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Access to HE Science Course in Cambridge

CostFee:3380.00 Concession: 238.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA
Apply now →

About this course

Access to HE Science Course in Cambridge. Classes run at Cambridge Regional College, full-time during the day. You'll need GCSE Maths and GCSE English at grade 4 or above before applying, as most degree courses require this alongside the Diploma. This level 3 access to he science course takes one year and builds the academic knowledge and study skills you need to move into higher education. It covers science subjects alongside broader university-readiness skills. Access to HE Diplomas are recognised by UK universities as a route into degree-level study.

Who this course is for

Access to Higher Education (HE) courses prepare adults without traditional qualifications such as A Levels for study at university or other higher education programmes. This diploma is widely recognised by UK universities and Colleges. You will be given the opportunity to develop not only academic knowledge in your chosen subjects but also broader study skills to help you succeed at university. For further information on the benefits of studying an Access to HE course and what it can lead to, please visit our Awarding body website at https://www.cava.ac.uk/about-access-to-he/for-students/

In this pathway, you will study 3 subjects from Biology/Physics, Chemistry and Maths as well as a compulsory Study Skills course. This pathway also includes a compulsory science practical project (in place of a subject unit 4). This project can be tailored to your chosen HE course and / or your interests (biological / cosmetic / environmental / pharmaceutical / engineering or physics to name a few). All subjects are taught in well-equipped laboratories to help develop a full range of practical scientific skills. Practical work can help you to understand the process of scientific investigation and to develop an awareness of health and safety and risk assessment.

A strongly supportive tutorial and study skills system is also in place to encourage the development of an independent and self-disciplined approach to learning as required for higher education. This includes regular group and one-to-one tutorials to set and review targets and ensure sufficient progress is made. Career advice provided by personal tutors and the College Careers officers focus predominantly on university application, registration with UCAS and completion of the application form, as well as assistance with personal statement writing and advice on a range of higher education courses.

Entry requirements

You will need GCSE Maths and GCSE English grade 9 - 4 (A - C) as a minimum before applying for this course. This is because most degree courses now require L2 in Maths and English e.g. GCSEs at grade 9 - 4 (A - C), in addition to the Access to HE diploma. The programme is designed for students who wish to return to study with a view to going on to Higher Education so we need to make sure you are well prepared for this starting point.

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What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge in science subjects relevant to your chosen university pathway.
  • You'll build academic writing and research skills needed for degree-level study.
  • You'll practise critical thinking and how to construct evidence-based arguments.
  • You'll learn how to manage independent study and meet university-style deadlines.
  • You'll develop note-taking, referencing, and essay skills used across higher education.

How you will learn

You'll study in a classroom at Cambridge Regional College, full-time during the day. Assessment is through a combination of assignments, essays, and coursework completed throughout the year. The Access to HE Diploma uses a credit-based structure, and you'll need to pass a set number of credits at the required grades to complete the Diploma.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • BSc Biomedical Science graduate roles, entry after completing a degree
  • Nursing or Midwifery, via a science-based degree programme
  • Pharmacology or pharmacy technician, following a relevant degree
  • Environmental science roles, after a university science degree
  • Laboratory technician, via a science degree or HNC route

What you could study next

  • BSc (Hons) in Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Nursing, or a related science subject at university. The Access to HE Diploma is the recognised entry route for adults applying without A Levels.
  • Foundation Year in Science, offered by some universities as a bridge into a full degree if you want an extra year of preparation.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Applied Science, a shorter higher education option if a full degree is not your immediate goal.
Apply on camre.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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