How long does the Access to HE Nursing course take?

Most learners complete in 9–18 months of part-time online study, around 8–12 hours per week. The maximum enrolment period is 24 months. Because the course is asynchronous, you can study faster if you have more time, or pause and resume around major life events at no extra cost.

Do I need any qualifications to enrol?

No prior qualifications are required to enrol on the Access to HE Diploma itself. To progress to a nursing degree afterwards, most UK universities require GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above. If you don't have these, you can study them alongside the Diploma — many of our learners do.

Can I get funding for the Access to HE Diploma?

Yes. The course is eligible for the UK Government's Advanced Learner Loan, which covers the full course fee with no upfront payment and no credit check. Even better — if you go on to complete a nursing degree, the Loan is written off in full. You can also pay in full or by 12 monthly instalments.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment is 100% coursework. You'll complete approximately 18 graded assignments across the qualification — a mix of essays, scientific reports, reflective journals, and a research project. There are no end-of-year exams. Failed units can be resubmitted free of charge.

What jobs does this course lead to?

The Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) is the entry route to a nursing degree, after which you can register as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Newly qualified NHS nurses currently start on Band 5 (£28,407 per year), rising to Band 7 (£50,056) with experience and specialisation.

Access to HE Diploma · RQF Level 3

Become a nurse — without A-Levels

Name: Access to HE Diploma (Nursing)
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (312 reviews)

Our Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) is a Level 3 qualification recognised by every UK university nursing school. Study fully online in 9–24 months, gain up to 144 UCAS points, and start your nursing degree without ever needing to retake A-Levels.

Updated: 1 May 2026Last reviewed: 1 April 2026

Ofqual regulated
Self-funded or Advanced Learner Loan
Start anytime
100% online

Duration: 12 to 18 months
Study method: 100% Online
Credits: 60
UCAS points: Up to 144
Awarded by: OCN London

Why study Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) with Lift College?

Recognised by every UK university
Accepted by all UK universities offering nursing, midwifery and allied health degrees.
Tutor support 5 days a week
Real registered nurses, real feedback within 10 working days, every assignment.
100% coursework — no exams
18 graded assignments covering essays, reports and case studies. Resubmissions free.
Companion podcast included
Every lesson available as audio. Study on your commute or at the gym.

What you'll learn

The biological foundations of nursing practice
How psychological theory shapes patient care
The social determinants of health and illness
Academic writing and Harvard referencing
How to write a UCAS personal statement that gets you interviews
How to thrive in your first year of a nursing degree

You don't need A-Levels to become a nurse. Tens of thousands of UK adults each year start their nursing journey through an Access to Higher Education Diploma — a Level 3 qualification specifically designed as a university entry route for adults aged 19+.

Our pathway is built around four core units: Human Biology, Health Psychology, Sociology of Health, and Academic Study Skills. You'll study fully online and asynchronously, fitting study around shifts, family or other commitments.

Your tutor, Dr Sarah Mitchell, is a registered nurse with 14 years of NHS clinical experience and a PhD in nursing education. She's personally guided over 800 adult learners into nursing degrees.

This course is right for you if…

✓Want to progress to a nursing degree at a UK university
✓Left school without traditional A-Level qualifications
✓Are aged 19 or over and ready to commit
✓Need flexible, self-paced online learning
✓Are passionate about a career in healthcare
✓Want to study around work or family commitments

Maybe consider another course if…

−Apply to nursing degree programmes UK-wide
−Earn up to 144 UCAS points (equivalent to AAA at A-Level)
−Pursue a Registered Nurse career on Band 5+
−Specialise in mental health, paediatric, or district nursing
−Access NHS Learning Support Fund bursaries
−Progress to allied health professional degrees

What our learners say

★★★★★
“The biology unit went deeper than I expected — in a good way. I felt properly prepared for my nursing-degree interview, and the entire diploma cost less than a single semester of pre-uni in private courses.”
Priya Shah
Adult learner, age 28
★★★★★
“I never thought I'd get into uni at 34 — Access to HE made it possible. Sarah's tutor feedback was honest and the podcast meant I could study while doing the school run. Got a place at Manchester first time.”
Aisha Khan
Adult learner, age 34 · now Year 1 Adult Nursing, University of Manchester
★★★★★
“Career change from construction at 41. Was nervous about academic writing but the Study Skills unit transformed me. Two universities offered me unconditional places — went with King's.”
James O'Connor
Adult learner, age 41 · now Year 2 Mental Health Nursing, KCL

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The Access to HE Diploma is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and is recognised by every UK university offering a nursing, midwifery, or allied-health degree. It is treated equivalently to A-Levels for admissions purposes and converts to up to 144 UCAS Tariff points.

Sources

Quality Assurance Agency, Access to HE Diploma specification · QAA · accessed 15 Apr 2026
NHS England, Agenda for Change pay scales 2025/26 · NHS Employers · accessed 15 Apr 2026
UCAS, Tariff points for Access to HE · UCAS · accessed 15 Apr 2026

Ready to start?

Enrol today and start studying anytime. Fully online, fully accredited.

Enrol now: £1,495

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