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Science Access to Higher Education Diploma

Course Overview

This very popular course is for you if you are over 19 and are interested in returning to education with the aim of further training in dentistry, dental hygiene, radiography, veterinary science, sports science/therapy (or other science subjects) but lack confidence because you may not have appropriate qualifications. The Access to HE course is designed to meet your needs by helping you to gain new academic skills and qualifications appropriate for entry to degree level study. You can use the qualification to gain a place at university or to enhance your career prospects (e.g., higher apprenticeships).

All our Access Diplomas are made up of three Level 3 subjects with 45 credits of graded Academic Subject Content (ASC) and 15 credits of ungraded Academic Preparation Skills units (APS) which offer generic study skills to prepare you for higher level study. On the Science Diploma you will study Biology, Psychology, and Chemistry. You will also study core compulsory components in Study Skills covering academic writing, referencing, presentation and seminar skills, research, and reflective practice to ensure you are university ready when you complete your Diploma.

You will also receive help and advice with the selection of university and college courses available to you, and with your UCAS application, personal statement, and interview preparation.

You will receive excellent teaching from outstanding, experienced staff, combined with extensive tutorial support

  • A variety of exciting resources for you to use
  • A blended learning approach, which combines on- site lessons with live remote lectures to maximise learning potential and flexibility
  • Dedicated workshops to advise on the application process for university, your course choice and how to write a personal statement for UCAS
  • Guest speakers and enrichment opportunities
  • Pass rates are outstanding; success can improve your life in so many ways
  • A variety of teaching styles are used: discussions in small groups and as a class; seminar style work; note making and assignment writing
  • You will be supported to achieve more than you thought you could
  • Feedback from current students tells us that the atmosphere in the classroom is friendly and helpful, the relationships between students and staff are excellent with the right blend of formality and informality, and previous students say they felt fully prepared for their degree courses.
  • Students are advised to organise their own work experience after consultation with universities.

Additional costs:

The course fee is £3135.00* per year of study.

For more information regarding course fees, please read our 'Fees and Funding' page.

*Fees are subject to review annually. The fees for existing students may be increased annually in line with the Retail Price Index

This course will take place for 2 days per week on campus plus 2 days per week of independent study.

Course Overview

Course Overview

This very popular course is for you if you are over 19 and are interested in returning to education with the aim of further training in dentistry, dental hygiene, radiography, veterinary science, sports science/therapy (or other science subjects) but lack confidence because you may not have appropriate qualifications. The Access to HE course is designed to meet your needs by helping you to gain new academic skills and qualifications appropriate for entry to degree level study. You can use the qualification to gain a place at university or to enhance your career prospects (e.g., higher apprenticeships).

All our Access Diplomas are made up of three Level 3 subjects with 45 credits of graded Academic Subject Content (ASC) and 15 credits of ungraded Academic Preparation Skills units (APS) which offer generic study skills to prepare you for higher level study. On the Science Diploma you will study Biology, Psychology, and Chemistry. You will also study core compulsory components in Study Skills covering academic writing, referencing, presentation and seminar skills, research, and reflective practice to ensure you are university ready when you complete your Diploma.

You will also receive help and advice with the selection of university and college courses available to you, and with your UCAS application, personal statement, and interview preparation.

You will receive excellent teaching from outstanding, experienced staff, combined with extensive tutorial support

  • A variety of exciting resources for you to use
  • A blended learning approach, which combines on- site lessons with live remote lectures to maximise learning potential and flexibility
  • Dedicated workshops to advise on the application process for university, your course choice and how to write a personal statement for UCAS
  • Guest speakers and enrichment opportunities
  • Pass rates are outstanding; success can improve your life in so many ways
  • A variety of teaching styles are used: discussions in small groups and as a class; seminar style work; note making and assignment writing
  • You will be supported to achieve more than you thought you could
  • Feedback from current students tells us that the atmosphere in the classroom is friendly and helpful, the relationships between students and staff are excellent with the right blend of formality and informality, and previous students say they felt fully prepared for their degree courses.
  • Students are advised to organise their own work experience after consultation with universities.

Additional costs:

The course fee is £3135.00* per year of study.

For more information regarding course fees, please read our 'Fees and Funding' page.

*Fees are subject to review annually. The fees for existing students may be increased annually in line with the Retail Price Index

This course will take place for 2 days per week on campus plus 2 days per week of independent study.

Assessment

Assessment Methods

You will produce a portfolio of work over the year including essays, reports, presentations, and a research unit. You gain credits for the assignments you do. You accumulate credits towards the diploma. There is a minimum of one compulsory exam unit.

Entry Requirements and Progression

Progression

There are a variety of Higher Education institutions around the Southwest and nationally offering degrees in a variety of science subjects.

Previous students have gone on to degree courses including:

  • Veterinary science
  • Biomedical sciences
  • Dental Hygiene and Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Radiography
  • Podiatry
  • Environmental science
  • Marine biology

Please note: most university courses require GCSE Maths and/or English at Grade C/4 or above. There is opportunity to study either or both alongside your Access programme if needed. You may also need to obtain relevant work experience for university entry for veterinary or dental hygiene/therapy degrees.

Entry Requirements

  • There are no specific academic requirements for entry onto the course, but candidates will undergo and initial interview and subsequent assessment day to ensure you are on the right course for your skill level, and ensure you have a sound grasp of basic skills in English and maths
  • It is recommended that students have achieved a minimum Level 2 qualification or GCSE Grade 3/D in English language and maths. Equivalent qualifications will be considered on application and at interview
  • Suitable if over 19 and returning to education.

Policies and Regulations

January Open Event - Taunton Campus

16th January 2025