Level 3 Diploma Access to HE - Science

Would you love to pursue a career in science? Even if you have not studied for some time, this course will help you to develop your academic skills and confidence, setting you on a path to study a science-related degree at university or other higher education courses at college.

The access to science will give you the qualification you need to progress on to university or further study in your chosen subject area. This access course offers a wide range of progression on to science-based subjects such as chemistry and biological science. It can also lead to degrees in radiography, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, health science and biological science.

All the access to higher education courses are designed to develop your academic skills and support those who have not studied for some time. If you have been in education more recently, you will be able to develop your academic skills further.

You will study a range of units across the three sciences: biology, physics and chemistry. You will learn about human physiology; how and why chemical reactions happen; and how the physical world works. You will plan and conducted an experiment, developing your academic and experimental skills in the process.

Please note units may be subject to change.

You will be assessed during the course as each unit is taught and completed. You will be assessed through a variety of methods such as essays, presentations, research projects, and exams. The course is delivered on a blended model, with most sessions being face to face and a small part delivered online.

Students who achieve this qualification can go on to university to study degrees in subjects including biology, chemistry, radiography, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy..

Universities expect adults who apply for some vocational degrees to have previous relevant paid or voluntary experience. If you do not already have this experience, you will be required to organise relevant experience before you begin the course. If you require advice about which type of experience would help your university application, ask to speak to our Careers Advisor based in Learner Services.

All HE students receive termly one-to-one tutorials with their programme leader to support them with their progress on programme. You will also have access to an online tutorial programme which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as mental health, managing finances, support for single parents, and working online. In addition, you can access a programme of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing, and time management.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required, and a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed. All HE students have access to a designated progress coach who can also provide welfare support.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

During your course your learning will be enhanced by dedicated tutors who have a wide range of industry knowledge and experience. The college features a dedicated laboratory, allowing you to develop valuable skills in a realistic setting. Throughout your course you will also benefit from our fantastic industry connections, which will enable you to gain valuable industry insight and hear from professionals currently working in the field. We have excellent progression rates on to higher education, with many students securing a place at their first-choice university.

Direct Entry Requirement

• GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in maths
• Please note that if you do not have GCSE English at entry with GCSE Maths, you will be required to complete the GCSE English course alongside your Access to HE qualification.

Although not a requirement for this course, GCSE English Language, Science and maths at grade A*-C/9-4 may be a requirement for progression to some careers and Higher Education Programmes.

If you do not meet the entry requirements

Don’t worry – you can apply for our Level 2 Pre-access course which will prepare you for the Level 3 Access to Higher Education in your chosen career pathway . You will also work towards achieving your Level 2 (GCSE) Maths and/or English at the same time.

If you are aged 19 or over, studying a level 3 or above course, you will now be required to pay tuition fees. You can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan for this course. For more information, please contact Learner Services on 01925 494494 for advice on financial support, or visit Financial Support | Warrington & Vale Royal College (wvr.ac.uk)

Apart from the course and registration fees, you will need the usual student stationery such as pens, paper, and files. The purchase of textbooks is not compulsory - there is a wide selection of books available in our dedicated Learning Resource Centre. Should you wish to purchase textbooks, your subject tutors will recommend suitable books.