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Access to HE Science Course in Taunton

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyGateway Qualifications awarding body

Free for 16 to 18 year olds. University Centre Somerset lists a fee of £3,384 for adults. Contact University Centre Somerset for more info.

Apply now →

About this course

Access to HE Science Course in Taunton. Classes run at Taunton College, full-time during the day over 35 weeks. Fees may be remitted if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply. This level 3 access to he science qualification is designed to prepare you for university-level study in science subjects. You'll cover the core scientific knowledge and academic skills that UK universities look for from Access to HE applicants. The course is awarded by Gateway Qualifications and is recognised by universities across the UK.

Who this course is for

UCS College Group offers a wide range of courses across its four colleges and also offsite. Courses cover many areas and can be used for different purposes such as furthering personal development and career opportunities. They can also be for recreational purposes. For individual course details please refer to the college website or E-mail [email protected]

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements vary depending on the course, please refer to the college website or E-mail [email protected] for details.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop scientific knowledge across subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills needed for university study
  • You'll practise data analysis and interpretation of scientific information
  • You'll study laboratory techniques and scientific methodology
  • You'll learn how to construct and present evidence-based arguments
  • You'll develop independent study habits suited to degree-level learning

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Taunton College, combining taught sessions with guided independent study. Assessment is through a mix of assignments, written work, and coursework completed throughout the year. There are no formal written exams. Your work is assessed against set criteria and moderated by Gateway Qualifications to meet university entry standards.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Taunton College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Laboratory technician: support scientific research in labs or schools
  • Science technician: assist with experiments and equipment in education or industry
  • Healthcare science assistant: work in NHS diagnostic or clinical settings
  • Research assistant: support scientists in university or commercial research
  • Pharmacy dispenser: prepare and check medicines under pharmacist supervision
  • Environmental monitoring officer: test and record environmental samples

What you could study next

This Diploma is designed as a direct route into higher education. You could go on to study:

  • BSc Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biomedical Science at university
  • BSc Nursing or Midwifery, where many universities accept Access to HE applicants
  • BSc Pharmacy or Pharmacology
  • Foundation Year in Science, if you want a bridging year before a full degree programme

Check individual university entry requirements, as grade profiles on the Diploma may vary by institution and course.

Apply on ucscollegegroup.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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