11 Dec 2020
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
QAA aim code
40010508Target 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.
Provider approval criteria
Resources and special requirements – access to a science laboratory for science units
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
Funding information
Learning Aims Search
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View this qualification on the ESFA’s Hub website
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.
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