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Course Start Date: September (Tuesday and Thursday Evenings)An Access to Higher Education Diploma is the ideal way for adult students (aged 19+) without traditional A Levels or Level 3 qualifications to qualify for entry to a degree or other Higher Education course. This course leads to a qualification at Level 3 (equivalent to A Level) and is an intensive courses that allows you to study part-time, whilst still working or meeting other commitments. Universities and other Higher Education providers fully recognise our Access Diplomas as sufficient to meet the entry criteria for various degree courses. The Science pathway is for those students wishing to enter a wide range of health and science professions or subject specific degrees such as biomedical science, medical biology, life sciences, biological sciences, biochemistry, microbiology, ecology, paramedic science, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics, chemistry, physics, marine biology, dental therapy, dental hygiene, chemical engineering, medical science, forensic science, pharmaceutical science, radiography, veterinary nursing, civil engineering, engineering, wildlife conservation, food science, zoology, mathematical sciences, etc.All of our pathways also include modules in Study Skills to prepare you for academic writing and an independent project unit at the end of your course.
All applicants for Science are required to possess a minimum of grade 4/C in GCSE Maths and English Language or equivalent Level 2 in Functional Skills. You may be able to study Functional Skills Maths Level 2/GCSE Maths alongside your Access Course if you have other relevant qualifications alongside your English, for example, GCSE Biology is highly desirable as some universities may also ask for this. You could enrol on this course with GCSE English and GCSE Biology and study Maths alongside if required. Students are also required to carry out their own research into the specific entry requirements for their chosen university courses prior to application. HSDC offers Level 2 Pre-Access, Maths and English courses (including GCSEs), at various levels for potential Access students who do not hold the required qualifications. For Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy and other vocational courses relevant work experience is also required prior to the university application. Students will also need a clean DBS in order to pursue careers in health care. You will be asked to declare any criminal record on application.Please note that you must be aged 18 or over to study this Adult Learning course.
The course is taught by experienced subject matter experts and includes a blend of theoretical and practical elements. Students can expect to delve into core subjects like Chemistry, Cell Biology, Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology and Sports Science. Access classes take the form of two sessions per week for 35 weeks. Attendance will be required for two evenings a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) between 5.30pm and 9.30pm. In the early weeks of the course students will be taught study skills to introduce and develop essay writing and academic skills to help them complete assessments; they will also receive advice and support in the process of completing the application to university. In addition to the contact hours, students will be required to complete independent work each week. The following units are studied on the Science Pathway: Fundamentals of Chemistry Drugs and Food Additives Periodic Table, Ionisation Energies and Redox Structure and Bonding Cell Biology Biomolecules for healthcare Nutrition and digestion Mammalian control systems Microbiology and immunity Cardiopulmonary system The Musculoskeletal System Nutrition and Hydration Independent Academic Study (Science)
Our Access courses are taught by a team of specialist subject lecturers. To enhance your learning experience, we incorporate Rosenshine’s principles of instruction, such as: Daily review: Revisiting previous material to reinforce understanding. Small steps: Breaking down complex topics into manageable chunks for easier comprehension. Questioning: Actively engaging students through thoughtful questioning techniques. Modelling: Demonstrating examples and best practices to guide learning. Guided practice: Providing opportunities for students to practise new skills under supervision.In addition to these instructional strategies, we offer dedicated sessions for students to receive help and advice on applying for Higher Education from our Careers team. Our classes employ a variety of teaching and learning methods, including essays, discussions, lectures, group work, practical sessions and controlled assessments. Regular attendance is compulsory to ensure your success.
Assessment is made through completion of assignment based activities, essays, course work, independent study and research, practical work and class based tests. In order to achieve an overall pass, students must achieve 60 credits, of which at least 45 are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
The progression routes from this Diploma could include, but are not limited to, degrees in biomedical science, medical biology, life sciences, biological sciences, biochemistry, microbiology, ecology, paramedic science, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics, chemistry, physics, marine biology, dental therapy, dental hygiene, chemical engineering, medical science, forensic science, pharmaceutical science, radiography, veterinary nursing, civil engineering, engineering, wildlife conservation, food science, zoology and mathematical sciences.
