Access to HE Diploma (Science) - Level 3

This course is ideal for you if you may have been out of education for a while, or have not obtained the necessary qualifications at school to progress onto higher education.

The course is structured to cover a range of fundamental topics in bioscience, including chemistry, physics with an emphasis on Biology. You will learn about the structure and function of biological molecules, the cellular processes that underpin life, and the diversity of living organisms. The course will also introduce you to the scientific method and research techniques commonly used in the field of bioscience.

Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as your ability to work independently and as part of a team. You will also be expected to participate in a range of laboratory-based practicals, where you will gain hands-on experience in scientific techniques. Assessment for the course will be based on a range of methods, including written assignments, laboratory reports, and presentations.

You will also be required to complete a final project, which will involve carrying out a small-scale research project under the supervision of a tutor. By the end of the course, you will have gained a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of bioscience and will be well-prepared to progress onto higher education in the field.

You will need:

• GCSE grade 4 (C) or higher in English or maths. If you only have one of those you must be prepared to complete the one you do not have.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, you should consider our Pre-Access course in Science and Nursing.

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

02/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

This course will run 3 days per week in the day time with face-to-face delivery; Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

What can I do after this course at CWA?

Learners who have studied one of the Diplomas within the Healthcare and Medicine subject area have progressed onto a variety of degree programmes including:

• Paramedic science
• Bioscience
• Life sciences
• Chemistry
• Zoology

Fee information

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

The Access to Higher Education course (depending upon the final qualification) is equivalent to A-Levels. It is recognised by higher education institutions, advanced apprenticeships, business, retail and appropriate professions. Our Access to Higher Education courses are validated by the Cambridge Access Validating Agency and the qualification is universally recognised as demanding and rigorously assessed.

How is my course assessed?

The course will be split into modules which are individually assessed. Later modules build on the skills developed in the earlier ones. Some modules use exams in the assessment process but only as part of the overall assessment some others use coursework only. The course director will give you further information about assessment on the pathway you choose.

How many UCAS points will I achieve on this course?

The number of UCAS tariff points for an Access to Higher Education diploma varies between 48 and 144 points, depending on your grade for each module.

Access to Higher Education qualifications are split into a total of 45 graded credits and each module will have a different credit weighting (for example, one module may be worth 3 units and another may be worth 6). For each graded module, you'll achieve a pass, merit or distinction and these each carry a different amount of UCAS points (with pass being the lowest and distinction being the highest).

For example, if you pass each graded module, you will achieve 48 UCAS points. If you gain a distinction in each graded module, you will achieve 144 UCAS points (equivalent to three A grades at A Level).

We've included some examples below of what grades you need to achieve common UCAS tariff point entry requirements:

You can find more details on the UCAS Tariff points calculator here.