Overview
The one-year Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science is designed for students over the age of 19 who wish to progress to science-related degrees. We offer three pathways for Access to HE Science with the following subject combinations:
- Biology/Chemistry
- Biology/Chemistry/Physics
- Maths/Physics
The Access to HE Science (Biology and Chemistry) can allow progression onto courses including Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Forensics, Pharmacy, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, and Nursing.
This course is available as either in person study or online study.
Key Info
Expect to spend around 15 hours a week for studies outside of your college timetable. You will need to allow this time for assignments, lesson preparation and revision activities. If you have a job, we recommend that you do not work more than 15 hours per week due to the intensity of the Access course. You should also expect to work with others and independently, meet deadlines and complete work to a high standard.
All students attend classes in Biology; Chemistry; Study Skills and Academic Writing Skills.
You will complete 15 ungraded units in:
- Academic Writing Skills
- Study Skills
- Further Study Skill
- Introduction to Cell Biology
- Introduction to Chemistry
You will complete 27 graded credits in Biology with units in:
- Macromolecules and Key Biological Principles (exam)
- Foundations in Pharmacology;
- Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Systems
- Homeostasis
- Research Investigation.
You will complete 18 graded credits in Chemistry with units in:
- Core principles of Chemistry (exam)
- Further Organic Chemistry;
- Further Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
- Carrying out a Practical Investigation
The course offers you 60 Credits at Level 3 and will be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Entry to this course requires GCSE English, Maths and Double Science at a grade 4 or C.
When applying to join an Access to HE course, please state on the application form which Science pathway you require.
You are at least 19 years old on 1st September (18 year olds will be accepted by exception / interview).
Assessment on Access programmes involves a range of methods such as essays, presentations, reports, laboratory practicals, research investigations and two end-of-year examinations.
You will have a combination of 15 ungraded and 45 graded units.
For the graded units, you will be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
In addition to the skills gained in Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics, you will also develop skills in independent research, critical thinking and evaluative skills, study skills, interview skills and interpersonal skills.
You will develop the necessary skills to progress onto Higher Education. We will introduce you to the UCAS system and provide tutorial sessions for university applications.
Fees
Course fees are £3485, these fees can be self-funded or you can apply for an Adult Learner Loan to help to fund your studies.
Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement.
When you sign forms and accept a place at the College, you agree to abide by College rules and any changes made to them, and accept that we have the right to reject applicants. You also accept that there are certain circumstances that could prevent us from providing some services or programmes. These are: changes in Government funding policy, low class numbers; severe weather conditions; severe damage to buildings; circumstances which may affect the health and safety of staff and/or students, or any other relevant circumstances outside the reasonable control of the College. In these cases, we reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service.
