experience already holds real value, but if you don’t yet have experience in your chosen area, you’ll need to arrange this before starting the course. For example, aspiring midwives would benefit from voluntary experience in a healthcare setting. If you’re unsure what type of experience would best support your university application, our dedicated Careers Advisor is on hand to guide you.

Throughout the course, you’ll also meet representatives from local universities, who will visit to discuss your progression options and help you prepare for the next step in your journey.

You’ll be supported every step of the way. Our dedicated Wellbeing Team is always on hand to offer guidance, advice, and practical help whenever you need it. Eligible students can also take advantage of a wide range of financial support to make studying as accessible and affordable as possible.

• Read more about learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support
• Read more about finance and funding support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

All adult students also have access to our online tutorial programme, Amplify, as well as personalised advice from our Careers Team, ensuring you feel confident and supported throughout your journey with us.

Our expert tutors bring extensive industry experience and will support you every step of the way. The Access to HE diploma is designed to maximise your chances of progressing to university, with a strong focus on science units and university‑style assessments — including digital timed exams — to ensure you feel confident and fully prepared for higher education. Thanks to our exciting new partnership with the University of Chester, successful students are now guaranteed a place on a related degree (subject to entry requirements).

You’ll join a mature, supportive group of students and receive personalised guidance from our Access to HE team, including help with UCAS, mock interviews, and up‑to‑date industry insights shared through your virtual learning environment.

As an adult student, you’ll also benefit from our outstanding Health & Social Care Academy, featuring a state‑of‑the‑art mock hospital ward that helps you build real‑world skills in a realistic setting.

Direct Entry Requirements

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 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care which will prepare you for the Level 3 Access to Higher Education course in your chosen pathway. You will also work towards achieving 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.