Access to Higher Education
Access to HE Diploma (Science)
This qualification is for you if you are an adult student and are looking to gain the qualifications to attend university to study science, at a higher level.
There are two pathways on the Access to Science Diploma:
Pathway A is Chemistry and Biology
Pathway B is Physics and Maths
Your choice of pathway will be based on your planned progression and confirmed at interview.
Personal Study Time
A substantial time commitment and the ability to organise and take responsibility for your own learning are required. Students usually attend college for approximately 13 hours per week. In addition, it is expected that 10-15 hours per week is spent on personal study: consolidating work done in class, working on coursework and preparing for tests.
About the course
Pathway A is Chemistry and Biology
Pathway B is Physics and Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
Key units include:
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics
All students also undertake a Science Project.
This course is suitable for applicants aged 19+ and for those looking to proceed to university level study. 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.
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
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 and 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.
The full cost for this course is approximately £3,384. If you are aged 19-23 and do not already have a full level 3 qualification, the qualification will be fully funded. If this does not apply, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. Please note: all quoted fees are subject to change.
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.
Student case study
“It's been amazing to keep learning and expanding my knowledge. This course has given me the skills to pursue my dream career in palaeontology.”
Benjamin - Access to HE in Diploma in Science
25,435
Employed in 2026 across Sheffield
24,949
Graduate jobs predicted in Sheffield, during 2027
£38,798
Average salary
