Medicine Access to HE

This course is for adults over 19 who want to enter Higher Education. You should already have GCSE Science, Maths and English at Grade 6/B or above.

Please note: This course is not suitable for applicants who have recently failed to meet the desired A Level or degree results for entry to medicine

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 Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.

Biology Units

Fundamental Concepts in Cellular Biology 
Principles in Human Digestion and Nutrition
The Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
The Role of the Nervous and Endocrine Systems in Control

Chemistry Units

Fundament Principles in Chemistry
The Chemistry of Organic Compounds 
Concepts in Physical Chemistry 
The Chemistry of Aqueous Solutions 
Planning and Conducting a Scientific Investigation

Physics and Maths Units

Motion, Energy Forces 
Waves
Properties of Matter 
Use and Comprehension of Numerical Data

Study Skills Units

Professional Behaviours
Reading and Comprehension of Scientific writing
Speaking and Listening Skills
Examination Skills

• Apply online via the Apply Now button at the bottom of this page
• 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 6 (B) or above
• Writing skills will be assessed prior to enrolment
• Evidence of researching medical schools
• Evidence of practising the UCAT and BMAT admissions tests
• Evidence of a draft of a Personal Statement for UCAS
• 6-12 months’ work experience in a health or care setting (voluntary or paid employment). Examples of work experience might include:
  • Hospitals
  • Care homes
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Voluntary work with a charity such as the Samaritans

Please note: This course is not suitable for applicants who have recently failed to meet the desired A level or degree results for entry to medicine.

• 15 taught hours per week in college usually spread over three to four days
• 20 self-study hours per week
• Support from a personal tutor and Study Skills are included in the course

Assessment is:

• Assignment based
• Coursework
• Exams

This course is designed primarily for applicants wishing to pursue a career in Medicine. It will, however, support applications for degrees in many related areas such as Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Diagnostic Imaging or Physiotherapy.

• 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

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.