Level 3

Health and Social Care – Access to HE

This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education. You may already have some qualifications…

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Quick info

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Course overview

This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education.

You may already have some qualifications at GCSE, NVQ, BTEC or A Level but not enough to get to university.

How to apply

Find out more about our A Level pathways and how to apply

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Who is this course for?

This course is for adults over 19 who want to enter Higher Education. You should already have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.

Please Note: Some universities will accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English & Maths in place of GCSE’s, on some Health undergraduate courses. Please check university websites for this information before applying to us.

What you’ll learn

The Access course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to achieve your goal. You need to be very committed to study and focused on your career choice.

You will study Biology, Psychology for Health and Health Studies.

The Health and Social Care pathway will enable you to undertake studies relating to Health issues such as; how the bodies biology works, ethical and equality issues within health care, how stress effects biology, investigating mental health disorders, learning how to communicate with individuals and how to encourage health promotion.

Health Studies Units

  • The Role of the Health and Social Care Professional
  • Ethical Dilemmas
  • Sociology of Health
  • Prejudice and Discrimination
  • Health Promotion and Health Education

Psychology for Health Units

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Mental Health Conditions
  • Stress and Health
  • Developmental Psychology
  • The Psychology of Aggression

Biology Units

  • The Cardiovascular System
  • Nutrition, Digestion and Excretion
  • Disease and Immunity

Entry requirements

You will be required to include a personal statement (approximately one side of A4), within the application form. Please prepare this in advance before starting the application process.

You will need to include:

  • Why you are applying for the course
  • What you would like to study at university, and why
  • Any experience you have in relation to the Access course, this may be educational, voluntary and/or work based
  • GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above
  • Writing skills will be assessed prior to enrolment
  • Knowledge of course required at university
  • Strong desire to study
  • Commitment to study full-time for a year
  • Good organisation, motivation and enthusiasm
  • An advisory 3 months’ work experience in a health or care setting (voluntary or paid employment). This can be discussed at the interview.
  • Examples of work experience might include:
  • Children’s nursing
  • Mental health
  • Midwifery
  • Care homes
  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centres

Future career and study

This course is designed primarily for applicants wishing to pursue a career in Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Paramedic Science, Early Childhood Studies and Care Practice.

There are also a number of HND/Foundation Degrees in Health and Social Care at City of Bristol College.

  • It is essential that you know what you want to study at university or college
  • Thoroughly research your intended university course and its entry requirements before you apply for an Access course
  • We recommend you visit universities on their Open Days
  • We have long-established links with universities
  • We offer guaranteed consideration for a Foundation Degree at City of Bristol College

Additional costs

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery.

Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.

Frequently asked questions

How to apply?

Your admissions journey will follow a number of straightforward steps and will likely follow a similar format to the steps outlined on our ‘How to Apply‘ page.

For 16-18 courses, places will be offered for a specific course of study at City of Bristol College, subject to the applicant meeting all course entry criteria.

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What support is available to me as a student?

You’ll have our support for every step of your studies. We’re here to help make sure you get the support that you need to succeed.

  • Careers Advice
  • Learning Support
  • Students in Care
  • Fees & Financial Support
  • Mental Health Support
  • Academic and Personal Support
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What facilities will I have access to as a student here?

From state-of-the-art engineering, construction and motor vehicle centres to welcoming spaces for A Levels, technical and vocational courses, our facilities are designed to support students in developing the skills, knowledge and experience they need for their future.

Explore our centres, as well as our training restaurants and salons, where students can put their learning into practice in professional environments.

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