ABOUT
If you are aged 19 or over and want to study Midwifery at university — but do not have the traditional qualifications — this Access to Higher Education Diploma is an ideal route back into learning.
Validated by OCN London, this Level 3 qualification is worth 60 credits and is widely recognised by universities as an equivalent entry pathway to A Levels. It is specifically designed for progression into midwifery and related health professions.
At Angel Campus (Capital City College), you will study in a supportive environment with experienced tutors, combining face-to-face and online learning. You will develop the scientific knowledge, professional understanding and academic skills essential for success on a midwifery degree. A personal tutor will support you throughout the course and help you prepare your UCAS application.
Did you know?
If you go on to complete a university degree after this Access course, your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off by Student Finance England.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
You will study a blend of human biology, social sciences, health studies and professional practice that prepares you for the academic and practical demands of a midwifery degree.
Core topics include:
· Human Biology for Midwifery – pregnancy, childbirth, maternal physiology, neonatal development, reproductive systems, circulation and respiration
· Health & Social Sciences – psychology, sociology, health inequalities, child development, social inclusion, ethical dilemmas
· Midwifery-Related Knowledge – the role of the midwife, inter-professional working, communication in healthcare, history of the NHS
· Academic Preparation for HE – essay writing, report writing, sourcing and reading information, referencing, exam preparation, speaking and listening
· Extended Project – exploring a topic related to midwifery or maternal health
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You will need to:
· Be aged 19 or older
· Have GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications
· Demonstrate strong motivation for studying midwifery and a commitment to full-time study
· Attend an interview to confirm suitability for the programme
Experience or interest in health, childcare or caring settings is beneficial, and we welcome applications from mature learners with non-traditional backgrounds.
COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS
Assessment is continuous throughout the year and includes:
· Essays and academic reports
· Presentations
· Projects and extended assignments
· Examinations and timed assessments
All work is internally assessed by your tutors and externally moderated by OCN London. Independent study is required each week to support your progression and build the academic habits needed for university.
Practical simulations or workshops may occasionally require additional basic materials (e.g., stationery, calculator, textbooks).
FEES
Adults - Access to Higher Education
This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:
- If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
- If you are aged 19-23 and you do not have a full Level 3 qualification (a full L3 is the equivalent of two A-levels at A* - E grade). You need to show us proof of any qualifications you already have.
- Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions, and live in London If you live outside London, you need to pay fees.
- There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.
Check here which documents you need to show us, and which visa types are allowed.
If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.
If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
If you have to pay for your course, and decide to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL), the residency rules are different: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.
Some courses have additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.
Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.
If you are aged 19-24 and this is your first Level 3 course, you may be eligible for free tuition.
If you are 24 years or older, you will need to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it if you complete your university degree course.
PROGRESSION
This diploma has been designed to support progression into midwifery and related health degrees, including:
· BSc (Hons) Midwifery
· Maternal and Child Health–related programmes
· Other allied health degrees (subject to university requirements)
You will graduate from the course with strong academic foundations, confidence and the professional awareness needed to apply for midwifery degrees through UCAS.