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Full curriculum

Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions): complete syllabus

Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, and the allied health sciences all start with the right academic foundation. The Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions) is your Level 3 gateway to these HCPC-regulated careers. OCN London, 100% online, up to 144 UCAS points, no exams.

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15 units · 0 lessons · 60 total credits · 12 to 18 months

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Unit 1 · 3 credits · Level 3

Academic Skills for Health Science

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Write a well-referenced academic essay to degree standard
  • Apply reflective frameworks to a health science learning experience
  • Plan and manage a 12-month self-directed study timetable

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 2 · 6 credits · Level 3

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Identify the major bones, joints, and muscles of the upper and lower limb
  • Explain the physiology of muscle contraction and joint movement
  • Describe the neurological basis of sensory and motor function

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 3 · 6 credits · Level 3

Pathology and Common Health Conditions

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Describe the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Explain the mechanism of ischaemic stroke and its functional consequences
  • Identify common comorbidities in patients presenting to allied health services

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 4 · 6 credits · Level 3

Rehabilitation Science Principles

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Apply the ICF model to a rehabilitation case study
  • Explain the physiological principles underpinning exercise prescription
  • Describe the SMART goal-setting framework in a rehabilitation context

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 5 · 3 credits · Level 3

Psychology of Health and Rehabilitation

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Apply the Health Belief Model to explain rehabilitation adherence
  • Describe the biopsychosocial model of pain and its rehabilitation implications
  • Identify psychological barriers to engagement in allied health interventions

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 6 · 3 credits · Level 3

Sociology of Health and Disability

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Distinguish the medical and social models of disability
  • Explain how social determinants affect rehabilitation access and outcomes
  • Discuss the role of stigma in the experience of chronic illness

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 7 · 3 credits · Level 3

Research Methods in Allied Health

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Design a feasible research study relevant to physiotherapy or occupational therapy
  • Critically appraise a randomised controlled trial using the PEDro scale
  • Explain the hierarchy of evidence and its application to clinical decision-making

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 8 · 3 credits · Level 3

Professional Practice and Ethics in Allied Health

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Apply HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics to a scenario
  • Explain the principles of informed consent in allied health practice
  • Describe the composition and function of the NHS multi-disciplinary team

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 9 · 3 credits · Level 3

Occupational Therapy Foundations

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Explain the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and its application
  • Describe the occupational therapy assessment process
  • Identify the role of OT in acute hospital discharge planning

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 10 · 3 credits · Level 3

Biomechanics and Movement Analysis

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Apply basic biomechanical principles to a musculoskeletal injury scenario
  • Describe the normal gait cycle and common gait deviations
  • Identify movement analysis tools used in physiotherapy practice

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 11 · 3 credits · Level 3

Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Identify common drug classes and their effects relevant to physiotherapy practice
  • Explain the implications of corticosteroid use for tissue healing
  • Describe the principles of non-medical prescribing for allied health professionals

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 12 · 3 credits · Level 3

Public Health and Health Promotion

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Apply the Ottawa Charter framework to a health promotion intervention
  • Identify UK physical activity guidelines and the evidence for their clinical application
  • Describe the evidence base for falls prevention in older adults

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 13 · 3 credits · Level 3

Communication and Patient-Centred Practice

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Apply motivational interviewing techniques to a rehabilitation scenario
  • Explain the principles of shared decision-making in allied health
  • Identify communication adaptations for patients with cognitive or language impairment

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 14 · 3 credits · Level 3

Neuroscience and Neurological Rehabilitation

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Describe the neuroplasticity mechanisms that underpin neurorehabilitation
  • Explain the Bobath and task-specific training approaches in stroke rehabilitation
  • Identify the functional consequences of common spinal cord injury levels

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 15 · 6 credits · Level 3

Extended Research Project

Learning outcomes (3)
  • Formulate a focused research question in physiotherapy, OT, or podiatry
  • Conduct a structured literature review using CINAHL and PubMed
  • Write and present a 3,000-word evidence-based allied health research report

Lesson list coming soon.

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Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions) curriculum & syllabus | Lift College | Lift College