Access to HE Diploma (Science) Level 3 OCNLR

When & Where

15 September 2025 - 23 June 2026 ( 432 hours, 33 weeks )
Morning, Afternoon, Monday, Tuesday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Multiple
Course Code W25SCIE02A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

An Access to HE Diploma in Science could be your first step towards a career in science or engineering. This daytime programme provides a thorough grounding in scientific principles and practical skills in preparation for a wide range of science-based degrees, such as biomedical sciences, biochemistry, ecology, chemistry, pharmaceutical science, physics, civil, mechanical, electronic or chemical engineering, or Earth science. You can select modules that match your interests and progression aim. All students take study skills and select three modules from the following: biology, chemistry, physics, and maths.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Study skills: note taking and note making, writing standard english (option), examination skills (option), finding and reading information, report writing, speaking and listening (15 credits)
Biology: cells, human biology, photosynthesis and respiration, genes and inheritance, biological chemistry (15 credits)
Chemistry: matter: particles and formulae, amount (mole) of a substance, chemical kinetics, the chemistry of aqueous solutions, organic chemistry (option) (15 credits)
Physics: electricity, waves, atomic physics, algebra, medical imaging (option) (15 credits)
Maths: numerical methods, functions and graphs, trigonometry, calculus (15 credits)
Individual project – planning and conducting a scientific investigation (3 credits)

On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the following qualification: Access to HE Diploma (Science) [OCNLR]

Class format and activities

This is a flexible Access programme offering a choice of pathways to fit different progression aims. The programme prepares students for degree courses such as Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmacology, Biomedical Science, Engineering (eg Mechanical/Civil/Electrical/Aeronautical/Petroleum), Physical Sciences and Earth Science. It also prepares students for health related degree courses such as radiography, dietetics and physiotherapy. To achieve the Access to HE Diploma students must achieve 60 credits: 45 @ L3 (graded) and 15 @ L3 (ungraded study skills). All students attend one session per week for Tutorial and Study Skills. Students then select three options from: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Maths. Achievement on your course will be measured by completion of assignments. Your progress towards achieving the learning outcomes will be reviewed throughout the course. At the start of the course you will have an opportunity to discuss these with your tutor and set your own personal targets, linked to the learning outcomes and future goals i.e.: progression to another course.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19 or over and have GCSE English and Maths at grade A-C / 4-9 or Level 2 Equivalent. You also need to have studied Science at Level 2 (GCSE level). These are set to mirror the requirements set by most universities, but please be aware that some universities will not accept equivalent qualifications such as functional skills. You will be invited to a 30 – 45 minute interview with one of the course tutors. If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5/7, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

What you need to know before you enrol

Your Access course will be very enjoyable, but also requires real dedication and commitment if you are going to succeed. Excellent attendance and punctuality is required from all students. Your course requires attendance around two and a half days a week and the course runs from the beginning of September to the end of June. We endeavour to prepare students for the demands of a University degree course in just nine short months. It is therefore essential that you think about how you are going to balance work, family and social life with your studies. Assessment of the Access to HE diploma is by coursework completed throughout the year. You will be expected to do regular reading and written work outside of class time in addition to your attendance in classes. Applicants for many degrees in the sciences, and all those in the health professions, will be required to attend a group or individual interview with the University. Applicants are expected to show a high degree of verbal and written communication skills. For those interested in health profession degrees work experience in a relevant health or care setting is normally an essential entry requirement (either through paid employment or voluntary work).

What you need

You will require paper, pens, pencil, ruler, graph paper and a scientific calculator. You will also require access to a laptop/tablet/computer and reliable WiFi for completion of your assignments.

What you can do next

This Access programme prepares students for science-based degree courses such as:Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science or PharmacologyBiosciences or Biomedical ScienceEngineering (e.g. Mechanical/Civil/Electrical/Aeronautical/Petroleum)Physical ScienceEarth or Planetary ScienceThis Access programme also prepares students for health related degree courses such as:RadiographyDieteticsPhysiotherapyParamedic Science