Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions)
The accredited online diploma that opens the door to health science degrees — physiotherapy, paramedic science, occupational therapy and more.
or £599.99/year (save 17%)
Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if…
- ✓ You want to study a health science degree at university
- ✓ You're interested in physiotherapy, paramedic science, OT, or public health
- ✓ You don't have A-levels or traditional qualifications
- ✓ You want to study online, around work or family
After this course, you can…
- → Apply to health science degrees at UK universities (up to 144 UCAS points)
- → Progress into physiotherapy, paramedic science, occupational therapy, or public health
- → Start a career in the NHS or private healthcare (Band 5, from £31,049)
You'll need…
- • To be 19 or over (no upper age limit)
- • Access to a computer or tablet with internet
- • No formal qualifications required
- • We'll assess your readiness to start
What you'll study
The Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) covers key subjects to prepare you for a health science degree.
Study the structure and function of the body's major systems — cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and digestive — with clinical relevance to health professions.
Explore cell biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, and biochemistry. Develop the scientific foundation required for health science degrees.
Understand person-centred care, safeguarding, equality and diversity, and the structure of health and social care delivery in the UK.
Explore psychological theories and their application to healthcare, including patient behaviour, communication, mental health awareness, and therapeutic relationships.
Examine how social factors influence health and wellbeing, including inequality, health policy, epidemiology, and health promotion strategies.
Develop academic writing, research methods, critical analysis, referencing, and time management skills to prepare for university study.
6 modules · 18 units · Approximately 15 hours per week study time
How you'll learn
Online Materials
Study at your pace with interactive content
Instant Study Support
Ask a question any time — get a clear answer in seconds, 24/7
Expert Tutors
Qualified humans mark your work within 5 days
Flexible Schedule
Learn around your life, work, and family
Mobile Friendly
Study anywhere on any device
Regular Feedback
Know exactly where you stand at all times
Where this course takes you
The Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) is your first step to a rewarding career in healthcare.
Starting salary for Band 5 NHS health professionals
UK universities accept Access to HE for health science entry
Career pathways including physiotherapy, paramedics, OT
Your career pathway
This Access to HE Diploma is your route into a health science degree — here's what the journey looks like.
Now: Access to HE Diploma
Study online with Qualvera for £69.99/month. This Level 3 qualification is equivalent to three A-levels and opens doors to health science degrees across the UK.
Next: Health Science Degree
Apply to degrees in physiotherapy, paramedic science, occupational therapy, public health, or related fields using your Access to HE Diploma.
Then: Health Professional
Graduate, register with the relevant professional body, and start your career. Band 5 NHS starting salary: £31,049.
Support included with your subscription
Ask a question at midnight, get a clear answer in seconds. And if you ever need deeper help, your named human tutor is never more than a business day away.
| What you need | How it works | Response time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick question about your coursework | Intelligent study assistant | Instant — 24/7 |
| Feedback on practice work | Instant review with detailed notes | Instant — 24/7 |
| Stuck on a complex concept | Step-by-step explanation with examples | Instant — 24/7 |
| Need human guidance or reassurance | Your named, qualified tutor | Within 1 business day |
| Formal assessment marking | Human tutor reviews and grades | Within 3 business days |
Frequently asked questions
You don't need any formal qualifications. The Access to HE Diploma is designed for adult learners aged 19 and over. We'll carry out an initial assessment to make sure you're ready.
This diploma is accepted by universities for entry to physiotherapy, paramedic science, occupational therapy, radiography, dietetics, public health, and other health science degrees.
The course is designed to be completed in 12 months, studying approximately 15 hours per week. You can study at your own pace.
Assessments are coursework-based with no formal exams. You'll complete assignments and projects marked by qualified human tutors. All assessment fees are included.
Qualvera offers flexible monthly subscriptions with no upfront fees and no credit checks. Pause or cancel anytime. Some learners may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan — speak to us for guidance.
You get instant study support 24/7 — ask a question at any hour and get a clear answer in seconds. For deeper guidance, your named, fully qualified human tutor responds within one business day. Plus, you can join our learner community for peer support.
Start your health science journey today
You've already made the hardest decision — to start. Let us help you get there.