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Access to Higher Education - Combined Science

Tresham College Applied Science HE

Overview

Combined Science Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)

This Access to Science Diploma is a one year Level 3 intensive course aimed at mature students (19+) without the standard qualifications to enter higher education. It provides you with the opportunity to study a Level 3 qualification, on a full-time basis, leading to progression on to a higher education qualification. You will focus on developing core skills in maths and research and increase your knowledge of science.

Available Courses
Tresham College Wellingborough campus
Starts: 09/09/2024
Type: Full Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Monday, Wednesday
Time(s): 9:30am - 4:45pm
Fees: 16-18 Yrs: N/A 19+ Yrs: £3384 Fee notes: The fee indicated is for each year of the course.
Bedford College
Starts: 11/09/2024
Type: Full Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Time(s): 9:15am - 4:45pm
Fees: 16-18 Yrs: N/A 19+ Yrs: £3384 Fee notes: The fee indicated is for each year of the course.
Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Course information

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19 or over to apply and will need to have English Language and maths GCSE at grade 4 (GCSE Grade C) or above or equivalent Level 2 qualifications. Applicants may be accepted on the Access Diploma with one of these, subject to a successful interview and entry test to show you are working at level 2. You will have to gain the other level 2 during the same year to progress to university. If your first language is not English will need an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher.

You will also need to have good IT skills as all of your assignments will be carried out using either Word, Excel or PowerPoint. You can undertake IT Skills classes at our Learning Centres.

It is very important to research the entry criteria of the universities you would like to apply to. You will need a minimum of GCSE English and maths, in addition to your Access qualification, for entry onto degree-level courses. We currently offer GCSE and Functional Skills which you may be able to enrol on alongside your Access course to gain these qualifications. Many university courses can be very competitive and it’s important to understand and fulfil the entry requirements prior to applying.

Course content

During the course you will study the following units:

Core units

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Research Project
  • Study Skills

You will also study these Combined Science units:

Biology units

  • Evolution and Ecology
  • Cells Tissues Organs
  • Digestion & The Liver
  • Homeostasis
  • Blood, Circulation
  • Disease and Body Defense
  • Microbiology
  • Mendelian and Applied Genetics

Biology / Chemistry units

  • Biomolecules (Biochemistry)

 

Chemistry units

  • Energy
  • Drugs and Food Additives
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry
  • Periodic Table
  • Structure and Bonding

Physics unit

  • Optics and Waves

You will develop self confidence in your ability to learn and develop the necessary academic skills such as essay writing and research skills to prepare you for university.

You will be invited to progression events to higher education at college and at local universities.

Assessment methods

You will be regularly assessed through written, practical and oral assignments, project work and exams. To enable you to be successful on the course you will need to be able to use IT to produce essays, reports, presentations and statistical data.

Qualifications

You will gain:

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science
Further study and career options

On successful completion you can progress onto a degree-level course or further qualifications in your chosen specialist area, such as: physiotherapy, pharmacy, paramedics, radiography, biomedical science, environmental science, nutrition, biology, podiatry, or zoology, among others.

Additional information

You will be required to attend College for two days a week. The proposed times of the College day will 9.15am to 4.45pm. You will also be expected to study for approximately 15 hours a week outside of college some of which will be online learning. You may need to purchase books relating to the course.

Please declare if you have English and maths GCSEs and/or Functional Skills qualifications – this information is required (note: you will need to provide evidence prior to enrolment). Once we’ve processed your application you will be contacted by email.

Pay by instalments

The College offers an instalment plan for Further Education and Higher Education courses to students where the total amount payable at the point of enrolment is £200 or more. Within the scheme there is an ability to pay up to 6 instalments, depending on the length of the courses and the final payment must be paid at least a month before the end of the course.

Funding information

If you are aged 19 or over, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help you pay the tuition fees for this course. Alternatively, you can pay by instalments to help make the cost more affordable. Find out more about your payment options here

If you complete one of our Access to Higher Education courses and use an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for your tuition fee, the Student Loans Company will write off the balance on the Advanced Learner Loan if you then go on to complete an undergraduate course.

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

 

Additional formats

Course information sheets are also available in large print and audio formats. Call us on 01234 291000 to order your copy.