Access to Higher Education - Science

Students aged 19+ who have been out of education for at least one year post 18 study and aiming to go on to university to study for a Degree or equivalent in a STEM related course. It is also an appropriate course for those wishing to progress into the Allied Health Professions which may require a physics or chemistry element such as radiography, paramedic science, medical technician. Students who are 18 without a year out of education, may be considered but they will need to have an interview with the course coordinator prior to the course starting. Please apply to the course and our Enrolment Team will ask the tutor to contact you if you will be 18 years old at the start of the course.

GCSE English and maths at Grade 4/C are required as these are the minimum required by most universities for degree pathways and students are expected to have achieved these already. Due to the demands of the Access to HE Diploma courses, it will not be possible to take any GCSEs alongside this study. GCSEs required for college and/or University entrance must be passed at grade 4/C prior to enrolling for the Access to HE Diploma course.

The units you will study are likely to include: Core Units: Human biology Biochemistry Regulation and Control Skeleton & Muscles Nutrition & Digestion Chemistry Energetics Fundamentals of Chemistry: Experiments Fundamentals of Chemistry Hydrocarbons Physics Medical Physics Maths Statistics Study Skills Introductory Academic Practical Investigation All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

Classroom based

General stationery. You must have access to a laptop or computer to complete the course as all work is submitted online through Teams portal. You will be expected to purchase a lab coat, safety glasses and scientific calculator prior to starting the course as these are essential for completing the activities during the course

The course is organised into units. Each unit carries a number of credits at Level 3. All units are compulsory. Credits will be awarded for the successful completion of the coursework and timed assignments for each unit. 60 credits at Level 3 are required for the Access Diploma. Most units are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Students on this course can access a variety of science based HE courses such as biochemistry, biology, zoology, biological science, psychology, education and teaching, geology, archaeology. It is recommended that you research the course, degree subject and potential university you wish to pursue to determine if there are specific units or subjects that are required for entry onto that pathway.