Access to Nursing SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) NQ

What is special about this course?

Our Access to Nursing course is exactly what you will need if you are thinking of a career in nursing or care. If you would like to train for employment in the health industry, this could be the course for you.

Health care is provided in settings such as nursing homes, residential homes, hospitals and resource centres for people with learning disabilities. The demands for a skilled healthcare workforce are increasing.

Care workers must operate from a good ethical value base and so you will study the principles underpinning the National Occupational Standards and Health and Social Care Standards. On successful completion, this course will provide you with three Higher qualifications required for access to university courses in the field of Nursing.

Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply to study BSc Nursing with (UHI) and a range of other Universities (please check specific entry requirements for universities other than UHI to ensure that this course meets your needs).

Entry requirements

Four National 5 qualifications including English at C or above and Human Biology/Biology at C or above.

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, your previous experience may still qualify you for this course. If accepted on to the course, we’ll invite you to attend a course information session between now and the start of your course. We’d urge you to come along if at all possible.

Care Higher 4 credits

  • Care Human Development and Behaviour
  • Care Social Influences
  • Care Values & Principles
  • Exam

Human Biology Higher 4 credits (evening class)

  • Human Cells
  • Physiology and Health
  • Neurobiology and Immunology
  • Exam

English Higher (evening class)

  • Portfolio of writing
  • Performance – spoken language
  • Close Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation
  • Scottish Text analysis and Critical Essay on a second text

Equipment

Internet connection and a suitable device with headphones, microphone and camera (minimum spec) is required. Please email us if you have any concerns about connectivity or equipment.

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time
  • Online

This course includes both daytime and evening timetabled classes. These sessions are mandatory and essential to your success on the course, so regular attendance is required.

Timetabled classes will take place in an online virtual classroom where you connect and interact with your lecturer and classmates with video, voice and text chat.  Alongside your timetabled sessions, you'll also be expected to set aside time for self-directed study - this might include working through online resources, completing coursework, or preparing for assessments.

The course includes both open and closed-book assessments. You will have to attend a college centre or other exam centre for some of these – we can discuss this with you upon application.

We have nineteen college campuses/centres across the North and West Highlands, Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Depending on your location, you may be able to do some of your learning at your nearest campus or centre. 

How long will my course last?

34 Weeks

Where can I study my course?

    • Study from anywhere including your local campus or centre

Start date

September

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.

Funding

Students may qualify for bursary, EMA or childcare funding. Please contact your local college centre or Student Services for more information.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply to BSc Nursing with UHI.

Is there more information available online?

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You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.

I studied Access to Nursing in the UHI NWH centre in Auchtertyre. There is such a great team there who are so supportive.  Being close to home made studying and attending easier and more convenient for me.   

I was accepted onto BSc Adult Nursing at UHI. I have learnt so much and grown in confidence. I have met some amazing friends, who have been fantastic support throughout my training. I am also very lucky to have a job waiting for me on the surgical admissions ward, in Raigmore hospital. I’m so excited to get my blues and gain many years of experience. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the amazing support of UHI Inverness and UHI NWH Auchtertyre. 

Louise O’Neill

 

Apply for Access to Nursing SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) NQ

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.

Please note: There is currently a waiting list for this course. Applications are still welcome and will be added to the waiting list in the order they are received. Apply for September 2025.