Access to Higher Education - Health and Social Care

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About the course

If you're considering a career in nursing, social work or occupational therapy, and you don't yet have the qualifications you need for university, this course is for you - and we're enrolling now for September 2025!

The access course is made up of various modules designed to prepare you for the demands of higher level study. You'll be taught in a mature environment on a blended learning basis with experienced tutors who will support you every step of the way.

Our current pass rate is 100% and our partners at Nottingham Trent University will be able to offer some students a pathway to Higher Education studies in a range of subject areas.

Photo of Jane Challinor, Principal Lecturer. School of Social Sciences

The Covid-19 pandemic inspired thousands of people to pursue careers in the health and social care sector, and Nottingham Trent University is delighted to be working in partnership with
Inspire Learning on their Access to Health and Social Care course, providing a pathway for some students to our BA (Hons) Health and Social Care degree course in the future.

Jane Challinor, MA SFHEA, Principal Lecturer and Programme Manager, Health and Social Care, Nottingham Trent University.

View our Access to Higher Education brochure for Health and Social Care below.

  • You must be at least 19 years of age to enrol.
  • You must be working at Level 2 (employed or unemployed).
  • No formal qualifications are required as we will support you to achieve further qualifications in both maths and English, however, we do require applicants to have a good standard of English.
  • All applicants will be required to attend an interview and complete diagnostic assessments in maths and English
Please note: students are strongly advised to contact universities prior to commencing this Access to HE Diploma to check the university’s specific entry criteria, particularly for maths and English.

The Access to Higher Education – Health and Social Care programme is run over 2 days a week, for one academic year. 

Our course is taught online, so you can join from the convenience and comfort of your own home, or you can study in person at Beeston Library.

If you choose to study with us at Beeston Library, the course runs Mondays and Tuesdays (term time), 9:30am - 2:30pm.

If you choose to study with us online, the course runs Wednesdays and Thursdays (term time), 9:30am - 2:30pm.

If you need help to achieve an English and/or maths qualification we will support you to do this through our Functional Skills courses.

This course can lead to a variety of employment and Higher Education opportunities across vocations such as nursing, social work, occupational therapies, teaching, psychology or counselling.

Please note: students are strongly advised to contact universities prior to commencing this Access to HE Diploma to check the university’s specific entry criteria, particularly for maths and English.

You will also receive impartial information, advice and guidance throughout the course from our qualified advisors, to support you with your next steps.

The cost of this course is free/£3384. Flexible payment options  or help through an Advanced Learner Loan are available.

The Advanced Learner Loan is a government scheme to help you study for qualifications and develop high level skills and knowledge. Loan eligibility doesn’t depend on your income and there are no credit checks. Loans are specifically designed for those aged 19 years and over, who are intending to study on a Level 3 or higher course – including Access to Higher Education diplomas.

You won’t even have to pay the loan back if you successfully go on to complete a Higher Education qualification at University.

It’s easy to apply and we can help you through the application process.

Alternatively, if you are under 24 years old and you don’t already hold a full level 3 qualification you may be eligible for funding and receive this course for FREE!

To find out if you’re eligible, or for more information visit the gov.uk website.

For advice about flexible payment options or funding please get in touch with us (details below).

For more information and to enrol for September 2025

Email: learning@inspireculture.org.uk

Phone: 0115 804 3611

Alternatively, please complete the online enquiry form below:

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