Health and Social Care Access to HE

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.

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
• Stress and Health
• Social Influence, Conformity and Obedience to Authority
• Mental Health and Illness
• Aggression

Biology Units

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

• Apply online via the Apply Now button at the bottom of this page
• 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

• 14 taught hours per week in college usually spread over three to four days
• 20 self-study hours per week
• Support from a personal tutor and Study Skills are included in the course

Assessment is:

• Assignment-based
• Coursework
• Exams

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

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.