Access to HE Sciences - Level 3

Access to HE Sciences - Level 3 Overview

Aspiring to a career in science? Would you like a stepping stone to university study? Are you an adult who has been out of formal education for some time now but are now ready for the challenge of university? If so, our Access to HE Science course is specifically designed for you. This course can additionally lead to professional registration as a science technician administered by the Royal Society of Chemistry in conjunction with the Gatsby Foundation.

You will study a number of different mandatory modules (units) which are specific to the relevant pathway you have chosen. You will also undertake some core academic units, designed to prepare you for the demands of higher level study. These are common to all Access pathways, with an emphasis on critical thinking, the techniques of written and spoken presentation and research skills.

Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA) designs and validates Access to Higher Education Diplomas. To find out more visit www.cava.ac.uk

Entry requirements

• You must be at least 19 years of age to enrol on an Access to HE course.
• GCSE maths (GCSE equivalent qualifications will not be accepted) and GCSE science at grade C or above.
• We will accept BTEC Level 2 applied science at merit (at least one unit needs to be at distinction).

It is recommended that you contact universities to check their specific entry requirements before enrolment; many require a GCSE at grade C in English. It is possible to study one GCSE alongside the Access course.

The above entry requirements are subject to the programme being revalidated and may change.

Start dates and fees

The table below shows you when the course starts. You may be charged a fee for your course depending on your age and circumstances.

Start DateDurationCodeAnnual Fee (Age)Actions 19-2324+ Sep 20161 yr(s)1054A1002£400.00*£2960.00* | Loan infoApply online

*Course fees shown are for guidance only and are the fees charged for courses running this year. Fees for courses starting in September 2016 will be confirmed in spring 2016.

This course is eligible for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan

The 24+ Advanced Learning Loan is a new scheme introduced by the government to help mature learners study for qualifications that will improve their employability and develop high level skills and knowledge.

Loans are specifically designed for those aged 24 and over, who are intending to study on a Level 3 or higher course – including Access to HE diplomas.

Best of all, if you successfully go on to complete an HE qualification following an Access to HE course – you won’t even have to pay the loan back.

It’s easy to apply! To find out if you’re eligible, or for more information, see the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan page.

How long is the course?

Our Access to HE courses can be studied within one academic year – up to 450 hours of class time.

Location

• Derby Road

How will I be assessed?

The course is made up of a number of units designed to prepare you for the demands of higher level study. Assessment consists of at least one item of written coursework for each unit (report, essay, examination). For some units this is augmented with a spoken presentation.

What does the course lead to?

You could progress to study a wide range of science-related HE courses including:

• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
• BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
• BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
• BSc (Hons) Radiography
• BSc (Hons) Podiatry
• BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing
• BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

All of these could lead to rewarding careers in the relevant fields. A chemistry graduate with a good degree could earn up to £27,500 in their first job, whereas moving into financial services could secure remuneration of up to £45,000.

What will I study?

It is possible to study two pathways within the Access to HE Science course. You will study the units listed below (those on the biological sciences or chemical sciences pathways are marked accordingly). Both the chemical and biological sciences pathways contain a significant portion of hands on, practical science.

• Study skills
• ICT (Spreadsheets)
• Practical, scientific individual research project (double unit, possibly leading to an additional R. Sci. Tech. qualification)
• General biology: parasites, cells and biochemistry, metabolic pathways, genetics, biodiversity and evolution, modes of nutrition and transport system diversity.
• Human biology: body systems, nervous system, nutrition and regulation and reproductive system.
• Chemistry: fundamental principles of chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, Practical chemistry, physical chemistry and principles of chemical reactions.

The above modules are subject to the programme being revalidated and may change.

How do I apply?

You can complete an online application form or contact the college for an application form to be sent to you.

All students must have an interview before starting the programme.

Apply online