What You Will Study
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science (Health), as validated by CAVA, is a qualification which prepares students aged 19 years and over, without appropriate qualifications, for study at degree level. The Access programme will qualify you to study a range of science based degrees, including degrees in the natural sciences.
You will cover four units of biology: the organism and its environment, cell growth and inheritance, living organisms and living cells.
There are four units of chemistry; which cover basic chemical concepts, biochemistry and the relevance of chemistry to human health in the modern world. These chemistry units include an introduction to chemistry, plus aim to develop knowledge in organic chemistry. This is taught from a strongly practical angle and complements the biology units.
Further units in this course will cover general science, data handling and statistics, human physiology, dissertation, introductory maths for science, study skills and an introduction to research methods.
The programme is modular and will be delivered over three days a week. It covers relevant aspects of science, with an emphasis on practical work.
Entry Requirements
- You need to have achieved, or be working towards, GCSE English language and maths at grade 4 or above.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will be supported throughout the course by a personal tutor who will also give you guidance in applying for Higher Education courses. You will be awarded credits on completion of each units with a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. All credits are awarded are awarded at Level 3 which broadly equates to A Level study. Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and examinations.
Course Progression
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) is widely recognised by UK universities. If you are planning to study a degree course at a specific university, it would be useful to contact them to check that the course you have chosen is in an appropriate subject area and is recognised by the university or college. Please be aware that university entry criteria can change at any time.
Previous students have progressed to the following universities: UEA, University of Suffolk, Anglia Ruskin University, Lincoln, Birmingham, Bradford and Sheffield Hallam.
Where Your Course Can Take You
This course could lead you to a range of careers in a Science related field.
Fees
Please contact the Advice Shop for information on fees and financial support which may be available. We recommend you also check our Finance pages for further information including student travel offers.
We were awarded a TEF Silver rating overall in 2023, achieving this for both student experience and student outcomes.
