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Access to HE Science Course in Wakefield

Cost£3,384 Students who were under 24 as at the 31st August who do not already hold a Level 3 qualification (eg. A levels or Level 3 BTec) may not have to pay fees, this is dependent on your postcode.
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryBlended learning
Start30 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodySEGA
Apply now →

About this course

Access to HE Science Course in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, full-time over one year, with a mix of online study and time at the centre.

The course prepares you to apply to university for science-based degrees. You'll study units across sciences such as biology, chemistry, and related subjects, with guidance on which units suit your intended degree pathway. Staff support you with university applications and relevant work experience. You'll need GCSE grade 4 or above in English and Maths, or Functional Skills Level 2 in both. All applicants who meet the entry requirements are interviewed after a written assessment.

You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma (Science).

Who this course is for

This is a nationally recognised course and students who undertake this pathway then proceed to take degree courses in areas such as dietetics, pharmacy, optometry, radiography, physiotherapy, biochemistry, and zoology. Different combinations of units are available for students wishing to progress in particular career pathways. Students are guided on the most appropriate units to take, as well as being supported with their applications to HE and for relevant work experience. The College has close links with regional universities which welcome mature students from the Access to HE course.

The course is intensive and students should realise that it makes substantial demands in terms of time, commitment and study.

Attendance to all lessons is essential on the one day a week on which you are timetabled for lessons in College, therefore it is advisable to ensure work commitments can fit around the timetabled sessions.

Study will involve presentations, practical activities, written assignments, and discussions.

Entry requirements

GCSE Grade 9-4 in English and Maths

OR

Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths

You will be expected to bring maturity and good organisational skills to the course. All applicants who meet the entry requirements will be interviewed following a written assessment.

What you will learn

  • You'll study core biology topics including cell biology, genetics, and physiology.
  • You'll study chemistry concepts such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, and organic chemistry.
  • You'll develop scientific writing and data analysis skills needed for degree-level study.
  • You'll learn how to reference academic sources and structure scientific arguments.
  • You'll choose specialist units to match your target degree pathway, such as dietetics, pharmacy, or radiography.
  • You'll build your university application with guidance from tutors.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a blend of in-person sessions at Wakefield College and online study. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than formal exams, which is typical for Access to HE programmes. You'll complete units throughout the year and be assessed on each one. Tutors will guide you on unit choices and support your progression to higher education.

What you will need to bring

Wakefield College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Laboratory technician, supports scientific research or testing in a lab setting.
  • Healthcare science assistant, works in NHS or private diagnostic settings.
  • Science technician, prepares equipment and materials in schools or research facilities.
  • Pharmacy dispenser, works toward a dispensing role with further training.
  • Radiographer, requires a degree in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography after this course.
  • Physiotherapist, requires a degree in physiotherapy after this course.
  • Pharmacist, requires a pharmacy degree and registration after this course.

What you could study next

  • A bachelor's degree (Level 6) in a science subject such as biology, biochemistry, pharmacy, or physiotherapy, the most common next step after this Diploma.
  • A foundation degree (Level 5) in a science or health-related subject, a shorter route into higher education.
  • A degree in dietetics or radiography (Level 6), for those guided toward those specific pathways during the course.
Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
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