Level 3
Science – Access to HE
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education. You may already have some qualifications…
Quick info
- Qualification
- xxx
- Awarding Organisation
- OCR
- Course type
- xxx
- Duration
- xxx
- Centre
- xxx
- Course level
- xxx
- Course code
- xxx
- Dates
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Course overview
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education.
You may already have some qualifications at GCSE, NVQ, BTEC or A Level but not enough to get to university.
For Maths, Physics, Computer Science, or any course with a significant mathematical component at university, please apply for the Engineering Access to HE course.
How to apply
Find out more about our A Level pathways and how to apply
Who is this course for?
This course is for adults over 19 who want to enter Higher Education. You should already have GCSE Science, Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.
What you’ll learn
The Access course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to achieve your goal. You need to be very committed to study and focused on your career choice.
You will study Chemistry, Biology and either Maths or Physics or Psychology.
Chemistry Units
- Structure Bonding and Periodic Table
- Chemical Energetics
- Chemical Kinetics
- Chemistry of Organic Compounds
Biology Units
- Biological Molecules and Enzymes
- Cells
- Homeostasis
- Photosynthesis and Respiration
Mathematics Units
- Arithmetic and Algebraic Methods
- Functions and Graphs
- Differentiation and Integration
- Trigonometry
Physics Units
- Electricity
- Motion Energy Forces
- Properties of Matter
- Waves
Psychology Units
- Introduction to Psychology
- Mental Health Conditions
- Stress and Health
- Biological Psychology
Entry requirements
You will be required to include a personal statement (approximately one side of A4), within the application form. Please prepare this in advance before starting the application process.
You will need to include:
- Why you are applying for the course
- What you would like to study at university, and why
- Any experience you have in relation to the Access course, this may be educational, voluntary and/or work based
- GCSE Science, Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above
- Writing skills will be assessed prior to enrolment
- Knowledge of course required at university
- Strong desire to study
- Commitment to study full-time for a year
- Good organisation, motivation and enthusiasm
- 6-12 months’ work experience in a health or care setting (voluntary or paid employment) for students wanting to progress to degree programmes such as Diagnostic Imaging, Dietetics, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Radiotherapy etc.
Future career and study
The Science Pathway will enable you to undertake studies relating to a large range of science topics from all the key science subjects
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Psychology.
You will develop skills and knowledge during your Access to Science diploma, which will qualify you to progress to an extensive range of degree level programmes. These could include the pure sciences as well as applied science areas such as Medicine and Health professions, neuroscience, astrology, archaeology, microbiology, veterinary science, dentistry, forensic science and pathology, to name just a few. This will then allow you to progress onto differing career paths within the science sector.
There are also a number of HND/Foundation Degrees at City of Bristol College.
- It is essential that you know what you want to study at university or college
- Thoroughly research your intended university course and its entry requirements before you apply for an Access course
- We recommend you visit universities on their Open Days
- We have long-established links with universities
- We offer guaranteed consideration for a Foundation Degree at City of Bristol College
Additional costs
As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery.
Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.
If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.