Where will this course lead?

This one-year programme is for students who wish to study a science-based degree course but do not have the required formal science qualifications. This course is ideal for those who left school some years ago and are looking for a career change or have experience of working in the science industry and want to achieve a relevant degree qualification.

The applicant must be aged 19, or over, on September 1 of the year of entry to qualify for the course.

What will I study?

On the course, you will study the following subjects:

- Biology - nutrition and digestion, cell biology, infection and immunity, human circulation and gas exchange.

- Chemistry - atoms, bonds and structure, kinetics, organic chemistry, organic compounds and transition elements.

- Physics - electromagneticism, body mechanics, waves, ECGs and radiography, radiology and medical imaging.

- Study skills

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated, please contact us for the latest information.

How will this course be delivered?

The course involves a mixture of classroom lectures, workshops and practical work. The sessions are designed to prepare for the university study environment and disciplined, unsupervised personal study is expected from early on.

What qualifications will I get?

Access to Higher Education Diploma Science Level 3 Skills & Education Group.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is through assignments, laboratory-based projects and written exams. There are seventeen units on the course (listed above). All need to be completed to qualify for the diploma. The qualification itself is based on a credit system. The diploma is worth 60 credits of which 15 are ungraded (pass only) and 45 are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. More details on this will be supplied during course induction.

How do I get a place on the course?

The applicant will need to demonstrate ability and commitment and be able to show appropriate science skills or experience that will allow potential success on this Level 3 programme. This is achieved in two stages: a formal interview and a diagnostic test.

The interview:

- Applicants will be questioned on career objectives, prior qualifications and their suitability and eligibility for the programme.

The diagnostic test:

- Applicants will be assessed on their general and scientific knowledge by means of two short assessments, details of which will be posted in advance. There is a pass mark for these tests to allow the applicant to be offered a place.

What are the entry requirements?

A science qualification is beneficial but not essential as the course is designed to develop and improve science skills. However, a level 3 (or above) qualification in any related subject or a level 2 qualification in science plus relevant work experience would be of benefit. All applications are considered on a personal basis.

GCSE maths and English at grade C (4) or better is ideal but not mandatory. If the applicant has one qualification but not the other, the application will be considered alongside the requirement to retake the GCSE.

If the applicant has neither GCSE maths or English at grade C (4) or better, or has qualifications from outside the UK, then the offer of a place on the course will depend on a very strong result in the diagnostic test. The applicant may be required to study both GCSE maths and English alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma.

For those who do not achieve the pass mark for the diagnostic test but demonstrate a keenness to study science, a place on a one-year Pre-Access to Science course may be offered. This does not necessarily require the applicant to have GCSE maths and English at grade C (4) or better as they can be studied alongside the course.

What else do I need to know?

Those who are over 24 at the time of application or who have completed another Level 3 qualification are expected to apply for a student loan. This should be in place before the course starts in September so early application is advised. Enrolment on the course can only take place once the loan has been agreed.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability please let the college know when you apply. You will be offered support in the interview. If help is needed completing your application, the college can help with this too. Student support during the course is available too for those who request it or for those who are referred.

Please note that when you enrol you are accepting that the course content and module descriptions are accurate at the time of publishing and that the course content as described is based on what is possible to deliver under the government advice and social distancing rules at that particular time. In the event of changes made to those rules, by national or local government, the College may need to make further alterations to the published course content. By enrolling with the College, you will be confirming that you are content to proceed with the course as detailed at that time and on the basis that the programme may be subject to reasonable change.

What can I do after this course?

Successful completion of this course will allow progression onto a degree in a science-based subject in the following academic year. Past students have gone to study the following courses: physiotherapy, dietetics, radiography, marine biology, biological sciences, forensic science, chemistry and physics.