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Science - Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma

Summary

This course is ideal if you wish to have a career in biomedical science, ecology, zoology, teaching, research and development, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacy, radiography, physiotherapy, food and nutrition, criminal investigation or any career in biology or chemistry study. The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification which will prepare you for study at degree level. If you would like to go to university but left school without the qualifications you need, then an Access to HE course could be for you. The course is run over 1 academic year and is designed for learners aged 19 years and above. Advanced Learner Loans are available to help you fund your studies.  

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
01 Sep 2025
University Centre
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Successful students can move to higher education study, either at Blackpool and the Fylde College or other institutions. This course is ideal if you would like to have a career in biomedical science, ecology, zoology, teaching, research and development, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacy, radiography, physiotherapy, food and nutrition, criminal investigation or any career in another related profession.

Key information

Entry Requirements

 Direct Entry:

  • 3 GCSEs Grade 4 (C) or above including maths or English Grade 4 (C) or above. Science GCSE at Grade 4 (C) is also required if studying a science related subject 
  • Relevant Level 2 or 3 qualification plus maths or English Grade 4 (C) or above/ level 2 Functional Skills maths and English.


Not achieved Maths or English GCSE at Grade 4 (C) or above:

  •  You will need to complete the one-year Level 2 (GCSE) maths or English alongside your Access to HE  qualification.


If you do not meet the entry requirements:

  •  Don’t worry – you can apply for our Level 2 Science course which will prepare you for the Access to Higher  Education course. You can also work towards achieving your Level 2 (GCSE) Maths and/or English at the same time.

 

Qualification obtained

Access to HE Diploma (Science)

Fees and funding

Read our tuition fees guide.

Extra costs and equipment

As well as providing their own stationery, to include pens, notepad and an A4 folder, we recommend that students have access to a laptop and to the internet. In some instances, it may be possible for the College to assist with this.

Replacement ID badges cost £3 or £8 if incorporated with a bus pass. For photocopying, students are provided with the first 80 black and white free of charge. Any additional copies for black and white are charged at 4p per copy.

Although course textbooks are available in the College library, we will provide a list of recommended texts at the beginning of the course which you may wish to purchase.

Laboratory coats and glasses will be provided when required.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: ASCENTIS

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There is no work placement as part of this course; however you may wish to contact your chosen university and check if work experience or voluntary work is a requirement for their degree programme.

This would be done in your own time and no time allowance would be given as part of this course.

How will I learn?

A variety of teaching and learning strategies and techniques are used to motivate and support students.

Classroom time is 340 hours over the year which equates to 10 hours a week delivered over 2 days. We would expect private study time (research/background reading/creation of drafts and final reports) to take an extra 10 hours a week.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.