Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing)
The accredited online course that qualifies you for a nursing degree — study at your pace with instant study support and expert tutor guidance.
or £599.99/year (save 17%)
Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if…
- ✓ You want to study nursing at university
- ✓ You don't have A-levels or left education early
- ✓ You want to study online, around work or family
- ✓ You're looking for a career change into healthcare
After this course, you can…
- → Apply to nursing degrees at UK universities
- → Your Access to HE loan is written off on graduation
- → Start a career as a Registered Nurse (Band 5, from £28,407)
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 (Nursing) covers key subjects to prepare you for a nursing degree.
Explore the biological principles that underpin nursing practice, including cell biology, genetics, microbiology, and the immune system. You'll develop a strong scientific foundation for your nursing degree.
Study the structure and function of the human body's major systems — cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and more. This module provides essential knowledge for clinical practice.
Understand the principles of health and social care delivery in the UK, including person-centred care, safeguarding, equality, and diversity in healthcare settings.
Explore psychological theories and their application to healthcare, including mental health, patient behaviour, communication, and therapeutic relationships.
Develop the academic skills you need for university — essay writing, research methods, critical analysis, referencing, and time management.
Examine how social factors influence health and wellbeing, including inequality, policy, epidemiology, and health promotion strategies.
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 (Nursing) is your first step to a rewarding healthcare career.
Starting salary for a Band 5 NHS Registered Nurse
UK universities accept Access to HE for nursing degree entry
Per month — everything included, no hidden fees
Your next step: university
This Access to HE Diploma is your pathway into a nursing degree — here's what awaits you.
Now: Access to HE Diploma
Study online with Qualvera for £69.99/month. No A-levels needed — this Level 3 qualification is the equivalent of three A-levels and is accepted by universities across the UK.
Next: Nursing Degree at University
Apply to nursing degrees using your Access to HE Diploma (up to 144 UCAS points). At this stage, you become eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund — a non-repayable training grant of £5,000 per year. Parents can receive up to £8,000/year total.
Then: Registered Nurse
Graduate, register with the NMC, and start your nursing career. Band 5 NHS starting salary: £29,970.
About the NHS Learning Support Fund
The NHS LSF is a government-funded grant for eligible nursing, midwifery, and allied health students at university in England. It's non-repayable and paid on top of your student loan. It does not apply to Access to HE courses — it becomes available at the university stage.
Read our full NHS LSF guide →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 to start.
The course is designed to be completed in 12 months, studying approximately 15 hours per week. However, you can study at your own pace — some learners finish sooner, others take a little longer.
Yes. The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, accepted by the vast majority of UK universities for entry onto nursing and healthcare degree programmes.
Assessments are primarily coursework-based — there are no formal exams. You'll complete assignments, essays, and projects that are marked by qualified human tutors. All assessment fees are included in your subscription.
Qualvera offers flexible monthly subscriptions with no upfront fees, no credit checks, and no lock-in contracts. You can pause or cancel anytime. Some learners may also 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 nursing journey today
You've already made the hardest decision — to start. Let us help you get there.