Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing and Midwifery)

Course overview

Build the knowledge and self belief healthcare study demands with the Access to HE Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery, a 12 month course made for adults, parents, carers, and career changers who want a helpful route into university study and a steady, achievable step towards a secure future in healthcare.

This Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery diploma explains key health and study ideas in clear, simple words, so you can return to learning with real belief after time away. It builds skills valued by universities, and applying through UniUpp can feel easier, calmer, and more supportive from your first step.

What you’ll learn

Across this course you will build a good grasp of healthcare, human physiology, study skills, and chosen subjects that can support nursing, midwifery, or allied health degrees. You will also grow skills in research, clear writing, analysis and planning, plus the real belief to complete Level 3 work, study well, and share your ideas clearly.

Just as vital, you build self belief, good habits, and study routines that support your progress through the diploma and into university, helping you feel able and ready for what comes next.

Learn by doing

You learn by doing here, using healthcare case studies, research tasks, group talks, and study based examples that link theory to everyday life. These applied tasks help you build core skills, test your thinking, and build true belief to use what you know in university level study and healthcare settings.

How to enroll

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Course details and modules

This Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery diploma builds your skills step by step, mixing Level 3 graded study with key study skills. You complete 60 credits in total with 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 ungraded credits at Level 2 or 3.

Your subject sets can include Human Physiology, Professional Healthcare Practice, Health Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Chemistry. Research and core tasks form part of the course, helping prepare you for university study.

Human Physiology

Human Physiology builds your grasp of how the body works, so you explore main systems, their functions, health processes, and core biology ideas in care.

Professional Healthcare Practice

Professional Healthcare Practice shows care roles and safe work, so you see tasks, standards, teams, care sites, rights, and how to care for adults well.

Study Skills & Research

Study Skills and research prepare you for degree study through writing, planning, source use, and self study. You finish core tasks and key research while growing the habits and clear thinking needed to do Level 3 work, use proof well, meet study needs, and move with confidence towards university learning.

I had been away from education for years and worried university was no longer realistic, but this Access course helped me rebuild my confidence step by step. The healthcare topics seemed relevant, tutor support made assignments simpler to understand, and I began to believe higher education was achievable. I now feel confident to apply for a nursing or midwifery degree.

Balancing family and work meant I needed a course that could fit around real life, and studying online made that possible. I could organise my learning around duties, return to difficult topics when needed, and ask for support when I felt unsure. The experience helped me become more organised, independent, and confident about taking the next step into higher education.

Modules

The subject areas work together so the diploma feels clear and simple. From Human Physiology and care practice to research and study skills, each area builds the skills, habits, and confidence you need to move towards university.

What are the entry requirements?

You do not need to already be a nurse or healthcare professional to study this diploma. Learners must be aged 19 or above, and the stated entry requirements include GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and Maths, or suitable Level 2 Functional Skills equivalents. Requirements for university courses can vary.

What support will I receive?

You study online through course files, study guides, set tasks, and tutor support. The learning portal is open 24/7, with task guidance, feedback, study notes, and study help during your course. This support can make Level 3 work clearer and help you build the belief and study habits needed for university.

Does the diploma carry UCAS Tariff points?

Yes. The diploma can carry up to 144 UCAS Tariff points, based on the grades you earn across the 45 graded credits. These points can support access to higher education, including a health related degree. Entry rules still vary by university and course, so always check your chosen programme before applying.

Can I study around work and family?

Yes, the course is delivered online and made to support flexible study over 12 months. You can access materials through the online portal and organise study around work, family, and duties. You will still need to plan fixed study time, so you can complete assignments, research, and the required 60 credits.

Taking the first step towards university can feel daunting, but support is available. Check your eligibility now and let UniUpp guide your own next move.

Pathways that align with your career ambitions

This Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery diploma can help many health study routes, based on your aims. Whether you aim for nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, mental health, or occupational therapy, it forms a solid study base.

Nursing & Midwifery Degree Routes

This route suits adults aiming for nursing or midwifery study, with key health, care, research, and study skills needed for degree entry and later study.

Allied Health & Further Study

This route helps paramedic science, occupational therapy, and allied health study, so you build key skills for HE entry and later career training at uni.

Additional Academic Support

Online tools, study notes, tutor feedback and task guidance help you build confidence, improve your work, and prepare well for HE study and degree entry.

How do we assess you?

Assessment uses formal assignments, tasks, and a portfolio of evidence, so you show your grasp and study skills through relevant set work in the diploma.

Written tasks help you show care and science ideas clearly, using research and evidence to build clear writing skills.
Portfolio and task based work can show your research, study skills, subject grasp, and growth across the diploma year.

Study options

UniUpp is here to make returning to study feel achievable, whatever your starting point or experience. This 12 month Access course is delivered online, so you can study at a steady pace around work, family, and life.

You are supported from your enquiry through enrolment and study, with course materials, expert guidance, study notes, and assignment feedback available along the way. The goal is to help you build confidence and prepare fully for university.

I was nervous about returning to study because I had been out of education for a long time, but UniUpp helped the process feel manageable. The digital format worked around my family commitments, the support made assignments clearer, and I gradually became more confident with work. I am now much more positive about progressing towards university and a healthcare career.

Aaliyah Mensah,

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing and Midwifery) student

Flexible Study Around Your Life

How does it work?

This study option is built around the realities of adult life, so you can work towards higher education even when your week feels busy. You do not have to put employment, family, or responsibilities on hold to study for this Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery diploma. Instead, the course is delivered online over 12 months, giving you a structured route that can work around your routine. You can access course materials, study guides, assignments, and resources through the online portal, which is available 24/7. The programme requires 60 credits in total, with 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 credits from ungraded units at Level 2 or Level 3. Your learning combines subject knowledge with the skills needed for university, including research, writing, analysis, planning, and independent study. You can work through healthcare and science topics while developing the organisation needed to manage assignments and deadlines. Tutor support, study notes, briefings, and feedback are available to guide your progress and help you understand where you can improve. The purpose is to offer you a flexible but purposeful pathway back into education, helping you build the knowledge, confidence, and habits needed to complete the diploma and prepare for a health related degree.

Learn more about blended learning Blue Arrow

From First Contact to Beyond

How does it work?

From your conversation with UniUpp, the aim is to make your route into education feel clear and manageable. Our team can help you understand what the Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery diploma involves, what the entry requirements are, and how learning can fit around your circumstances. Enrolled, you can access your course materials through the learning portal and work through the credits across the 12 month programme. Tutor support is available throughout your studies, alongside assignment briefings, study notes, and feedback on submitted work. This support can help you understand academic expectations, develop writing and research skills, and stay focused as the level of study becomes demanding. You can contact customer support by chat, telephone, or email from Monday to Friday for academic or administrative guidance. The diploma is designed as a route towards higher education, so the support is not only about completing assignments. It is about helping you become a confident learner who can manage deadlines, use evidence, organise ideas, and prepare for university study. By the end of the course, the goal is for you to feel better equipped to apply for an appropriate healthcare degree and take your next step with an understanding of what lies ahead.

Learn more about online learning Blue Arrow

Entry requirements

We know that entry requirements can make returning to education feel uncertain. This Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery diploma is designed for adult learners aged 19 and over who want to progress towards higher education, but you will need suitable English and Maths qualifications before starting. These rules help you prepare clearly for your next step.

What you need to study with us

Learners must be aged 19 or over. The given key criteria include GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above, Level 2 Functional Skills equivalents, or suitable overseas awards. If you do not already hold the required English or Maths qualifications, UniUpp states that you may be able to study them too. Nursing and midwifery degree entry rules differ between universities, so completing the Access diploma does not automatically guarantee entry. Always check the rules for your chosen degree before applying, and ask us for support.

Eligibility

Uncertain whether you could qualify? Our friendly team can support you.

Checking your eligibility is simple and can help you understand whether this Access diploma matches your current qualifications and later plans. Our team can discuss your age, English and Maths qualifications, previous study, and the healthcare degree you hope to pursue. They can also explain the course structure and help you understand what you may need before enrolment, so you can make your next decision with more confidence, and you can plan with care.

English proficiency

Worried about your English? You may receive more support than expected.

English and Maths are key for this Access diploma and for many health degree routes. The stated minimum includes GCSE grade C/4 or above in both subjects, or valid Level 2 Functional Skills equivalents. If you do not already hold these qualifications, UniUpp states that you can study them separately. University requirements vary, so check your chosen nursing, midwifery, or allied health degree before enrolling. Ask us if you need help with either subject.

Course fees and funding

Paying for education can be a challenge when returning to learning. The standard course fee is £1600, while the UniUpp price is £1,100. A flexible payment plan is available, helping distribute costs across your 12 month programme.

How does it work?

I am a student from

Locations

Birmingham

Derby

Leeds

London

Manchester

Newcastle

Online

Sunderland

The UniUpp Flexi Plan starts with a £150 deposit, followed by eleven monthly instalments of £95. This option spreads course payments across 12 months, helping you plan fees around your studies.

Course fee breakdown

Study in a UK Campus OR Online	Fee
Standard Plan	£1,100 course fee
Flexi Plan	£150 initial deposit, then eleven monthly instalments of £95

This course is not eligible for funding through the Student Loans Company (SLC) and must be self-funded. Submit an enquiry to learn more about payment options.

Please note: The fees shown are based on the intake you join (your course start date), not the date you submit your application.

Career prospects

This Access to HE diploma is designed to open a route into university, helping you build the knowledge and academic skills needed for healthcare degrees.

Start the path towards an adult nursing degree
Move towards a nursing or midwifery study path
Explore a set of allied health degree pathways

Related Courses

What will I gain from this course?

This Access diploma offers you more than course credits, developing healthcare understanding, skills, and confidence that can support your steps into higher education.

Health and science skills that can support your steps to degree study in nursing, midwifery, and allied health fields.
Good research, writing, study, and planning tools to help you prepare well for degree level learning and health study.

By the time you complete this Access to HE Nursing and Midwifery diploma, you will have worked towards 60 credits while developing health knowledge and sound study skills. You will have used research, writing, analysis, planning, and self study, helping you prepare for degree study. Just as importantly, you will have shown yourself that returning to learning, setting a long term goal, and moving towards university can be achievable, so you can plan ahead.

What can I do after UniUpp?

This Access diploma can help a range of care degree routes, to suit your aims and entry rules. You may go into nursing, midwifery, mental health nursing, child nursing, paramedic science, occupational therapy, or any valid course. After degree study and professional registration, you may work in wards, units, home care, research, or teaching. In time, more study may also support new roles, leadership, teaching, or new senior care roles as your work grows.

Move into a nursing or midwife roles

Rotational Midwife
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) / Critical Care Nurse

Go on to study towards a further qualification

Apply for a nursing or midwifery degree course
Go into allied health or future study pathways

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing and Midwifery)

Course overview

Quick tools

Course details and modules

Modules

What are the entry requirements?

What support will I receive?

Does the diploma carry UCAS Tariff points?

Can I study around work and family?

Pathways that align with your career ambitions

Additional Academic Support

How do we assess you?

Study options

Flexible Study Around Your Life

From First Contact to Beyond

Entry requirements

What you need to study with us

Eligibility

English proficiency

Course fees and funding

Course fee breakdown

Career prospects

What will I gain from this course?

What can I do after UniUpp?

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