STEM (Science, Technology. Engineering & Maths) Access to HE

Start Date

Level: 3

Course Course: P00257

Area: Science, Dental & Pharmacy

Campus: City Campus

About this Course

The Science Access Diploma is a 1 year programme which prepares mature students for Higher Education (university) courses in science-related subjects. The Diploma is recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Key Units

The Diploma is an intensive route into HE for mature students. It makes stringent requirements on learners in terms of time, commitment and academic development. There are frequent deadlines which must be met.

Applicants should have had a break from education of at least 1 year, during which life skills have been acquired. Students often have responsibilities outside of education such as work or children, which have helped to develop the maturity to cope with the demands of the course.

Key units include:

Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics

All students will undertake study skills.

All units are at Level 3.

60 credits (45 graded and 15 ungraded) are required to achieve the Diploma.

Entry Requirements

Grade C or above in GCSE English Language, Maths and Science (or equivalent)
IELTS with a score of 6.5 is an acceptable alternative to GCSE English

In offering places on Access courses, a number of factors will be taken into account, including:

life experience
skill level
understanding of a chosen HE route

Applicants should usually have appropriate work or voluntary experience and/or other requirements for some HE courses before joining this Access course. It is an advantage to have successfully completed a course of study in the last 5 years. The recruitment process will also involve an individual or group interview and written exercises.

For students who do not currently meet the requirements, the college offers a pre-access course which is a one year study programme designed to help students develop their skills and knowledge in preparation for study on an Access to HE Diploma.

Assessment

To pass the Access to HE Diploma all 60 registered credits must be achieved. Credits are awarded at Pass, Merit and Distinction grades.

Assessment is through a variety of techniques which give preparation for university, including:

tests for most units
structured questions
essays
reports
laboratory practical work
research project
presentations

Where does this Lead

This broad programme leads to a range of Higher Education courses particularly in the following areas:

Science and Mathematics

Biochemistry
Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Forensics
Geology
Mathematics
Material Science
Physics
Psychology
Sports Science

Healthcare

Dietetics
Environmental Health
Midwifery
Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Operating Department Practice
Paramedic Studies
Prosthetics
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Radiography
Radiotherapy and Oncology
Speech Therapy

Teaching

All levels and various subjects.

Engineering

All disciplines (learners will need a high level of mathematical ability).

This well-established course has an excellent record of student progression into Higher Education both locally and nationally. A good number of students progress to Russell Group universities.

Extra Costs

You are expected to bring appropriate stationery, eg. pens, pencils, paper, to each class and a scientific calculator to most classes. You might also have some printing costs.

Although you are not required to buy books, lab coats and safety glasses, there is the opportunity to do so if you would like to.

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