Access to HE Diploma (Science)

2027/28

Course Overview

Course
P00361
Start Date
06/09/2027
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
1 year
Start time
09:15 am
End time
16:30 pm
Campus
Abbey Park Campus
Level
Level 3

Access to Higher Education courses are designed to give mature students (19+) the opportunity to return to study and apply for higher education (HE) courses. This is an intensive, challenging, one year science programme, so you will need to demonstrate high levels of motivation from the outset.

Full attendance and excellent punctuality are essential to ensure that you reap the full benefits of the course. Practical work is carried out in modern, well-equipped laboratories and the aim is to help to prepare you for the demands of university-level study.

Access courses are validated by the QAA and are taken as standard entry requirements for the vast majority of British universities; you are advised to check the individual entry requirements for the university courses you are planning to apply to.

You will study alongside adults who have similar progression aims to yourself and will benefit from the support of a personal tutor to guide you through the UCAS process.

You will study a variety of core units in science (chemistry and biology) and complete a substantial practical project. There are also study skills units to support your development and help you prepare for university.

There is also a regular personal tutorial. Your progress will be tracked throughout your time on the course and additional support provided if appropriate. You will be expected to study at home at least 15 hours per week in addition to your timetabled hours in college and use resources on Moodle as directed.

A key feature of the Autumn term is support to guide you through the UCAS application process.

Applicants should be aged 19 plus by no later than the 31 August prior to starting the course.

You will need GCSE English language, GCSE maths, and at least one GCSE science subject (ideally biology, chemistry or double award sciences) at grade 4/C or above.

In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to study GCSE English language alongside your Access course. Students in this situation typically already have Functional Skills English level 2. If this applies to you, please discuss requirements at interview.

In order for you to progress onto an undergraduate degree at a British university, it is essential to have achieved a minimum of a GCSE grade 4 (C) in maths and English language. It is your responsibility to check the GCSE grade profiles of the universities that you are interested in applying to and to attend a number of university open days.

For those without GCSEs, we run a GCSE Adult Pathway course (P00378) where up to five GCSEs can be studied in one year and evening classes for those missing just the GCSE science qualification (P00365 GCSE chemistry, P00367 GCSE biology).

Annual Tuition fee: £3384

Please be aware that there is a charge for your UCAS application, and you will need to buy your own stationery.

There are no course fees if you are under 24 on 31st August of the year in which you start the course AND you do not possess a full Level 3 qualification.

If (a) you are under 24 and already have a full level 3 qualification, OR (b) you are over 24 (irrespective of any qualifications you have achieved), then course fees are applicable. However, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover these.

Successful students progress onto a range of science courses at university, such as biomedical science, chemistry, biology, dietetics and nutrition, pharmacy, forensic science, ecology and many more.

The Access to Science course will NOT normally allow you entrance to university courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physics or mathematics. However, our students have been accepted onto some foundation courses in these subjects.

You must check very carefully with universities about their entry requirements not only in terms of Access grades required but also any necessary GCSEs or vocational experience. It is advisable to attend university open days when making your choice of higher education institution.