Access to HE Diploma – Psychology and Mental Health

This nationally recognised Access to HE qualification is designed for students who would like to study at university but don’t yet have the qualifications to gain entry.

During this course, you will study Psychology as a core subject with Mental Health units to underpin your understanding.

The Access to HE Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels and will enable you to achieve 60 credits which transfers to UCAS points for entry on to a chosen degree programme, including University Centre St Helens. You will study a total of 20 units worth 3 credits each.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

The course will start in September and will take one year to complete. You will attend College for two days per week.

What will I study?

You will study the following:

Psychology

• Aggression

• Attention

• Biopsychology of stress

• Concepts of normality and mental health

• Early social development

• Interpersonal relationships

• Memory

• Psychological perspectives

Health Studies

• Access to health care in modern Britain

• Child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing

• Delivery of health care in the UK

• Dementia care and treatment

• Ethical issues in health

• Psychological trauma

• Social perspectives in mental health

Developmental

• Communication: Academic essay writing

• Communication: Presentation skills

• Personal Development: Applying for HE

• Personal Development: Study skills

• Study Skills: Developing research skills

How is it assessed?

The course is assessed via a combination of coursework, controlled examinations, academic assignments, presentations, reports, academic posters, case studies and research projects.

This intensive course requires additional reading and 100% attendance.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

We recommend that you have a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 or above (equivalent to grade C), including English and maths, or Level 2 Pre-Access and English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above.

However, if you don’t have these GCSEs, don’t let this be a barrier to realising your aspirations. We have a range of options available to help you gain qualifications and provide the stepping stones to higher education.

You will be interviewed and be able to demonstrate your understanding of the career you want to progress to.

What are the course fees?

The total cost of this course is £3,384. You may be eligible for funding depending on your personal circumstances and subject to a fee assessment during the enrolment process. For further details, 

If you are aged 19 or over, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees. An Advanced Learner Loan enables you to study now, pay later.

Loan eligibility is not dependent on income or employment status and there is no credit check. Loan repayments do not start until you have finished your course and earn over £25,000 per year. For more information on the Advanced Learner Loan, 

If you take out an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the course fees for an Access to HE Diploma, and then successfully complete a degree, then you don’t have to repay the outstanding loan for the Access to HE Diploma.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

Upon successful completion, you could undertake a degree in a variety of fields including Psychology, Social Work, Health Promotion, Law or Education.