What is a Health and Social Care Access Course?

A Health and Social Care Access Course is a qualification that helps adults prepare for higher education in subjects related to health, care, and social work. It is aimed at people who want to study at university but do not have the traditional qualifications, such as A-levels, normally required for entry.

These courses are part of the national Access to Higher Education (Access to HE) Diploma framework in the UK. They give students the skills, knowledge and academic confidence needed to progress into degree-level study in areas such as nursing, midwifery, social work, public health, psychology, and other related fields.

The course often attracts mature learners — meaning people aged 19 or over — who want to change career direction or re-enter education after a break. It has a strong focus on practical applications of knowledge in health and social care settings, as well as academic study skills.

Purpose of the Course

The Health and Social Care Access Course is designed to open the door to university study for individuals who may not have followed the traditional school-to-university path. It offers a structured programme that covers subject-specific content, academic skills, and an introduction to professional practices in health and social care.

The aim is to help students:

• Gain the qualifications needed to apply for a health or care-related degree.
• Learn how to carry out research and produce written work at a level suitable for higher education.
• Develop an understanding of both health care and social care systems in the UK.
• Improve communication and study skills.

By the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate that they can meet the demands of university-level study in health and social care fields.

Who the Course is For

A Health and Social Care Access Course is mainly for adults without Level 3 qualifications, such as A-levels or equivalent. Candidates often include:

• People aiming to start careers in nursing, midwifery, social work, occupational therapy, or similar professions.
• Adults wanting to progress into allied health roles such as physiotherapy or radiography.
• Those re-training for a new career after working in another sector.
• Individuals returning to education after raising children or caring for family members.

Applicants usually need to demonstrate an interest in health and social care through work experience, voluntary activities, or a genuine motivation to enter the profession.

Entry Requirements

Access Courses are intended to be inclusive, but they do have some entry requirements to ensure students can cope with the academic workload.

Common requirements include:

• GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.
• For those who do not have these, some colleges offer the chance to take Functional Skills qualifications alongside the Access Course.
• Evidence of commitment, usually shown in a personal statement or interview.
• Sometimes a short written assessment to check literacy and numeracy abilities.

Having relevant work or voluntary experience in care settings is an advantage, though often not essential.

Course Content

The content of a Health and Social Care Access Course varies depending on the provider. However, most courses cover a blend of health topics, social care studies, and academic skills.

Typical subjects include:

• Human biology
• Health promotion
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Social policy
• Ethics in care
• Professional practice
• Communication skills in health and social care
• Study skills, such as essay writing, referencing and research methods

These subjects are chosen to prepare students for the types of modules they will meet in health-related degrees. For example, a nursing student needs an understanding of anatomy and physiology, while a social work student benefits from sociology and social policy knowledge.

How the Course is Delivered

Most Health and Social Care Access Courses are taught in local colleges or adult education centres. They can be delivered full-time or part-time.

• Full-time courses typically run for one academic year.
• Part-time courses may run over 18 months to two years, allowing learners to balance study with work or family commitments.

Teaching methods often include:

• Classroom lessons
• Group discussions
• Practical tasks and simulations
• Independent research projects
• Online learning resources

The course structure usually includes units or modules, each with specific learning outcomes and assessment methods.

Assessment Methods

Assessment across the Health and Social Care Access Course is carried out through a range of tasks. There are no final exams in most Access Courses. Instead, learning is assessed continually through coursework.

Examples of assessment methods include:

• Written essays
• Reports
• Presentations
• Case studies
• Practical demonstrations
• Research projects

Students are graded for each assignment, and these grades form the credits for their Access to HE Diploma.

Accreditation and Recognition

In the UK, Health and Social Care Access Courses are accredited under the Access to Higher Education Diploma framework by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). This means that the qualification is recognised by universities across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Universities accept the Access Diploma as an entry route into degree programmes, provided the student achieves the required number of credits at pass, merit, and distinction grades. Each university sets its own requirements for specific courses.

Skills Gained

The course equips students with practical and academic skills that are valuable in higher education and workplace settings.

By completing a Health and Social Care Access Course, learners typically gain:

• An understanding of health and social care provision in the UK.
• Communication skills for working with individuals, families, and professionals.
• Research and analytical skills.
• The ability to apply theory to practice.
• Confidence in handling written and verbal assessments.

These skills help students succeed at university and in their future careers.

Progression Routes

Most students use the Health and Social Care Access Course as a stepping stone to university degrees. Common progression routes include:

• Nursing (adult, child, or mental health)
• Midwifery
• Social work
• Occupational therapy
• Public health
• Radiography
• Paramedic science
• Health studies
• Psychology

Some students go directly into employment if their chosen career does not require a university degree, while others may take further college courses before applying to higher education.

Support for Students

Colleges that run Health and Social Care Access Courses usually offer a wide range of support services. This is important for adults returning to study, who might be balancing other responsibilities.

Support may include:

• Academic tutoring to help with assignments.
• Study skills workshops.
• Careers advice and guidance for university applications.
• Access to libraries and online resources.
• Counselling and wellbeing services.

Tutors often understand the challenges mature learners face and can help them adjust to academic study and manage their workload.

Funding the Course

Funding options vary depending on the learner’s age, previous qualifications, and circumstances.

Possible funding routes:

• Advanced Learner Loan — many students aged 19+ use this government loan scheme. If they go on to complete a higher education course, the loan is sometimes written off.
• Fee waivers — in some cases, students may not need to pay tuition fees if they meet income or personal criteria.
• College bursaries — support for travel, childcare or resources.

Potential students should contact the college or training provider directly to confirm funding eligibility.

Why is this Type of Course Important?

Studying health and social care prepares people to work in an area that directly affects lives every day. The UK depends on professionals in these services to support individuals, families, and communities. These roles can be physically and emotionally demanding, but they also offer the chance to make a positive difference in society.

Care professionals work in hospitals, clinics, schools, care homes, or in people’s own homes. They might provide treatment, emotional support, or practical help with daily activities. Policy and legislation ensure these services aim to meet the needs of people from all backgrounds, including vulnerable groups.

Final Thoughts

A Health and Social Care Access Course offers a proven route into university study for those without traditional qualifications. It equips learners with knowledge, practical abilities, and academic confidence, making it easier to succeed at higher levels.

This course is particularly suited to adults looking for a career change or those returning to study. It opens opportunities in nursing, social work, midwifery, and other vital healthcare roles that support the UK’s population.

Completing the course can be challenging, especially for those balancing family or work commitments, but colleges provide support to help students achieve their goals. For many, this qualification is the start of a rewarding career in health and social care.