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Access Diploma in Health

Six-month, part-time course

The McTimoney College of Chiropractic offers a Level 3 Access Diploma in Health, awarded by Ulster University. The primary objective of the Level 3 Access course is to equip students with a foundational understanding of the basic sciences essential for embarking on a degree in Health. Additionally, it provides students with opportunities to explore various health study options and serves as an alternative pathway for individuals who do not meet the current entry criteria for the Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) and the Master of Veterinary Chiropractic (MVetChiro) courses.

The programme’s design revolves around individualised learning, placing significant emphasis on fostering the fundamental concepts necessary for any health studies programme. The teaching and learning approach encompasses a variety of methods, including engaging lectures, hands-on practical sessions, individual and small group assignments, and dedicated home study components.

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Course Aims

The Access Diploma in Health offers students a wide range of benefits and opportunities, serving as a gateway to acquiring essential knowledge, comprehension, and vital skills. This course not only facilitates career pursuits but also ensures excellence in both private and public care sectors. Through a blend of academic and practical training, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for success, extending their skill development to graduate-level health studies and broadening their employability prospects, including self-employment.

This course equips its graduates to:

  • Gain confidence in their own abilities and capabilities.
  • Be better placed for embarking on health-related careers.
  • Progress on to the McTimoney Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) and Master of Veterinary Chiropractic (MVetChiro) courses.
  • Develop the study skills needed for their degree.
  • Acquire a strong foundation in fundamental concepts of chemical and physical sciences, reaching equivalent to A-level standards, while exploring their application within the context of health and the broader scientific landscape.
  • Develop an embedded understanding of the main themes of the academic study of healthcare in UK universities, and to enable students to follow a Higher Education course.
  • Improve their ability in English and Study Skills, particularly in the area of health.
  • Engage with and employ acquired study skills to aid academic progression.

This course not only encourages skill development that contributes to advanced health studies at a graduate level but also creates a strong basis for career prospects, including opportunities for self-employment.


Course Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate:

  • An understanding of key scientific concepts in relation to health and to complete tasks and address problems that, while well defined, may be non-routine.
  • Appreciation of the various study processes, procedures, and practices that are applied within undergraduate study in the UK.
  • The essential concepts underpinning academic English Language while also improving their skill in writing.

Cognitive Skills:

  • Begin to interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas and to decide on an appropriate response.

Professional Skills and Attitudes:

  • Begin to identify, select, and use appropriate skills, methods, and procedures relevant to the healthcare sector.
  • Begin to understand the strategies and actions that can affect their future development, including the concepts of ethical and professional practice and lifelong learning.

General Transferable Skills:

  • Begin to take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, including, where relevant, responsibility for supervising or guiding others.
  • Begin to exercise autonomy and judgement within limited parameters.

How the Course is Taught

Term time schedule:

  • The academic year for the first intake runs from January to July.
  • The academic year for the second intake runs from July to December.
  • Taught sessions are delivered over one weekend a month from Saturday to Sunday from 9am – 5pm
  • Lectures are normally face-to-face.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be 18 years or older at the start of the course.
  • Provide evidence of basic competency in written and oral communication in English and numeracy skills.
  • Students who do not meet the academic requirement through formal education are urged to contact our admissions team to discuss their options for consideration; advice will always be given to enable students to gain the necessary qualification they may lack.

Pathway to Further Education:

  • Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to apply for an undergraduate degree, as well as the Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) or Master of Veterinary Chiropractic (MVetChiro) programmes.

Technical and Study Requirements:

  • Students must have the facility and the ability to study in their own home and will be required to purchase certain equipment and textbooks throughout the duration of the programme. While tablets may seem convenient, many students encounter limitations that prompt them to favour the versatility and functionality of laptops. We strongly recommend that students use a laptop throughout their studies.
  • Access to the internet is compulsory, as it is an essential tool for learning.

If English is not your first language:

  • If English is not your first language and you do not hold an honours degree that was delivered in English, you will be required to provide certified proof of ability in written and spoken English to, at least, IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component).

Entry Test:

  • The college reserves the right to ask you to sit an entrance exam.

Application Process

All applications for the Access Diploma in Health must follow the application process below to be considered for enrolment.

Complete the online application form. Please ensure that you have all the required documentation ready.

The Admissions Team will review your application and work with you to ensure you meet all the course requirements.

Upon completing the review process, the Admissions Team will contact you to inform you of your acceptance status.


Intake Dates

Applications Close Intake Dates
December 2024 January 2025
June 2025 July 2025

Course Progression

Modules 6 Month Course
English Language, Study and Communication Skills
Human Biology
General Science
Clinical and Professional Practice

Course Modules

Modules Credits
English Language, Study and Communication Skills Compulsory 20
Human Biology Compulsory 40
General Science Compulsory 20
Clinical and Professional Practice Compulsory 40

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways depending on the module and stage development. You will also be encouraged to reflect and feedback on your own experiences, learning and development.

Forms of assessment can include:

  • Assessments
  • Case studies
  • Coursework
  • Examinations (multiple-choice and practical)
  • Presentations

Location

The Access Course is delivered at our Oxford site near Abingdon.


Tuition Fees & Associated Costs

All fees are normally payable as a lump sum before the commencement of the course.

Payment Type Value
Course Fee Single payment £1,500
College Registration Fee Single payment £150

A deposit of £200 will need to be paid within 48 hours of accepting your offer, in order to secure you place.

In addition to your course fees, there may be additional charges associated with your studies, which include:

Value
Resit fee – Assignments and written exams £75
Resit fee – Practical assessment £100

Textbooks:

Textbooks are available in the library and electronic versions may also be available in the online library resources. Students may choose to acquire their own copies of important books both for study and for their future practice.


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Why Choose McTimoney College?

  • Small class sizes and excellent tutor ratios
  • A small and friendly college environment
  • Strong student support structure
  • State of the art teaching facilities
  • Well-experienced in-practice faculty
  • Diverse and inclusive learning environment
  • Integration of modern technology

Questions about the Access Diploma in Health?

Choosing your course is a big decision. If you have any questions about the Access Diploma in Health course, the McTimoney Admissions Team is ready to provide the answers. Kindly complete the form below, and we will respond to your questions promptly.

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