Course - Health and Social Care Professions Modular Access to Higher Education
Entry requirementsWho is this course for? For people who have been out of education for at least one year, who do not have the standard entry qualifications to apply directly for degree courses. What do I need to get on the course? Older people are particularly encouraged to apply. Selection is by a written assessment and interview. No formal qualifications are required. The course is designed for people who have been educationally disadvantaged. You will be expected to have some understanding of the area of work you are interested in and to have read about the profession. In addition, if you do not have relevant paid or voluntary work experience you should be prepared to gain some prior to joining or during the course. It would also be helpful to have shadowed a relevant professional. You are advised to plan finances carefully and think seriously about the commitment you will have to make, particularly in terms of time, before undertaking this course.
Academic titleAccess to HE Diploma in one of the following pathways, Nursing, Health & Human Sciences or Social Work, which is a national qualification for entry to Higher Education. The course is recognised by the Open College Network London Region (OCNLR) and students obtain credits awarded by this body
Course descriptionWhat is this course about?
Preparation for study at Higher Education level in the fields of health and social care. Primarily vocational courses leading to employment in related fields eg nursing, midwifery, social work, radiography etc. Students may also apply to other general degree courses such as criminology with psychology, sociology or health studies. This course expects a lot from you and you will have to develop a lot of skills in a short time. It is challenging and intense but the majority of our students do progress to university.
What will I study?
The access course course is for people interested in careers such as nursing, health studies, social work, occupational therapy, medical radiography and speech therapy. You study core skills units: study skills, maths, IT, tutorial and professional development, plus other specialised units relevant to your chosen pathway. You prepare for diploma or degree level study and there is plenty of support to help you apply for the next stage. The course aims to develop language, study skills and team work through the study of the above subjects. Assessment is based on both home and in-class assignments.
Limited language and/or maths support are available for selected students.
Students are expected to study at least 15 hours a week at home as well as time in class.
HEALTH STUDIES, NURSING AND MIDWIFERY PATHWAY- Core skills units: plus units in: Biology. The course is designed for students who want a career in the Health Services, such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy, etc., but who do not yet have the academic entry qualifications.
MEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY PATHWAY- Core skills units plus units in: biology and physics. The physics is studied at City University in liaison with affiliated hospitals. This will involve visits to Radiography and Radiotherapy Departments.
SOCIAL WORK PATHWAY- Core skills units plus units in Social Work Provision and Practice and Social Policy. During this course the skills needed for social work and teamwork are stressed.
What can I do after the course?
You can apply to any school of nursing/midwifery or follow a degree course in health studies, radiography, social work, speech therapy or occupational therapy.