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Access to HE Science Course in Poole

Cost£3,384.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA
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About this course

Access to HE Science Course in Poole. Classes run at Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education, full-time during the day. This level 3 access to he science course is designed for adults aged 19 or over who want to move into higher education in a science field. The course runs over one year and covers subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, lab skills, and study skills. You'll build the academic and research skills that universities expect. Entry is by application and formal interview. Applicants need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy at Level 2 or above.

Who this course is for

This course is designed for over 19-year-olds. The Access to Science Diploma offers an excellent grounding in the development of specific academic preparation skills and independent research. It is particularly useful for students planning to continue with their studies in Higher Education within the field of Science.

Entry requirements

Students are admitted to the programme by application form and formal interview, with a further guidance interview where appropriate. Where necessary, evidence of your determination to succeed may be required. Applicants must be able to work at Level 2 or above for literacy and numeracy, producing certificates/evidence of this at interview.

For those with English as a second language either IETLS 5.5 or successful completion of The College language assessment is required.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop academic research and independent study skills at university level.
  • You'll study core science subjects including Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences.
  • You'll apply mathematical skills in a scientific context.
  • You'll practise laboratory techniques and scientific methods.
  • You'll build the skills to plan, structure, and present written academic work.
  • You'll complete a portfolio of evidence across your units to demonstrate your progress.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time over one year. Assessment is portfolio-based. You need to pass a minimum of 60 credits, with 45 credits in academic content and 15 credits in academic skills. Regular attendance is essential to building and maintaining your evidence portfolio. There are no formal written exams in the traditional sense; your work across the year forms the basis of your assessment.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Bournemouth and Poole College of Further Education will confirm anything else you need before you start. At interview, you'll need to bring certificates or other evidence showing you can work at Level 2 or above in literacy and numeracy. If English is not your first language, you'll need to show an IELTS score of 5.5 or pass the college's own language assessment.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Laboratory technician: support scientific research in labs and testing facilities.
  • Science technician: assist teaching staff in school or college science departments.
  • Healthcare science assistant: work in NHS diagnostic or clinical science settings.
  • Environmental monitoring officer: collect and analyse environmental data.
  • Research assistant: support university or industry research projects after graduating.

What you could study next

This qualification is recognised by UK universities as meeting entry requirements for science degree programmes. You could progress to:

  • BSc Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Environmental Science at university.
  • BSc Nursing, Midwifery, or Allied Health programmes where science A-level equivalence is required.
  • Foundation year science degrees if you want an additional transition year before the full degree.

Speak to your chosen university about their specific entry requirements before you apply.

Apply on thecollege.co.uk →
Apply now →

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