Peterlee Campus
Course overview
This Ascentis Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is for learners aged 19+ who do not have the qualifications required to enter HE. Each year around 30,000 learners in the UK take Access programs and many go on to succeed in HE and embark on life changing new careers.
The Nursing and Midwifery Diploma can give you Access to a wide range of Healthcare and Nursing degrees. We offer both daytime and evening courses for nursing and midwifery students - ideal for those who are working and capable of fitting around your existing commitments.
If you're concerned about the fees for the course, don't be! Subject to eligibility criteria you may be able to study for free with us or most people can fund the course via the Advanced Learner Loan, which you'll only repay when you earn over a certain threshold. Even better, if you go to university and finish your degree, the Advanced Learner Loan gets completely written off too!
Topics
During the course you will be studying two main subject sets: Biology and Psychology.
Some of the topics covered in Psychology are main psychological theories, child development and treating disorders.
Some of the topics covered in biology are cell biology, anatomy and physiology, genetics and the reproductive system.
You will also complete a laboratory based research practical. In addition to the main subject areas you will also complete study skills in preparation for university study.
Job opportunities after this course
Adult Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, SEN Nursing, General Nursing and Midwifery. Other Job opportunities are in the field of Health Care Workers, Occupational Health, Social Work and Operating Department practitioner among many others after completing this diploma.
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are reviewed annually and are subject to change as qualifications, awarding bodies and assessment criteria evolve.
How is this course assessed?
All assessments are assessed internally and include assignments, essays, research projects and controlled assessments.
When does the course start?
September 2025
Length of course
Your course is structured over 36 weeks from September to June, divided into two semesters. Your course will run either over two evenings per week, or two daytimes per week.
Fees & Funding
Please read our Course Fees & Funding page.
How to apply
To apply online for this course, please click on the 'Apply' button at the top/bottom of this page.
Alternatively, if you need assistance with your application or you would like to apply over the phone or using a paper-based application form, please call Student Services on 0191 743 0149.
If you're not quite ready to apply for this course and would like some more information or to speak to a member of staff then please click on the 'Enquire' button at the top/bottom of this page.
