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Course Overview

Please Note: The deadline for the academic year of 2024/25 has passed. The next intake of students will be in September 2025.

 

This course is designed for over 19 year olds.

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.

 Subjects studied may include:

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

 

 The course is intended for adults who do not have traditional sixth-form or vocational qualifications, preparing for and gaining entry to degrees and other Higher Education programmes. This course is designed for applicants who demonstrate clear commitment, maturity and motivation. 

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.

 

Success in the Access to HE Diploma is achieved by regular attendance and maintenance of the evidence portfolio.  You will need to pass a minimum of 60 credits with 45 credits in Academic Content and 15 credits in Academic Preparation Skills.

Students are assessed throughout the course using a mixture of assignements, practical tasks, presentations, projects and unit examinations.  The portfolio of evidence created is internally assessed and moderated before final external moderation and certification.

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

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.

Course cost  £3,384

ELCAS ELIGIBLE

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
 

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.
 

Awarding Body:
CAVA (Cambridge Access Validating Agency)

Curriculum Area:
Science, Care, Health and Foundation - Science, Health and Humanities

Course Options

Start Date

Wed 3rd September 2025

Attendance

Full-time

Duration

1 Years

Location

Poole Campus

*Advanced learner loan available