This course offers progression onto higher education degree level courses and a chance to change your career and prospects. You could progress to courses in, for example, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Pharmacy, Radiography, Biomedical Sciences and a range of related degrees.
You need to be at least 19 years of age to study on this course and a student loan is available to cover the cost of tuition fees. If you subsequently progress on to a degree course and successfully complete it, this loan will be written off. The OCN London Access to HE Diploma programme is designed to enable progress to higher education degree level courses. You will attend college for typically two days per week, but should also set aside additional time for private study required for background reading and completing assignments. Progression to HE will depend on the grades you achieve in your assignments..
The Access course is made up of separate modules, each contributing towards the Diploma. The main subjects are Biology (e.g. Anatomy and Physiology, Botany, Zoology and Ecology), Chemistry (e.g. Organic, Inorganic and Physical) and Physics (e.g. Energy, Electricity and Atomic Structure) together with Mathematics relevant to scientists. The modules have been selected to maximise your chances of progressing onto your desired University course. Within these subjects there will be some choice of study. You will also learn the study skills required for both this course and the next one.
If you feel that you have studied similar material previously you may claim Accredited Prior Learning (APL) for such study (subject to approval by the awarding body. Our tutors would be happy to advise you about this.
Assessment varies according to each module, but is typically written assignments and controlled assessments. Each assignment is graded pass, merit or distinction and contributes to the overall grade for the course.
The Access to Science course is designed for adults, aged 19 and over, who want to progress to higher education, degree-level courses, but do not have the necessary qualifications.
Learners will be required to have passed GCSE Maths (minimum of a grade C or grade 4) and to have achieved a pass at GCSE Science (minimum of a grade C or grade 4), or have a suitable alternative level 2 qualification (e.g. BTEC in Applied Science). Learners who do not have these qualifications will be considered on
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Most UK universities recognise the Access to HE Diploma as a standard entry qualification for degree courses.
