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This course is for students aged 19+ who have been out of education for at least one year post 18. This is a full Level 3 programme (i.e. at the same level as A Levels, NVQ Level 3 or a BTEC National Diploma). It is the most popular route of entry into Higher Education for adults. There are class based sessions, practical work and investigations, tutorials and independent study and research. You will build a personal portfolio of your completed assignments as you progress through the course.

  • What will I study?

    The units you will study are likely to include:

    Core Units:

    1. Human biology Biochemistry Regulation and Control Skeleton & Muscles Nutrition & Digestion
    2. Chemistry Energetics Fundamentals of Chemistry: Experiments Fundamentals of Chemistry Hydrocarbons
    3. Physics Medical Physics
    4. Maths Statistics
    5. Study Skills IT for Academic Study - 3 credits Producing a Written Assignment - 3 credits
    6. Introductory Academic Human Cell Biology - 3 credits The Periodic Table - 3 credits
    7. Practical Investigation

    All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

  • Who is this course for?

    This course is ideal for you if you are aged 19+ and have been out of post 18 education for at least one year, aiming to go on to university to study for a Degree or equivalent and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in science. Many University courses require Access students to have some life skills from employment and to be able to demonstarte these as well as the academic achievement from the Access course. Some universities now require Access students to be over 21.

  • How is the course assessed?

    The course is organised into units. Each unit carries a number of credits at Level 3. All units are compulsory.

    Credits will be awarded for the successful completion of the coursework and timed assignments for each unit.

    60 credits at Level 3 are required for the Access Diploma.

    Most units are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

  • Knowledge

    You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:

    • The quality procedures relevant to the workplace
    • How to recognise problems and apply appropriate scientific methods to identify causes and achieve solutions
    • The foundations of health and safety including responsibility for health and safety under Health & Safety at Work Act (HASWA).
  • Skills

    You will have the ability to:

    • Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks
    • Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
    • Keep accurate records of laboratory Work undertaken and results.
  • Behaviours

    What is required?

    • Effective teamwork
    • Ability to Work independently and take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks
    • time management and Ability to complete work to agreed schedule. -Meeting deadlines
  • General info

    Students aged over 19 years old - may be eligible to apply for a 19+ loan to fund your course fees - please contact our student enrolment team for more information.

    Help may be available from the Student Bursary Fund towards costs of childcare, books and materials. P lease contact the Student Support Team on 01604 734066 for more details.

  • Progression and Career Opportunities

    Students on this course can access a variety of science based HE courses such as biochemistry, biology, zoology, biological science, psychology, education and teaching, geology, archaeology.

  • Entry Requirements for new students

    GCSE English and maths at Grade 4; students must be aged 19+, out of education for at least one year post 18, demonstration of life-experience outside of education. Due to the demands of the Access course it will not be possible to take any GCSEs alongside. GCSEs required for college and/or University entrance must be taken in the year prior to enrolling for the Access course.

  • Admissions Process

    We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
    Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.