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Access to HE

Level 2 Diploma (Health Science Professions) in Essential Skills for Further Study

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Overview

This is a nationally recognised qualification which is suitable for those looking to return to academic study and a pathway leading to vocational study at university.

Read the full overview

The course is aimed at learners who need to develop their academic skills and subject knowledge but are not yet ready to study one of our Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diplomas.

Learners who may be in this position include those who:

  • didn’t get the chance to finish school or gain formal qualifications
  • want to return to education after time away (e.g. raising a family)
  • want to build confidence and skills before moving on to higher-level study

Completing this course will give you:

  • a solid foundation in a broad range of health science topics
  • the chance to develop your academic study skills and confidence
  • a full substantial Level 2 qualification
  • a pathway to the Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (e.g. Health Science Professions, Science, Social Work, Humanities and Social Science or Psychology)

You will need to be able to do additional work independently to complete assignments.

This course can be studied alongside one or more of our English, maths and science GCSEs, if required

Pick a start date

Upcoming courses

1 start date. Choose the one that suits you.

Can't see a date that works, or the one you want is full? Register your interest and we'll let you know as soon as the next course opens.

Start dates may be subject to change. We will let applicants know if a start date changes.

How you’ll learn

Each unit you complete is worth either 3 or 6 credits and runs for 5 weeks (or 5 sessions). The course is divided into four main study blocks each combining vocational learning with academic study skills.

You will build your knowledge and understanding of health science while developing important skills including researching, writing, and presentation skills.

The topics you will study include:

  • Academic Writing Skills
  • Research Skills
  • Introduction to Health Studies
  • Human Life Processes
  • Human Health and Disease
  • Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care
  • Understanding Mental Health
  • Stress and Stress Management Techniques
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Sociology of Health
  • Prejudice and Discrimination
  • Practical Presentation Skills
  • Numbers and Graphical Representation
  • Ethical Issues in Social Policy
Entry and progression

What you need and where it leads

  1. Entry requirements
  2. This course Level 2
  3. Further study

Entry requirements

Applicants do not need to have formal qualifications but a Level 1 qualification in English, e.g. Functional Skills Level 1 or GCSE grade 3 / D is advantageous.

Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Further study

See all 14 courses

At this college

At University Campus Doncaster

At North Lindsey College

At University Campus North Lincolnshire

Careers it can lead to

With further study or experience

  • Other Health Professionals £37,100 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

Fees and funding

Financial support

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Questions about fees?

Ask a question

or call 0800 358 7575

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Applications are open. Apply online in minutes.

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Want to visit first?

FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm

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What happens after you apply

1

You apply

Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.

2

You meet your tutor

We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.

3

You get an offer

We’ll email you an offer, then invite you to enrol.

Read our full guide to applying