Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biology and Chemistry Pathway

This Access to HE (Science) Biology and Chemistry pathway has been designed for those adults who feel they missed out on higher education when they were younger or would like a change of career. The Access to HE (Science) Biology and Chemistry pathway will develop your practical skills in both biology and chemistry, leading to career opportunities in a wide variety of science disciplines. This programme aims to provide a firm foundation for study at degree level. Study skills and educational guidance form essential parts of the course.

Want to be able to make informed decisions about your health, the environment or technological advancements? Students are highly successful on our courses due to experienced staff and their ability to develop your knowledge and enquiring mind through interesting units and research opportunities.

Tutorial sessions support learners and offer guidance with the UCAS process and study skills.

The Diploma is taught by subject specialist teaching staff in a supportive environment to develop the academic skills necessary to progress onto higher education. You will have homework and assignment work set each week with strict deadlines.

You will be expected to dedicate up to 20 hours per week to self-study, making it equivalent to a full time commitment.

Students will develop practical laboratory skills, scientific writing skills, note taking, reference writing and exam practice, as well as confidence in independent study and good time management. Additional support is available for students for particular difficulties/needs.

There is also:

• A Learning Support Team
• A Careers Team
• Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)
• Designated study spaces specifically for our HE and Access to HE students

The programme consists of compulsory core units and subject options.

The Access to Higher Education Science course currently covers the following units:

Study Skills

• Academic Study Techniques
• Progressing to Higher Education

Biology

• Human Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Respiration and Circulation
• Photosynthesis
• Genetics
• Introduction to Ecology

Chemistry

• Introduction to Chemistry
• Acids and Bases
• Alcohols, Amines and Carboxylic Acids
• Periodic Table
• Physical Chemistry

Practical Scientific Project

• Mathematics
• Statistical Analysis
• Exponentials and Logarithms

Please note these are subject to change.

Progression routes: Past students have gone on to work in or study various subjects, including: Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Biosciences, Dietetics, Forensic Science, Radiography, Medical Science, Paramedic Science and Veterinary Science. You could also progress on to study Coaching and Fitness or Sports Therapy at a higher level at Exeter College. If you are considering applying for medical science, dentistry or veterinary science, please be advised there are additional requirements such as UCAT tests taken between July and September you would need before applying to University. You are strongly advised to check admissions criteria for any university you are planning to apply to.

Please note: this course does not cater for progression into Maths based higher education courses such as Engineering, Architecture and Physics.

This course takes place in the Maths and Science Centre and the Tower Building on the Hele Road site.

• You will need a grade 4(C) or above in GCSE English, GCSE Maths and any GCSE Science. Please note, from 2017 a grade C in English, Maths and Science is equivalent to a grade 4(C)
• A high level of motivation to be an independent student with a willingness for self study.
• The commitment to studying a full time, challenging course.
• Evidence of recent study is desirable.
• A clear idea of the university level programme that you wish to apply for

Please note that some universities will also require you to have GCSE Maths grade C or grade 4 or above before applying; this will mean you will need to complete this before starting the Access Diploma. Please check this before applying to the Access Diploma.

You can also access English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) or adult GCSE English courses at the College.

Recent study of science is desirable. To help prepare, strengthen and refresh your science knowledge we offer the Preparation for Access to Higher Education – Science course.

• Digital and Data Centre – there are many spaces for adult students to study and an Access to Higher Education student computer room
• Cafes – for example, in the Digital and Data Centre and the Tower building
• Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)
• You will have access to fully equipped laboratories (Maths and Science Centre)

Funding Availability 

Level 3 Entitlement: If this is your first full Level 3 qualification and you are aged 19-23, you may be eligible to fee remission. We can help assess your eligibility as you enrol.

Advanced Learner Loan: If you are aged 19+ and studying a Level 3 to Level 6 qualification, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for course fees. Click here to learn more about the Advanced Learner Loan, and how you can cover the costs of your course.

Additional Costs

As well as the course fees, applicants need to factor in food, travel, books, stationery and printing costs.

Please be aware that there are no car parking facilities at Exeter College city centre sites, but public car parks are available across the city.