The AHE diploma is a full-time intensive class-based course which requires focus and commitment to complete. Learning advisers are available in college to assist tutors with development of your academic skills and subject knowledge. 

As part of the course you will be able to experience open days, taster days and practical sessions in university and relevant local organisations to help you decide which degree to apply for. The AHE diploma is taught by highly qualified staff with significant and relevant professional experience that make use of industry links to reinforce learning in the classroom.

Learners will be taught a range of subjects within health sciences, such as chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, psychology and health care related subjects. Core units will focus on numeracy, communication skills and oral presentation skills.

Learners primarily progress to higher education study in areas related to nursing. Some learners use the course as a learning platform towards gaining skills and knowledge for local employment, however over 90% have applied and been offered conditional places for the following degrees:

Health Degrees:

Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health, Learning Needs, etc), Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Health, Speech therapy, Osteopathy, Dental Therapy and Hygiene, Dental technologies, Radiography, Dietetics, Cardiac physiology and Audiology.

Other degrees: 

Sports and Exercise science, Criminology, Psychology, Youth and Social Inclusion, Health studies, Social work, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Ecology, Child Development and Teaching

A variety of assessment methods are used to assess how you progress on the course: these may be extended essay writing, laboratory experiments, closed book time constrained tasks, discussions, presentations and peer reviews.

The entry requirements for the level three Access course are a GCSE C grade in science, and a C grade in maths and English is desirable (chemistry is especially important). 

All applicants must be 19 before the September start for this course. This is a course for adult learners returning to education with significant life experience (employment, personal and family responsibilities) since leaving school. 

The average AHE diploma learner is a mature learner looking for career progression or career change, needing A-level equivalent qualifications or evidence of recent learning as entry requirements to degree study.  

All applicants are subject to a formal interview and successful completion of the Level 2 pre-access course held at the beginning of term in September. A minimum of 92% attendance each term is expected from all students

Learners will be required to wear scrubs whilst attending college at a cost of approximately £15.

All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25.00 prior to enrolment.

You will need to provide your own stationery, and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits