Course Overview
This course is delivered through University Centre Somerset. To find out more about this course and apply please click here.
All our Access Diplomas are made up of three Level 3 subjects with 45 credits of graded Academic Subject Content (ASC) and 15 credits of ungraded Academic Preparation Skills units (APS) which offer generic study skills to prepare you for higher level study. On the Nursing & Midwifery Diploma you will study Biology, Psychology, and Sociology. You will also study core compulsory components in Study Skills covering academic writing, referencing, presentation and seminar skills, research, and reflective practice to ensure you are university ready when you complete your Diploma.
You will also receive help and advice with the selection of university and college courses available to you, and with your UCAS application, personal statement, and interview preparation.
You will receive excellent teaching from outstanding, experienced staff, combined with extensive tutorial support
- A variety of exciting resources for you to use
- A blended learning approach, which combines on- site lessons with live remote lectures to maximise learning potential and flexibility
- Dedicated workshops to advise on the application process for university, your course choice and how to write a personal statement for UCAS
- Guest speakers and enrichment opportunities
- Pass rates are outstanding; success can improve your life in so many ways
- A variety of teaching styles are used: discussions in small groups and as a class; seminar style work; note making and assignment writing
- You will be supported to achieve more than you thought you could
- Feedback from current students tells us that the atmosphere in the classroom is friendly and helpful, the relationships between students and staff are excellent with the right blend of formality and informality, and previous students say they felt fully prepared for their degree courses
- Students are advised to organise their own work experience after consultation with universities.
This course will take place over 2 days per week on campus plus 2 days per week of independent study.
Assessment Methods
You will produce a portfolio of work over the year including essays, reports, presentations and a research unit. You gain credits for the assignments you do. You accumulate credits towards the diploma. There is a minimum of one compulsory exam unit.
Progression Options
You may want to consider one of the following degree programmes at University Centre Somerset:
- BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)
- BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)
Alternatively, there are a variety of other Higher Education institutions offering related degrees. Previous students have gone on to degree courses including Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Midwifery, Psychology, Operating Department Practice, and other healthcare-related areas.
Please note: Most university courses require GCSE Maths and/or English at Grade C/4 or above. There is opportunity to study either or both alongside your Access programme if needed. You may also need to obtain relevant work experience for university entry for Nursing or Midwifery degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
