Access to Higher Education: Science
The Access to HE Science Diploma is a Level 3 course for adults wishing to progress to higher education. Successful completion of the Access to HE Science Diploma will allow adults to progress to a wide range of health and science themed university courses.
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
- EXPERIENCED TUTORS
- SPECIALIST WELL EQUIPPED LABORATORIES
- EXCELLENT STUDENT SUPPORT
- STEPPINGSTONE TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Experienced tutors
You will be taught by staff with extensive experience who will advance your knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of higher education.
Specialist well-equipped laboratories
You will conduct extensive laboratory work and become adept at conducting practical work with precision and skill.
Excellent student support
During your tutorial programme, your tutor will help you to complete your UCAS application for the higher education course you wish to progress to. We also have a learning support team that can provide additional help with literacy, numeracy time management and organisational skills, and a student services team available for additional personal support
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
The Access to HE Diploma in Science is a Level 3 qualification designed for adults who wish to progress to higher education. Successful completion of the course enables learners to apply for a wide range of university degrees, particularly in health and science-related fields. Most UK universities recognise this Diploma as excellent preparation for academic study and accept it as a well-established alternative to A levels and other traditional entry routes.
Whilst the Access course is very much a steppingstone to higher education, level 3 qualifications may be desirable or a requirement for certain job roles and levels of pay. Gaining this level 3 qualification may therefore strengthen job applications or help you progress in your current job role.
You will be taught by a team of highly skilled tutors who are passionate about Access courses and providing a life changing opportunity for adults across the county. You will get the chance to meet likeminded people who share your passion for science.
Learners will develop a strong understanding of key concepts in biology and chemistry, providing a solid foundation for future study. In addition, learners conduct extensive laboratory work and become adept at conducting practical work with precision and skill.
The research project is a key strength of the course, giving learners valuable experience of independent scientific enquiry, while building confidence and independence. By designing and carrying out an investigation, learners develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis skills. Writing a structured report strengthens academic writing, referencing, and IT skills.
Significant emphasis is placed on developing effective study and IT skills, equipping learners with the tools needed to s\ucceed both at college and in higher education. The study skills units support learners in developing essential academic skills, and although IT is not taught as a standalone subject, digital skills are embedded throughout the Access course.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The Access course is comprised of 60 credits worth of study at level 3 and is composed of units worth 3 or 6 credits.
Graded Units: Graded units are awarded a pass, merit or distinction. These units provide the subject knowledge on which students will build when they progress to university. The science programme includes 18 credits of biology, 18 credits of chemistry, 3 credits of maths and 6 credits for the project.
Ungraded units: Ungraded units develop the essential academic and practical skills needed for the Diploma and future studies at university.
The two 3 credit study skills units help students to develop vital academic skills. Examples include notetaking, presentation skills, essay writing, referencing and support with writing a personal statement.
The 3 credit laboratory skills unit is taught at the beginning of the course in preparation for planning and implementation of the independent research project. Students use a wide range of equipment to develop manual dexterity and learn how to collect data with precision and skill. Students complete risk assessments to address the hazards and risks associated with laboratory work and learn how to use excel and online tools to construct tables and graphs for data analysis. Students are also taught the best practice for creating and designing an online questionnaire to collect data.
The 3 credit professional behaviour unit develops professionalism, communication and teamwork skills. Students evaluate their strengths and weaknesses against the skills required for a chosen profession and create a professional development plan, building self-awareness, goal-setting, reflection and employability skills.
List of graded units:
- Introduction to Biology (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Human Physiology (Level 3, 6 credits)
- Inheritance (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Disease – fundamentals (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Patterns of Human Disease (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Introduction to Chemistry (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Structure and Bonding (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Inorganic Chemistry (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Quantitative Chemistry (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Organic Chemistry (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Physical Chemistry (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Research project (Level 3, 6 credits)
- Numerical Data and Statistical Analysis (Level 3, 3 credits)
List of ungraded units:
- Core HE Study Skills 1 – Research (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Core HE Study Skills 2 – Presentation and Reflection (Level 3, 3 credits)
- Scientific Lab Skills and Techniques (Level 3, 6 credits)
- Professional Behaviours for the Workplace (Level 3, 3 credits)
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Progression: Upon successful completion of this course students can progress to a wide range of health and science themed higher education courses such as a degree or HNC/HND. Examples include Animal Behaviour, Biomedical Science, Biological and Medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Conservation and Ecology, Dietetics, Dentistry, Dental Therapy and Hygiene, Geology, Mining Engineering, Forensic Science, Marine Biology, Nutrition, Optometry, Paramedic Science, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Veterinary Medicine and Zoology.
Careers: Following completion of a higher education course, learners can progress to a wide range of careers. Some degree programmes are designed to prepare graduates for specific professions, such as biomedical scientist, dietitian, radiographer or paramedic. Other learners may choose broader degree pathways, allowing them to explore career options at a later stage, or continue in academia by progressing to postgraduate study at Master’s or PhD level.
Whilst the Access course is very much a steppingstone to higher education, level 3 qualifications may be desirable or a requirement for certain job roles and levels of pay. Gaining this level 3 qualification may therefore strengthen job applications or help you progress in your current job role.
The course is assessed through a combination of written assignments, essays, projects, exams, presentations and practical tasks. These varied assessment methods help learners build essential skills such as academic writing, critical thinking, research, time management, and independent study. By engaging with different forms of assessment, students develop both subject knowledge and the academic abilities required for success at university.
It is preferable to have GCSE English and Maths at a minimum of grade 4/C before you commence the course. However, please contact us to discuss your prior qualifications and planned progression route and we would be happy to advise based on your particular set of circumstances.
Level 2 functional skill (FS) may be accepted in lieu of GCSEs, but this will be dependent on your planned progression route. Whilst some university courses accept level 2 FS in lieu of GCSEs, others may not. In addition, the university may stipulate they require a wider range of GCSEs and/or a higher grade profile. As such we advise applicants to carefully check the GCSE requirements for their planned progression route.
Completion of one GCSE or FS course alongside the Access to HE Diploma will be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, it is not possible to complete both English and maths alongside.
If your qualifications were gained overseas you need to confirm what your qualifications are equivalent to for the UK. The UK national agency for international qualifications and skills is the designated United Kingdom national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills. It performs this official function on behalf of the UK Government: https://www.enic.org.uk/
NB: Applicants are expected to undergo an interview
Cambridge Access Validating Agency (www.cava.ac.uk)
This course duration is 30 weeks starting in September and finishing at the end of May. Taught hours are approximately 15 hours per week, plus 1.5 hours of tutor. Lectures are taught over 3 days per week. The college day typically starts at 9.15am and ends at 4.15pm.
Funding for the course is dependent on criteria such as age and prior qualifications. Please refer to the main Access to HE Diploma webpage for further information.
We currently offer an adult bursary for students aged 19 years +. Please refer to the main Access to HE Diploma webpage for further information.
You may also be interested in the Access to HE: Medicine or Nursing and Human Sciences. You can find out more about other Access to HE Diplomas here. If you need help deciding which course is the most appropriate for your planned progression route, please do get in touch. If you would like to discuss Access to HE Diplomas, please email: enquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk
The Access to HE Science Diploma is an accepted route of entry to a wide range of courses on offer at the University Centre – Truro & Penwith. The Health Hub includes university courses in sport & health, psychology & social science, nursing and operating department practitioner. The Commercial Hub includes university courses in law with business or criminology. You can find out more about our university level courses here.
If you have any questions about our university level courses, please email: heenquiry@truro-penwith.ac.uk
