02 Mar 2021
Key Facts
Qualification Summary
The Diploma allows learners to undertake study related to Science and Maths. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree level programmes within the sector. Many learners join these types of degrees after following A level study, so the Diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A level studies.
Learners will complete mandatory units which cover fundamental physics and chemistry and cell biology and biochemistry unit alongside a mathematics for science unit to develop underpinning skills for the optional units. They will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units covering physics, chemistry and biology units. A range of maths units are also available to include calculus, statistics, algebra and geometry.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting academic study and personal skills.
Why choose this qualification?
The diploma allows learners to undertake study related to Science and Maths. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree-level programmes within the sector. Many learners join these types of degrees after following A level study, so the diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A level studies.
Learners will complete mandatory units which cover fundamental physics and chemistry and cell biology and biochemistry unit alongside a mathematics for science unit to develop underpinning skills for the optional units. They will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units covering physics, chemistry and biology units. A range of maths units are also available to include calculus, statistics, algebra and geometry.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting academic study and personal skills.
Units
Learners must complete 21 credits from this group.
Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Fundamental Chemistry
Fundamental Physics: Theory
Mathematics for Science
Learners may take a maximum of 6 credits from this group.
Research Skills for Science and Mathematics
Research: Extended Writing Project for Science
Research: Practical Investigation Project for Science
Learners must complete at least 6 credits from this group.
Algebra and Trigonometry
Calculus: Integration
Geometry
Mathematics: Algebra, Exponentials and Logarithms
Matrices
Quantitative Methods - Statistics
Series
Learners must complete at least 6 credits from this group.
Chemical Principles: Particles and Forces
Circulation, Immunity and Homeostasis
Ecosystems and Human Influences
Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibria
Fundamental Physics: Practical Investigation
Health Physics
Human Cardiac and Respiratory Systems
Human Reproduction and Health Related Issues
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Plant and Soil Science
Understanding Genetics
Learners must complete 9 credits from this group.
Practical Science Skills
Preparation for Higher Education
Writing reports
Learners must complete 6 credits from this group.
Application of Number - Interpreting and Presenting Information
Presenting Information Using ICT
Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience
References and Reliability of Sources
Spreadsheets
Intended learner groups
a) Adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any, prior qualifications and wish to progress to HE
b) Adults who have gone straight into industry (perhaps following apprenticeship routes) who wish to progress to HE.
How this diploma meets learners' needs
The Diploma will provide them with underpinning skills to support academic study and provide a
level 3 qualification linked to their proposed HE study. A broad range of knowledge will be acquired
which support an understanding of engineering skills, science related units and mathematics and
will ensure that the learner is fully prepared for progression onto the relevant degrees.
What this diploma covers
The units include a balance of units which allow the learners to keep their options open until they
have fully decided on their preferred route at degree level. The ungraded units have been chosen
to support both progression into higher education and also to allow the learners to develop skills
relevant to the subject area e.g. science, spreadsheets and computer data protection.
Delivery methods
Face to face
Blended learning including online platforms such as Moodle or Pearl.
It should be noted that if a student is interested in following a Biology pathway, they should
undertake the Quantitative Methods – Statistics unit from the mathematics optional group. If the
student is looking at a pathway to Chemistry or Physics, any of the other maths units are
applicable.
Successful completion criteria
Learners will probably require a pass in maths and English at GCSE level or a Functional Skills qualification in English and Maths to progress onto a degree course.Progression routes
Learners may progress to the following:
Mathematics BSc (Hons)
Mathematics MMath (Hons)
Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) BSc (Hons)
Biology BSc (Hons)
Molecular Biology BSc (Hons)
Bioscience BSc (Hons)
Chemistry BSc (Hons)
Natural Sciences BSc (Hons)
Applied Physics BSc (Hons)
Physics BSc (Hons)
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
BSc Biomedicine
BSc Biomedical Science
BSc Medical Biochemistry
BSc Biochemistry
BSc Genetics
Provider approval criteria
Resources and special requirements – access to a science laboratory for science units
Funding information
There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.
The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).
View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search
How to find a learning aim
If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:
How to Use: Find a learning Aim
Additional funding information for Access to HE
- Access to HE is eligible for funding as part of the legal entitlement offer.
- Access to HE is eligible for funding via Advanced Learner Loans and appears on the Advanced Learner Loans catalogues published by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
- Access to HE Diplomas are designed for adult learners aged 19+ and the ESFA only funds young people on these programmes by exception, as stated in paragraph 149, page 39 of the Funding guidance for young people 2020 to 2021.
We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.
This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.