Access to Higher EducationRegulated qualificationFrom£100.00/mo

Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science)

The Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science) is a Level 3 qualification awarded by Open Awards, accepted by UK universities in place of A-Levels for paramedic science degree entry. Studied 100% online over 9 to 18 months, no exams, up to 144 UCAS points.

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  • 9 to 18 monthsDuration
  • 100% OnlineStudy Method
  • Up to 144 UCAS ptsPoints Available
  • Start anytimeStart Date
Accredited qualificationUK awarding body
Start anytimeNo fixed term dates
Tutor supportExpert tutors, 7 days
14-day money backRefund if not loved
Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science) at a glance
Qualification levelRQF Level 3
Qualification number603/4572/8
Awarding bodyan Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation
Total credits60 credits
UCAS pointsUp to 144 UCAS points
Typical study time9 to 18 months
Study method100% Online
Start dateStart anytime
Pay monthly£100.00 per month
Pay annually£1,199.00

This course is for you if…

  • Want to progress to a paramedic science degree at a UK university
  • Left school without traditional A-Level qualifications, including a science
  • Are aged 19 or over and ready to commit to degree-level study
  • Need flexible, self-paced online learning around work, shifts or family
  • Are drawn to fast-paced, hands-on emergency and pre-hospital care
  • Want a recognised route into a career registered with the Health and Care Professions Council

Your career after this course

  • Already hold science A-Levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification accepted by your target university
  • Are looking for a vocational route straight into an ambulance service role without a degree
  • Need to qualify for work in under 12 months
  • Are not yet 19 years old, the typical minimum age for Access to HE
  • Are uncomfortable with the science content, since human biology and anatomy are core to this pathway
  • Want a qualification with no written coursework at all
About this qualification

What you'll learn

Paramedics are often the first clinical professional a patient sees on the worst day of their life, making rapid decisions under pressure that can save lives. The Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science) is the qualification that takes adult returners from where they are now to the start of a paramedic science degree and a career registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

This Level 3 qualification is awarded by Open Awards, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency. It is specifically for adults aged 19 and over who want to enter a UK paramedic science degree but do not hold the science A-Levels traditionally required. UK universities accept the Access to HE Diploma in place of A-Levels for paramedic science degree entry.

Regulated qualificationRQF Level 3UCAS Up to 144100% Online9 to 18 monthsSelf-paced
What you'll need

Entry requirements

You need to be aged 19 or over to enrol.

You should have GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade 4 (or C) or above, or be willing to take Functional Skills alongside the Diploma. Universities usually require these before they will confirm a place on a paramedic science degree.

There is no minimum study commitment. As a guide, most learners spend around 10 to 15 hours a week, but you can study more or less based on your own pace.

Not sure if you qualify?

Our admissions team can talk you through your options.

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Assessment

How you're assessed

The qualification is fully portfolio assessed, there are no traditional written exams. You complete a mix of essays, scientific reports, reflective pieces and a final extended research project.

Each unit is graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction, and the credits stack to give you a UCAS point total of up to 144. You receive marked feedback within 2 working days, with the option to refine and resubmit work.

01

Portfolio-based

Coursework and a written portfolio. No traditional written exams.

02

Submit online

All assignments submitted through your learner dashboard.

03

Tutor feedback

Detailed feedback in 3 to 5 working days. Refine and resubmit until you reach the grade you want.

04

Graded across units

Pass, Merit or Distinction on each unit. Top grades stack to the highest UCAS point total.

Careers

Where this can take you

Typical roles and salary ranges this qualification opens up.

Paramedic (Newly Qualified)

Typical salary range

£28,407 to £34,581

Respond to 999 calls and provide emergency and urgent care in the community and in transit to hospital, Band 5 on the NHS pay scale.

Specialist Paramedic

Typical salary range

£35,392 to £42,618

Take on advanced clinical assessment and treatment responsibilities after post-registration specialist training, Band 6 on the NHS pay scale.

Advanced Paramedic Practitioner

Typical salary range

£43,742 to £50,056

Diagnose and manage a wider range of conditions independently, often working in urgent care or primary care settings, Band 7 on the NHS pay scale.

Emergency Care Assistant

Typical salary range

£24,071 to £25,674

Support paramedics on ambulance crews with patient care and vehicle preparation, often a stepping stone role while studying towards registration.

Pricing

Choose your payment plan

Same course, your choice of how to pay.

Pay Monthly

Recurring monthly subscription. Cancel anytime.

£100.00/month

Billed monthly

  • Full access to all course materials
  • Dedicated subject tutor
  • Live and recorded webinars
  • Certificate on completion
  • Pay by card, PayPal, Klarna
  • Spread cost with 0% interest
Everything else

What else you should know

Study support and platform

  • You get a personal tutor from day one
  • Log in any time from a phone, tablet or laptop
  • Marking is done in 3 to 5 working days
  • Talk to our support team by phone, email or live chat
  • See your progress and next steps on your dashboard
  • Join the learner community forum when you want to chat to others

Funding and finance

  • Pay monthly to spread the cost with no interest
  • Pay in full and save versus monthly
  • No credit checks and no contract. Pause or cancel anytime
  • We can send funding paperwork to your employer if they sponsor you
  • Our enrolment team will talk you through every option
  • 14 day money back guarantee on every enrolment

Accreditation and recognition

  • Awarded by a recognised UK awarding body
  • Regulated by Ofqual, the same standard as college courses
  • Accepted by UK universities, employers and professional bodies
  • You get a certificate when you finish
  • Listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications
  • Independently quality checked through IQA and EQA

How it works

  • Start any time. There are no set term dates or cohorts
  • Study at your own pace around work and family
  • No exams. You complete coursework, a portfolio and assignments
  • Resubmit your work at no extra cost to reach the grade you want
  • Use the optional study planner if you like a bit of structure
  • How long you study is entirely up to you. Most learners spend a few hours each week, but you can do more or less based on your own pace
What learners say

Trusted by thousands of learners

Real feedback from learners studying with Lift College.

The flexibility was a game changer for me. I studied around my shifts and my tutor was incredibly supportive throughout.
Sarah M. · Manchester
Access to HE Diploma
I was nervous about going back to study after 15 years, but the platform is so easy to use and the feedback I got on assignments was genuinely useful.
James P. · Birmingham
A Level Biology
Got into my first-choice university with a place on a Nursing BSc. The Access to HE Diploma gave me exactly what I needed.
Aisha K. · London
Access to HE Diploma (Nursing)
Good value and well structured. I appreciated that I could resubmit work without extra cost, really helped me improve.
David R. · Leeds
CMI Level 5
Customer service was excellent. Any time I had a question it was answered within hours. Highly recommend.
Emma L. · Glasgow
GCSE English
I needed a qualification that actually meant something to employers. Ofqual regulation was the deciding factor, and it delivered.
Tom W. · Bristol
CMI Level 7
Access to HE Diploma (Paramedic Science)
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