The Access to Science Diploma offers an excellent grounding in the development of specific academic preparation skills and independent research. It is particularly useful for students planning to continue with their studies in Higher Education within the field of Science.

What the course leads to

What courses can I do after this? 

There are many excellent opportunities for students to continue studying.  Many students have gone on to study subjects such as Physiotherapy, Medical Sciences, Psychology, Dietetics, Osteopathy, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Aerospace Engineering and Biosciences. Environmental Health, Marine Biology and Ecology were also popular destinations last year.

What do I need to apply

To do this course you should have... 

Students are admitted to the programme by application form and formal interview, with a further guidance interview where appropriate.   Where necessary, evidence of your determination to succeed may be required.  Applicants must be able to work at Level 2 or above for literacy and numeracy, producing certificates/evidence of this at interview.

 

For those with English as a second language either IETLS 5.5 or successful completion of The College language assessment is required.
 

We can support you in identifying how you can improve these skills, if necessary.

 

What about work experience? 

No specific work experience is required to apply for this course.

International entry requirements 

If you are not from an English Language speaking country, you will need to have a minimum of UKVI IELTS 6.0. We accept a wide range of academic qualifications awarded overseas and use the UK NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) guidelines for international comparisons. For tuition and accommodation fees please visit www.thecollege.co.uk/international/courses/tuition-fees and our International Operations team can offer you advice and guidance before and during your studies.

Course costs

Course Code Start Date Costs 19-23 (with concessions) Costs 19+ (no concessions)
BP00207 02/09/2024 £3384.00 £3384.00
There is an Advanced Learner Loan available for this course.

* Please note fees are subject to change.

Costs 

Course cost  £3,384

ELCAS ELIGIBLE

International Fees 

For tuition and accommodation fees please visit www.thecollege.co.uk/international/courses/tuition-fees and our International Operations team can offer you advice and guidance before and during your studies.

Course content

Course Content 

 Subjects studied may include:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental and Earth Sciences
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Higher maths (dependent on level 2 progression)

 

More info

Start Day/Time 

Attendance is approximately 15 hours per week + 10-15 hours private study time per week

Duration 

1 Year

Attendance 

Full-time

Level 

Level 3

Qualification Name 

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Awarding Body 

CAVA (Cambridge Access Validating Agency)

Curriculum Area 

Science, Care, Health and Foundation - Science, Health and Humanities

More about the course 

Venue:
The Access to HE Science Diploma is delivered at the North Road site in Poole.

Contacts:
The College Helpline: 01202 205205
E-mail: enquiries@thecollege.co.uk
Course Administrator: 01202 205217

Funding:
Depending on your age and circumstances you may be entitled to receive significant financial help and/or benefits, and in some cases you may be able to attend the course at no cost to you.
Any student who does not have a full level 3 qualification (such as A levels) and is aged 19 - 23 is eligble for support to reduce their fees.  The amount will vary according to individual circumstances, so please contact us on 01202 205205 for help.  If you have an A level or similar qualification, please talk to the Adult Guidance Team as other courses may be more suitable for you.


Students who enrol on an Access to HE Diploma will normally be eligible to receive a  Advanced Learning Loan. This is a new loan facility that is administered and issued on behalf of the government by the Student Loan Company. It means you don't need to make any payments up front and you won't need to make any repayments until your earnings are over £21,000 a year.


If you take out an Advanced Learning Loan to cover the cost of your Access to HE Diploma and then progress to sucessfully complete your degree, the Government will write off the loan that covered your Access course. This means you could study an Access to HE Diploma for free.
 

There is an online guide that explains qualification levels. You can find it at: 

thecollege.co.uk/adult-skills/guide-qualifications

Resources:
The College's extensive facilities include excellent resource centres offering access to the Internet, CDs, videos, audio visual packages and CD Rom, as well as a stock of over 75,000 books and periodicals. Study areas/quiet rooms are available and there is also an area dedicated to careers reference material.
 

Academic Year 

2024/25

Duration 

1 Year

Attendance 

Full-time

Level 

Level 3

Qualification Name 

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Awarding Body 

CAVA (Cambridge Access Validating Agency)