Access to Science
Starting dates and places
Description
With Access to Science, you can study a range of science or health-related subjects at Level 3 (equivalent to A-level). You can also re-take GCSE English and maths. In addition, you are offered tuition in study skills and tutorial support.
An access course is for mature students (19+) who have been out of full-time education for one or more years and would like to go on to higher education but do not have the formal qualifications needed.
To gain an access diploma you must achieve 60 credits. 45 of them must be at Level 3. Assessments are a mixture of essays, structured questions, presentations and examinations. An access course takes one year to complete.
You may also need to study GCSE…
Frequently asked questions
There are no frequently asked questions yet. If you have any more questions or need help, contact our customer service.
With Access to Science, you can study a range of science or health-related subjects at Level 3 (equivalent to A-level). You can also re-take GCSE English and maths. In addition, you are offered tuition in study skills and tutorial support.
An access course is for mature students (19+) who have been out
of full-time education for one or more years and would like to go
on to higher education but do not have the formal qualifications
needed.
To gain an access diploma you must achieve 60 credits. 45 of them
must be at Level 3. Assessments are a mixture of essays, structured
questions, presentations and examinations. An access course takes
one year to complete.
You may also need to study GCSE English and maths, which is an
additional course (with an additional fee), but can be timetabled
to fit in with the access diploma.
If English is your second language and the GCSE is not an
appropriate route then you will need to work towards achieving the
required IELTS standard for your chosen university course.
The Access to Science pathway offers you a chance to study two
sciences which you choose from biology, chemistry and physics. You
also study mathematics at Level 2 and Level 3.
This pathway supports applications to a wide variety of degree
programmes including traditional science courses and many of the
applied options. Past students have gone on to take degrees in
environmental science, nutrition, radiology, cell biology, physics
and teaching.
You are assessed through course work practicals, exams and work
completed in class. Depending on your level it may be appropriate
for you to study GCSE English alongside your course. This will be
examined through course work and external exams.
The majority of your learning time is classroom based, and in class
there is a wide range of learning activities. A strong emphasis is
placed on working and learning with others and you are regularly
set tasks to complete in partnership with other students. You also
need to be able to work independently and take responsibility for
your own learning. Your learning will be supported and enhanced by
a virtual learning environment site dedicated to the course.
You will develop the skills necessary for further academic study such as strong report writing essay writing and study skills, including presentation skills. You will also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment including self-confidence speaking in front of others working with others taking responsibility and managing your time.
There are no formal entry requirements, but you do need to
attend an interview, including tests on maths and a written
discussion on a given topic, to ensure this programme is at the
most appropriate level for you.
Appropriate work experience, showing understanding and skills seen
in your desired profession, would be advantageous. For some
university courses it is essential.
In particular, the healthcare courses often demand recent and
applicable experience – physiotherapy, midwifery and occupational
therapy are well known for this. Therefore, relevant work
experience is a pre-requisite of the access course if you are
aiming for a professional course. There will be little time for you
to complete the relevant work experience alongside the course.
Applicants should be committed to furthering their education and be
committed to completing the programme. You should also have
researched into your chosen career, and courses offered by
universities.
You can move on to higher education courses at degree level as well as teacher training and social work. Our students are very successful in gaining places at excellent universities. Some of them choose to stay close to home and study at Oxford Brookes (where there is a guaranteed place on their undergraduate modular degree programme for local students) others have moved on to Ruskin College, Northampton, Reading, Coventry, Warwick and Birmingham. Others move further afield including the London colleges. You will be helped with your university application when you start the course.
The Access programmes are often over-subscribed and competitive.
Early application is encouraged.
If you are 24 or older you are able to take out a loan to cover
these fees and you will not have to pay the loan back until you are
earning a minimum of £21,000.
If you get a loan to cover tuition fees for an Access to HE course
and then complete a higher education course, you will not have to
repay the remaining loan for the access course.
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