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Prepare for a future in nursing with our Level 3 Access to HE Diploma Nursing. Designed for adults aged 19+, this flexible online course helps you build the academic knowledge, confidence and skills needed to progress towards university-level nursing and healthcare study.
The Access to HE Diploma Nursing is a Level 3 qualification designed for adults who want to progress to university but do not currently have traditional A-levels.
This 60-credit diploma can provide up to 144 UCAS points, depending on the grades achieved, and is recognised as an equivalent to 3 A-levels. It develops the academic knowledge, study skills and confidence needed for nursing and healthcare-related degree programmes.
Through vocationally focused modules, you will gain specialist knowledge and skills relevant to nursing, including health, biology, psychology, sociology, research, maths for nursing and professional practice within health and care settings.
The course is ideal if you are looking to progress to a nursing degree, change career, return to education, or take the next step from a healthcare assistant, care worker or support worker role.
This course is suitable for adults aged 19+ who want to apply for a nursing or healthcare-related university degree.
It is ideal for:
During the course, you will study a balanced programme of nursing-related academic units designed to prepare you for higher education.
The Access to HE Diploma Nursing is made up of 60 credits. Learners complete 45 credits from graded academic subject content units and 15 credits from mandatory ungraded units that support academic study, research, numeracy and progression skills. Depending on the grades achieved, the diploma can carry up to 144 UCAS points.
Mandatory graded units include:
Depending on your chosen unit pathway, additional topics may include:
You will be assessed through a range of tutor-marked tasks designed to help you prepare for university-level study.
Assessment methods may include:
This course is designed for adults aged 19+.
You do not need A-levels to apply, but you should be ready to study at Level 3 and commit to regular independent learning. Before you enrol, we may complete an initial assessment to make sure the course is suitable for your goals.
If you plan to apply for a nursing degree after this course, you should also check the entry requirements of your chosen universities. Many universities ask for GCSE English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 2, alongside an Access to HE Diploma.
After successfully completing the course, you will achieve the Level 3 Access to HE Diploma Nursing, awarded by Gateway Qualifications (Qualification Number: QAAQ004784).
This is a 60-credit qualification designed to support progression into nursing and healthcare-related degree programmes and can carry up to 144 UCAS points, depending on the grades achieved.
Your UCAS Tariff points come from the 45 graded Level 3 credits in your diploma, the remaining 15 credits are ungraded study-skills units and don’t count toward your Tariff score. Each graded credit is awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction, and your combination of these determines your final total.
| Grade profile (45 graded credits) | UCAS Tariff points |
|---|---|
| 45 credits at Distinction | 144 (equal to three A-Levels at grade A) |
| 30 credits at Distinction + 15 at Merit | 128 |
| 15 credits at Distinction + 30 at Merit | 112 |
| 45 credits at Merit | 96 (equal to three A-Levels at grade C) |
| 45 credits at Pass | 48 |
Most nursing degree courses ask for between 96 and 144 UCAS points, so your grade mix on this diploma gives you real flexibility to meet a wide range of university offers. Use the official UCAS Tariff Calculator to check your own projected total at any point during the course.
Gateway Qualifications is a recognised awarding organisation that develops regulated qualifications for education, training and employment. The Access to HE Diploma Nursing is awarded by Gateway Qualifications and is designed to support adult learners who want to progress into university-level nursing and healthcare-related study.
Advanced Learner Loan Option
Eligible learners may be able to use an Advanced Learner Loan to help cover the cost of this course, subject to eligibility and availability. This means you could start your Access to HE Diploma Nursing without paying the full course fee before you begin.
You do not usually start paying the loan back straight away. Repayments normally start from the April after you complete or leave your course, and only when you earn over the current repayment threshold of £25,000 a year, £2,083 a month, or £480 a week.
Our team can guide you through the process, explain what information you need, and help you understand whether you may be eligible before you enrol.
Interested in finding out if you meet the eligibility criteria? Contact us today and we’ll talk you through your funding options.
You can also choose to self-fund the course.
The full course fee is £2,200, with the option to pay upfront or in instalments.
After completing the Access to HE Diploma Nursing, you can use the qualification to apply for nursing and healthcare-related degrees, subject to university entry requirements.
Possible progression routes include:
BSc Adult Nursing
BSc Mental Health Nursing
BSc Children’s Nursing
BSc Learning Disability Nursing
BSc Midwifery
BSc Occupational Therapy
BSc Operating Department Practice
BSc Healthcare Science
Degree Apprenticeship Nursing routes
Trainee Nursing Associate pathways
Combined nursing pathways, depending on university availability
Disclaimer: University entry requirements vary. Completing the Access to HE Diploma Nursing does not guarantee a university place, but it provides a recognised route for adults who want to apply for nursing and healthcare-related degrees. If you have a specific university in mind, please contact them directly before enrolling to confirm their entry requirements, including accepted qualifications, required grades or UCAS points, and any GCSE or Functional Skills requirements.
Getting started with London Cactus College is quick, simple, and fully supported. Here’s how it works:
01
Tell us about your goals, current qualifications and the nursing or healthcare route you are interested in.
02
We will help you check whether the course is suitable and explain your funding or payment options.
03
Fill out the application form and provide any information needed for enrolment or loan guidance.
04
Once enrolled, you will begin your course with tutor support, online learning access and guidance throughout your studies.
Study a Level 3 Access to HE Diploma Nursing awarded by Gateway Qualifications.
Get guidance, feedback, and ongoing support tailored to you throughout your course.
Study around work and family commitments with flexible online access, and live support.
We can support eligible learners with the Advanced Learner Loan and funding options.
Built for adults aged 19+ returning to education, changing career or progressing from care into nursing.
We provide ongoing advice and guidance to help you plan your career and take your next step with confidence.
Fill out the quick form below, it only takes a minute. Whether it’s for you or your team, we’ll help you take the first step toward the Access to HE Diploma (Nursing)
Got questions? Find clear answers about our courses, funding options, and how to apply. And if you need more help, we’re always here to support you.
The Access to HE Diploma Nursing is a Level 3 qualification designed for adults who want to progress to university-level study in nursing or healthcare. It is commonly used by learners who do not have traditional A-levels but want a recognised route into higher education.
Yes. London Cactus College offers flexible online and blended learning options, allowing you to study around work, family and other commitments.
No. This course is designed for adults who want a route into higher education without traditional A-levels.
Yes, up to 144 UCAS Tariff points depending on the grades you achieve. See the table above for common grade combinations, or check your own exact total using the UCAS Tariff Calculator.
No. The Access to HE Diploma Nursing does not make you a registered nurse. It is a route into higher education. After completing the course, learners usually apply for a nursing degree. Professional nursing registration comes after completing an approved nursing degree and meeting the relevant registration requirements.
Subject to university entry requirements, learners may progress to degrees such as Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Children’s Nursing, Learning Disability Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy and other healthcare-related degrees.
The course typically takes around 9 months, depending on your study pace, chosen delivery route and learner progress.
Yes. Many learners study while working. The course is designed to be flexible, with online and blended learning options to help you manage your studies alongside work and family life.
Most do, since it's a QAA-regulated qualification that's widely recognised as a standard entry route into nursing degrees. That said, requirements vary by university and course, so applicants should always confirm directly with their chosen institution before applying.
There's no fully free route with us, but eligible learners can start the course without paying anything upfront using an Advanced Learner Loan. If you go on to complete a university degree afterwards, the remaining loan balance for your Access to HE Diploma is written off, so for many learners who progress to a nursing degree, the course effectively costs nothing in the end.
Yes. When all 45 graded credits are achieved at Distinction, the Access to HE Diploma carries the same UCAS Tariff points as three A-Levels at grade A. It's a Level 3 qualification, the same academic level as A-Levels, and is recognised nationally by universities as an alternative route for adults who don't hold traditional A-Levels.
Alongside your Access to HE Diploma, most nursing degree programmes ask for GCSE (or equivalent Level 2) English and Maths at grade C/4 or above, and some universities also request Science. If you don't currently hold these, we can advise on Functional Skills routes that provide the equivalent alongside your diploma.
Partners & Accreditations
Take your next step towards nursing with a flexible Level 3 Access to HE Diploma Nursing Online, tutor support and funding guidance.