New route into medicine aims to strengthen healthcare services

The University of Derby has developed a qualification designed to give people a new route into medicine and help strengthen healthcare services in the process.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine) has been developed as part of the university’s ambitions to establish a regional hub for healthcare excellence, creating new pathways for local people to pursue careers in medicine and healthcare.

Due to launch in January, the new programme aims to widen access to medical careers while helping to build a pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals to meet growing demand across the NHS.

The launch comes as health services across the East Midlands continue to face workforce pressures and increasing demand for care.

Research tracking more than 31,000 UK doctors found that 78% of graduates took their first career post in the same region where they trained, highlighting the importance of local education in supporting regional healthcare workforces.

The diploma builds on the University of Derby’s established healthcare provision, which already educates thousands of nurses, midwives and healthcare professionals each year.

Designed for adults who may not have followed a traditional academic route, the one-year programme will prepare students to study a range of disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, radiography, and biomedical sciences.

Dr Runa Saha, Founding Dean of Medicine at the University of Derby, said: “Medicine can sometimes feel like a career that is out of reach for many talented people.

“We know there are individuals in our communities with the compassion, resilience and potential to become excellent healthcare professionals, but who may not have had the opportunity to follow a traditional route into higher education.

“This diploma is about recognising that potential and creating opportunities.

“We want to support local people to see medicine and healthcare as realistic career options, while providing them with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed.”

During the course, students will take part in a programme of activities designed to prepare them for the realities of medical training and clinical practice.

This includes simulated clinical experiences, exploring patient journeys, developing communication and professionalism skills, and receiving tailored support with UCAT preparation, personal statements, interviews and UCAS applications.

Unlike many Access to Higher Education courses, students will study within a university environment from the outset.

Applications for the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Medicine) are now open.