Access to HE Diploma (Health and Human Sciences)

Study level: Access courses
Sciences students using a microscope in a laboratory.

The Access to Health and Human Sciences course is designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to be able to start your journey to a rewarding career in Health and Life Sciences and Professional Health courses within the NHS.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CUSCA001

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

The aim of an Access to Health and Human Sciences course is to enable you to acquire the academic and practical skills, knowledge and confidence to start a degree programme of your choice.

  • Studying this course could help you to fulfil your chosen career potential in the field of health and life sciences and a range of professional health courses within the NHS such as Applied Biosciences, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Nursing and Midwifery.
  • This diploma assists you in developing essential study skills in preparation for university study. You will complete modules in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and Immunity and disease.
  • The course has been designed with support from tutors on Coventry University’s nursing courses, with the focus on providing you with the opportunity to gain the foundation knowledge required to successfully study an undergraduate nursing degree.

Why you should study this course

  • Quickest route to Higher Education.
  • No end-of-year exams.
  • Mapped to match with modules taught on Applied Biosciences, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Nursing and Midwifery degree programmes.
  • Open learning environment.
  • Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete an eligible higher education course (subject to SFE requirements). For more information visit the Advanced Learner Loan website.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated.

What you'll study

You will study basic human anatomy and biology which aims to help you to gain an understanding of how the human body works, both when healthy and during illness.

Throughout the course, you should develop the ability to study independently, ask probing questions and analyse information from different sources and perspectives. You will explore how to search for information, assess the quality and legitimacy of information from various sources and develop your ability to work individually and collectively to produce academic work. All these skills aim to enhance your ability to study at degree level.

Modules

  • Within this module you will explore the difference between cells, tissues, organs and systems. Following this you will also have the opportunity to learn the structure and function of human tissue, and the human system.

    Compulsory

  • You will explore the major components and functions of blood in the human body and should gain an understanding of the function and structure of the heart and the role it plays in circulation. This module will also allow you to study the structure and function of the arteries, veins and capillaries and the role they play in transport. Finally, this module will allow you to examine the structure and function of the respiratory system and the transport of respiratory gases.

    Compulsory

  • Successful completion of this module will allow you to develop your understanding of pathogens and how they can cause disease. You will also gain an understanding of a variety of disease types. You should gain insight and knowledge into the defence functions of the blood and understand what is meant by the term immunity.

    Compulsory

  • This module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your extensive subject-specific knowledge in a specific area of your choice. You should be able to construct an argument in an extended piece of work. Finally, you will be encouraged to present your work in a form consistent with the conventions of the specific subject that includes an appropriate form of academic citations.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to enable you to develop the skills needed to plan and structure an essay. You should also develop the skills to write in an appropriate academic style and be able to develop the convention for acknowledging a range of sources.

    Compulsory

  • This module will allow you to develop your use of grammar in standard English, along with the opportunity to develop your understanding of appropriate punctuation in accordance with the rules of standard English. This module also aims to help you to develop your understanding of the use of paragraphs within your essays and the use of syntax.

    Compulsory

  • This module should allow you to grasp the basic concepts behind the perspectives and to place the subject matter in context, so that you can distinguish it from political and moral discourse. You should grasp that the language of psychology is an attempt to discern the key factors in human functioning and cognition without recourse to personal judgements about individuals.

    Compulsory

  • This module allows you to gain an understanding of the nature-nurture debate in relation to child development, along with an understanding of psychological theories of the effects of early childhood experience on later development. You should also gain an understanding of the considerations involved in research with children, including ethical considerations.

    Compulsory

  • This module will help you to understand different types of acute and chronic injuries related to sports participation and you should gain an understanding of the principles of tissue repair. You will learn the relevant rules and regulations in sport that relate to health, safety and prevention of injury. You will also gain an understanding of the use of PRICE as an initial treatment for sports injuries. Finally, you should understand the relevance of training methods, equipment, and technique to minimising chronic sports injuries.

    Compulsory

  • This module is developed to help you gain an understanding of the structure and functions of the skeleton while developing an understanding of the structure, production, growth and development of bone and cartilage. Furthermore, you should also gain an understanding of the structure and function of different types of joints, and develop an understanding of the structure and function of skeletal muscle fibre.

    Compulsory

  • This module allows you to gain an understanding of the main nutrients required. You will explore the concepts of the Eatwell Guide and Daily Reference Values (DRVs) and you should develop your understanding of the needs of specific dietary requirements.

    Compulsory

    • Be able to demonstrate sustained focus on specific investigatory questions across diverse sources.
    • Be able to use reading techniques that facilitate reading for explicit meaning.
    • Understand the purpose and effect of implied meaning.

    Compulsory

    • Understand the available progression opportunities.
    • Understand own skills in relation to chosen progression route.
    • Understand the stages of the application process. Know how to prepare for an interview.

    Compulsory

    • Understand the structure and functions of the male and female reproductive organs.
    • Understand the processes of fertilisation, pregnancy and birth.

    Compulsory

    • Understand the six processes involved in digestion.
    • Understand the structure and function of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Understand the mechanisms for moving food along the GI tract.
    • Understand how the body metabolises the products of digestion.

    Compulsory

    • Understand the meaning of health promotion and health education.
    • Understand the role of the media in promoting health.
    • Understand the theoretical principles involved when promoting health.

    Compulsory

    • Speak to an audience.
    • Listen with understanding.
    • Respond to questions.
    • Engage in discussion.
    • Understand strengths and weaknesses of oral presentation.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The access course offers an opportunity for you to study for a Level 3 Diploma. The CU model of delivery focuses on one module at a time, allowing you to focus on the in-depth content of the subject. Lectures are delivered by subject experts using a variety of methods to reinforce the concepts of the topic from traditional lectures, group work, worksheets, case studies and research activities.

Teaching contact hours

Attendance is required from Monday to Thursday from 9:30am – 2pm. Tutorials are from 9am – 9:30am and 1pm – 2pm.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake self-directed study of approximately 10 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Projects
  • Coursework

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English are preferable but not mandatory for commencing the Access course. Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English can be acquired alongside the Access course as they are a pre-requisite to progress onto universities.

As part of the application process, an interview and a literacy and numeracy assessment will be required so that our tutors are satisfied that you can benefit from the course and be able to cope with the future requirements of studying in higher education.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English are preferable but not mandatory for commencing the Access course. Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English can be acquired alongside the Access course as they are a pre-requisite to progress onto universities.

As part of the application process, an interview and a literacy and numeracy assessment will be required so that our tutors are satisfied that you can benefit from the course and be able to cope with the future requirements of studying in higher education.

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English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £3,384   Not available
EU Not available Not available
International £3,384   Not available

You may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. Visit the Advanced Learner Loan website for full information and to check your eligibility. If you are eligible and awarded an Advanced Learner Loan, and successfully complete an eligible Higher Education course, the outstanding balance from your Access course could be written off.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our purpose-built campus building is arranged around an open central atrium that includes IT suites and study spaces.

The onsite library stocks essential and recommended reading and over 115,000 eBooks. The building also includes areas for career guidance and study support services, a café, a prayer room and social areas. Next to the campus is Scarborough’s leisure village. This complex includes an Olympic Legacy swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, all-weather pitches and the Scarborough Athletic football ground.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will obtain an Access to Higher Education Diploma, which allows you to apply for several relevant degree programmes within the Coventry University Group* and other universities. You will have knowledge of a range of health-related topics that can help you start your degree programme. You will have also gained a range of study skills that will be useful throughout your studies and future career, including research, referencing and the correct style of academic writing.

*Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

Further study

Successful completion of this course will guarantee you an interview for one of CU Scarborough’s Nursing Degree programmes.

Successful completion will also guarantee you a place on any other degree programme at CU Scarborough. The most suited progression is on the following degree programmes:

You could potentially obtain a place on one of the following Coventry University degree programmes subject to meeting additional entry requirements. Please see individual course web pages for more information.

How to apply

  • Access courses are designed for students who haven’t had the opportunity to access higher education, so formal qualifications are not mandatory. If you’re interested in an Access to HE course you’ll need to apply to us directly by completing our online application form.

    Once your application form has been processed you’ll receive the outcome of your application via the email address you provided.

    Apply now

    If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

     (+44) 01723 336 700

     ukadmissions.cu@coventry.ac.uk

     Chat with our admissions team

     Complete our contact form

  • Access courses are designed for students who haven’t had the opportunity to access higher education, so formal qualifications are not mandatory. If you’re interested in an Access to HE course you’ll need to apply to us directly by completing our online application form.

    Once your application form has been processed you’ll receive the outcome of your application via the email address you provided.

    Apply now

    For further support for international applicants you can view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

    If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

    (+44) 02477 652 152

    cus@coventry.ac.uk

     Chat with our admissions team

     Complete our contact form

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and International opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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