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Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma: Midwifery

Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma: Midwifery

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The OCN London Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma: Midwifery is designed for adults who wish to progress to university but do not currently have the traditional qualifications required for entry.

This intensive one-year course prepares students for higher education by developing both subject knowledge and essential academic study skills. The programme focuses on topics relevant to midwifery and healthcare while helping students build the confidence, research ability and independent learning skills needed for university-level study.

The qualification is widely recognised by UK universities and provides UCAS tariff points comparable to three A Levels, supporting progression to degrees such as midwifery or nursing.

  • Entry Requirements


    Entry requirements needed:

    • GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills Literacy Level 2 and

    • GCSE mathematics at grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills Numeracy Level 2

    • An interest in progressing to a midwifery or healthcare-related degree

    • A successful interview with the course team

    This course is primarily aimed at adult learners returning to education who want to progress to university but may not have completed traditional Level 3 qualifications.

    Please note that it is the responsibility of the student to ensure their current and future qualifications comply with the entry requirements of any university to which they intend to progress.

  • Course Content


    Students will study a range of subjects designed to build knowledge relevant to midwifery and healthcare practice.

    Typical areas of study may include:

    -Human Anatomy and Physiology

    -Biology for Health Professionals

    -Psychology and Human Development

    -Health and Social Care Contexts

    -Ethical and Professional Issues in Healthcare

    -Research Skills and Academic Writing

    -Preparing for Higher Education

    Alongside subject knowledge, the course also focuses on developing key academic skills such as referencing, critical thinking, essay writing and independent research.

    Tutorial support is also embedded into the programme.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Successful completion of the course allows students to apply for university degree programmes, including:

    • Midwifery

    • Adult or Child Nursing

    • Health and Social Care

    • Other related healthcare degrees

    The diploma provides a recognised pathway into higher education and equips students with the knowledge and study skills required for success in degree-level study and careers within the healthcare sector.

  • Additional Information


    Your Advanced Learner Loan balance will be ‘written off’ once you complete a Higher Education course. This means you do not have to repay it. For more information, please visit the gov.uk website.

  • Course Structure


    The diploma is studied full-time over one academic year.

    Key course features include:

    • A programme made up of 60 credits in total

    • 45 credits of graded Level 3 subject units related to midwifery and health sciences

    • 15 credits of study skills units designed to prepare students for university study

    Students will take part in lectures, group discussions, research tasks and independent study to develop both academic and practical knowledge.

  • Assessment Details


    Assessment is coursework-based. Students may be assessed through a variety of methods, including:

    • Academic essays and written reports

    • Case study analysis

    • Presentations and academic posters

    • Research projects

    • Portfolio work and reflective writing

    • In class assessments

    To achieve the diploma, students must complete 60 credits, including 45 graded Level 3 credits which are awarded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction.