Course Overview
The course runs for one year as an intensive programme, designed to help you achieve your goals quickly and effectively. Learning takes place in a classroom-based environment with interactive sessions, ensuring you benefit from face-to-face support and collaborative activities.
You can expect a study commitment of around 12 hours per week in class, alongside independent study. We recommend an additional 15-20 hours per week for assignments and research to help you succeed.
You’ll receive dedicated tutor guidance throughout the course, including a named tutor for your sessions, answer your questions, and provide one-to-one support when needed. For example, if you’re struggling with an assignment or a concept, your tutor will work with you to break it down and help you understand it.
We also teach you academic skills and professional practice as a core element of the course to build your confidence in essential areas for higher education. These include sessions on research techniques such as finding credible sources and using academic databases, structured writing how to plan and organise essays and reports and referencing.
You’ll study biology and anatomy as core elements of the course, giving you a strong foundation for health and science careers. You’ll explore topics such as cell structure, and the structure and function of the main body systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems, giving you the essential foundational knowledge to progress into careers such as Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedic Science, helping you understand the principles behind patient care. You will also study further biology topics such as genetics and diseases to further your understanding and build your wider scientific skills which will give you the skills needed to progress into both health and scientific fields such as Biomedical science.
You will then study optional units depending on your career choice. Options include Health Studies where you will learn about the principles of care and health promotion, ideal for anyone looking to progress into the healthcare field such as Nursing or Midwifery. Psychology where you will learn about behaviour and psychological disorders, ideal for anyone looking to work in Mental Health. Emergency care where you will look at how to deal with patients’ behaviour and health need in an emergency, ideal for anyone looking to become a Paramedic. Or you if you are looking to progress into a scientific field you will study Chemistry where you will learn about atoms, bonding, reactions and organic molecules providing you with essential knowledge to progress into careers such as Pharmacy, Dietetics, Biomedical and Forensic Sciences
You’ll benefit from detailed feedback on every assignment, giving you clear, constructive advice to help you improve and succeed. This personalised feedback ensures you know exactly what to do to progress and achieve your best.
Our teaching approach is dynamic and interactive, designed to keep you motivated and involved throughout the course. You’ll take part in taught sessions led by experienced tutors, where complex topics are broken down into clear, practical lessons. Hands-on practical work will help you apply theory to real-world scenarios, while group projects encourage collaboration and teamwork skills that are essential for both university and your future career. You’ll also carry out independent research, building confidence in your ability to explore topics in depth, and deliver presentations that strengthen your communication and public speaking skills.
You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods designed to prepare you for the demands of university-level study. Expect to write essays and detailed reports that showcase your ability to research and analyse complex topics. You’ll tackle real-world case studies, applying theory to practical scenarios just like you would in a professional setting.
Entry Requirements:
Maths and English at 4(C) or above
Course Highlights
Course Units
Core Ungraded Units:
• Academic Writing
• Safe and Ethical Use of AI
• Researching and Understanding opportunities for Higher Education
• Professional Behaviours: Nursing and Health Professions
• Numeracy in a Health Context
Core Graded units:
• Cellular Structure and Activity
• Systems Physiology
• Nervous system
• Endocrine System
Psychology Pathway:
• Genetics
• Non-infectious disease
• Infection and Immunity
• Perspectives in Psychology
• Child Development Early Socialisation
• Introduction to Psychological Disorders
• Stress and Eating Disorders
Course Breakdown
Course Structure
This intensive, one-year course is the equivalent of three A-levels and is designed for students aged 19 and over who want to gain entry to university. Delivered in a dynamic and friendly classroom setting, the course combines engaging taught sessions, hands-on practical work, collaborative group projects, presentations, and independent research giving you the skills and confidence to succeed.
You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, including essays, reports, case studies, presentations, and time-constrained assignments. Throughout the course, you’ll receive expert tutor support, guidance on academic skills such as research and structured writing, and detailed feedback to help you improve and achieve your goals.
Progression & Next Steps
Completing this course is your gateway to exciting opportunities and rewarding careers. You’ll be ready to progress to a wide range of university degrees or degree apprenticeships in health professions such as Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Operating Department Practice, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Dietetics, and Radiography.
Prefer the world of science? You can explore degrees in Biology, Biomedical Science, Medical Science, Forensic Science, or Chemistry.