Access to H.E. Diploma in Science

Overview

  • Adults, H.E. Students
  • A5361-25
  • 1 September 2025 - 36 weeks
  • Willesden Campus
  • Standard: £3,384

Details

The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science is a Level 3 qualification designed for Adults aged 19+ who wish to pursue Higher Education. The course is a one year intensive course, which allows students to develop the skills needed for Higher Education. The course is suitable for those who have been out of full-time education for some time, or wish to change careers. The Access to HE in Science course requires a mature approach, dedication and commitment.

Will the course give me what I want?

The course is an intensive course, which includes units in Biological, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Study skills. All students are allocated a tutor, for pastoral support, as well as to help with UCAS. The Diploma is made up of units that amount to 60 Level 3 credits.
The 60 credits include:

  • 15 credits in Biology
  • 15 credits in Chemistry
  • 9 credits in Physics
  • 6 credits in Maths
  • 15 credits in Study skills

What have students who have taken this course in the past progressed to? 

The course provides a pathway onto a variety of Higher Education degree courses at Universities, including Russell Group Universities.
Past students have gained access to a wide range of science degrees at excellent universities, including:

  • Radiography and Physiotherapy (King’s College)
  • Biomedical Science (Royal Holloway)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics (Surrey)
  • Chemistry (Brunel)
  • Computer Sciences (Sussex)
  • Physics (Warwick)
  • Marine Biology Biodiversity and Conservation (Anglia Ruskin)
  • Nursing (Essex)
  • Physiotherapy(St. George’s) 

How will I learn? 

Through classroom based activities, lectures, practical experiments, group work and self-direct learning. <

How will I be assessed? 

Assessment will be by assignments, exams, presentations, observation of practical work and practical reports. Each unit studied will use one or more of these assessment methods.

Where have students gone to after completing this course?

Higher Education study, University

Is there additional work required by the student?

Due to the volume of scientific ideas and principles covered, as well as their applications, students should be prepared to allow a minimum of 6 hours per week of individual study outside of lessons.

What are the expected employment areas with this course?

Health Care, Science

  • What qualification do I get on completing this course?
    Diploma
  • Where have students gone to after completing this course?
    University
  • What are the expected employment areas with this course?
    Science
  • What are the Entry Requirements?
    You will need to have a GCSE qualification at  4-5 (C) or above or above in Mathematics and be able to demonstrate at least a Level 2 knowledge of both Science and English. All prospective students are required to complete an initial literacy and numeracy assessment, along with a short science assessment, when invited to for an interview. A satisfactory reference is also required.

    Expected prior knowledge


    At least Grade 4-5 (C) or above in GCSE Science or other L2 science qualifications or industrial experience which demonstrate sufficient scientific background

    English level


    You are expected to be at Level 2 in English. If you do not have a GCSE in English you will need to enroll on a separate Evening GCSE course in addition to this Access course, as it is a requirement by Universities that you have a grade 4-5 (C) or above in GCSE English.

    Mathematics level


    You are expected to have a 4-5 (C) or above in GCSE Mathematics before starting the course