Access to Higher Education Diploma – Science (Physics and Maths)

This programme aims to provide a firm foundation for study at degree level. Study skills and educational guidance form essential parts of the course.

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.

Although you only need to attend College part time, you’re 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
• Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)
• Future Steps Team
• Adult Advice Team
• Designated study space specifically for our Higher Education and Access to Higher Education students

Funding
Funding and Advanced Learner Loans are available for this course. Click here to view Funding Options A and C.
A bursary may also be available. For further information on your funding options, please phone 01392 400170 or email adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk for advice.

The programme consists of compulsory core units and subject options.

The Access to Higher Education Science (Physics and Maths) course currently covers the following units:

Physics

• Nuclear Properties of Materials
• Work and Energy
• Kinematics, Projectiles and Momentum
• Waves, Light and Sound
• Electricity
• Astrophysics
• Heat

Human Biology

• Genetics

Practical Scientific Project

Mathematics

• Advanced Mathematics 1
• Advanced Mathematics 2
• Calculus

Introductory Academic

• Statics, Forces, and Newton’s Law of Motion
• Sequences and Series

Study Skills and IT

• IT for Academic Study
• Research and Referencing
• Producing a Written Assignment

Please note these are all subject to change.

Students may also be enrolled on a supplementary IT course, at no extra cost. Essential Digital Skills has been designed to enhance and polish IT skills for use in the real world and is vital for university and future careers.

Progression routes: You could continue study or start a career in subjects such as Meteorology, Clinical Imaging, Aeronautical/Astrophysical Engineering, Actuary or Data Analytics. Or you could enrol on a Computing HNC or Engineering degree at Exeter College.

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

• GCSE Maths Grade 4/C or above
• GCSE English Grade 4/C or above or IELTS score of 6.5 overall and no less than 6.5 in any other section for all International and non-speaking English students. The test should be no older than 2 years prior to the start of the programme.
• GCSE in any Science Grade 4/C or above

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

We also offer a ‘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.
• Coffee shops – for example, in the Digital and Data Centre and the Tower building.
• Learning Resource Centres (LRCs).
• You will have access to new fully equipped laboratories (Maths and Science Centre).

As well as the course fees, applicants need to factor in food, travel, books, stationery and printing costs. Applications for our College Learner Support Fund or the Bursary Fund are advisable for applicants who know that they may struggle financially.

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.