


Open the door to higher education and a future in science with a diploma that blends rigorous academic study, practical skills, and personal support, preparing you for a wide range of university courses and rewarding scientific careers.
The Sciences: Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification, equivalent to two or three A Levels, completed in just one year. This course is designed for adults seeking to return to study and progress to university or college. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in chemistry, human physiology, and a choice between psychology or physics, ensuring you develop both scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Key features include hands-on coursework, individual investigations, and research projects that foster analytical and problem-solving abilities. The chemistry module covers atomic structure, bonding, organic chemistry, and thermochemistry, while human physiology explores the structure and function of the human body, including major systems and biological processes. Learners can further specialise by choosing psychology, which develops understanding of human behaviour and research methods, or physics, which covers mechanics, materials science, nuclear physics, and thermodynamics.
Study skills sessions and weekly tutorials provide dedicated support for academic progress and university applications. Graduates are well prepared for university-level study and a variety of careers, including biomedical science, environmental science, forensic science, nutrition and dietetics, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and radiography. The course’s proven track record of successful progression makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to build a rewarding future in science
Many students who study an Access to Higher Diploma use the government's Advanced Learner Loan initiative to fund it. This means there are no up-front fees or credit checks. Visit the government's useful pages here to find out more.
Chemistry
This subject aims to provide knowledge and understanding of chemistry to complement biology and provide an adequate foundation for the study of biology, environmental studies, paramedical courses and nursing at university.
The course covers the atomic structure and fundamental concepts, MOLES, bonding, REDOX, metals and metal compounds, acids and bases, organic chemistry, thermochemistry and equilibrium. No prior knowledge is assumed.
Human Physiology
This is aimed at those who wish, ultimately, to study in a related area or for those interested in the form and function of the human body. The course embodies basic scientific principles and the development of scientific methods in an individual investigation.
Coursework will test knowledge and understanding of biological facts, principles and the application of biological knowledge through communication of biological information and data.
Major topic areas include Cells and tissues, Human reproduction, Cardiac system, respiratory system, digestion, homoeostasis and Infectious diseases.
Then choose between:
Psychology
Through reading and discussion, you will begin to think critically about different topic areas in psychology, such as personality, emotion, memory, child development and conformity. From your study of these, you will develop a broad understanding of the perspectives and research methods used in psychology.
You will be able to develop further into some topics through essays, seminars and a research project.
OR
Physics
The study of Physics is crucial in understanding our world from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies. Physics is the basis for many sciences, including Chemistry, Astronomy, Environmental Studies, Biology and Medical Sciences. As Nobel Laureate and discoverer of the nuclear atom Ernest Rutherford famously said, “All science is either physics or stamp collecting.” The Access course covers all the fundamental topics in the field of Physics and also includes a research project comprising of two distinct tasks: planning and conducting a practical experiment in Physics. Topic areas studied in the course include: Newton’s Laws of Motion & Mechanics; Materials science; Nuclear & Particle Physics (including quantum phenomena, such as electron energy levels); the behaviour of a.c. & d.c. circuits; Radioactivity; Thermodynamics and the Ideal Gas laws. Physics is useful for students wanting to study Engineering and Natural Science.
Study Skills
This part of the course focuses on developing the practical skills you will use on a higher education course; including essay writing, referencing and effective note-taking.
Tutorial
You will receive all the help you need with university applications and study support in a weekly
After successfully completing the diploma you will be prepared for studying a university-level (higher education) course at university or college.
This diploma is suitable for you if you are pursuing a career in the areas below (after graduating from a relevant higher education course):
This course is designed for mature students, aged 19 or over, who have had sufficient life or work experience between leaving school and starting the diploma.
To make sure this is the right course for you, acceptance onto the diploma is based on aptitude and commitment following an interview and assessment.
You will need an English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above and GCSE Mathematics C/4.
It is also strongly advised that you contact the university or teaching institution, you wish to attend after completion of this course and check what their exact GCSE requirements are for your chosen degree. Every university admission policy is different so its worth making sure you have the right course for your particular needs.
Please contact us through the form below. After submitting a form we will contact you as soon as possible. We will delete your information one month after the beginning of the next academic year.





