Access to Higher Education Diploma: Health Professions - Evening

Access to HE enables adults (aged 19+) without qualifications such as A levels to progress on to university or other higher education programmes. The Access to HE Diploma is widely recognised by UK universities and colleges. For further information on the benefits of studying an Access couse and what it can lead to, please visit our Awarding body website at https://www.cava.ac.uk/about-access-to-he/for-students/

You are also are required to attend additional Sat classes (09.00-15.00) between Sept-Jan. This will enable you to complete your Study Skills component, which is an essential part of your Diploma. As the course progresses, additional classes in your subjects are put on to cover the course content.

In addition to the compulsory Access subjects, you can attend Tutorial on a Tuesday evening at 17.00 and have the opportunity to meet with your personal tutor on a one-to-one basis to assist with HE applications.  Career advice provided by personal tutors and the College Careers officers focus predominantly on university application, registration with UCAS and completion of the application form, as well as assistance with personal statement writing and advice on a range of higher education courses.

It is advised that you apply for the course between November 2022 and June 2023. This is because interviews start in February 2023 and the course is usually very popular. Financial Assistance

If you are aged between 19-23 and do not have a Level 3 qualification already, there will be no tuition costs.  If you are aged 19-23 with a full Level 3 qualification or aged 24+, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help pay your Access course tuition fees (see http://www.camre.ac.uk/adult-learners/24plus-loans/). This loan may be written off, if you then go on to complete a Higher Education qualification. Please contact our Learner Futures Centre on 01223 226315 or email .  You may also be eligible for financial support towards such costs as travel, equipment, books and childcare through the Advanced Learner loan bursary or 19+ bursary.

If you are applying as an International Student, please contact our International Centre via email or telephone 00 44 (0)1223 226317.

You may feel that you have not yet fully achieved your potential in terms of your education.  This programme offers the chance to develop the skills and knowledge to succeed and we have an excellent track record of student progression into university or other higher education courses. Study Human Biology, Psychology and Sociology and progress onto a broad variety of degree courses including Psychology and related Social Sciences Degrees; also Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Training and Operating Department Practice (ODP).

Degree courses often require students to have a particular number of credits in the science subjects so careful research is essential. In addition to the Access Diploma, GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (some will accept alternative level 2 qualifications) are also a requirement. Midwifery courses generally require GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in a Science subject as well.  Therefore, you are strongly advised to contact the universities you are interested in to check GCSE entry requirements prior to applying for Access.

The Access programme is designed for students who wish to return to study with a view to going on to Higher Education. Most degree courses now require at least Level 2 Maths and English. Therefore, you will need GCSE Maths and English at grade 9 - 4 (A* - C), or Level 2 Maths and English equivalent as a minimum before applying for this course.  In addition, we recommend that you gain care work experience either paid or voluntary, if you are not already working in the sector, to support your application to HE as some courses are competitive.

Please research HE requirements very carefully as these do vary. A STRONG COMMITMENT IS NEEDED AS THE COURSE IS VERY INTENSIVE.

Acceptance onto the Access programme is conditional on you:

• attending a Welcome event where you will be interviewed by a member of the team
• providing a satisfactory reference
• attending 2 taster days: Monday 3rd July – Tuesday 4th  July 2023

We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability at CRC. To make this happen we offer both learning and personal support by specialist staff tailored to meet your specific needs.

Assessment is by coursework and examinations. There will be at least one assignment for each unit (four units per subject). These written assignments will include essays / research projects, examinations and practical reports.

The programme takes one year, starting at the end of August and finishing in late June the following year. In addition to timetabled classes, it is expected that students will complete at least 15 hours of further independent study per week

You can apply through our online application form or download a copy from our website www.camre.ac.uk/apply. The application form can also be found in the back of our full-time prospectus. If you need any help with applying, please contact our Admissions Office at

Once we have received your application, you will be invited to attend a Welcome Event. At the Welcome Event you may meet the tutors and get the chance to learn more about college and your course. You will also have a discussion with one of our tutors who will look to make you a formal offer for September.