Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Science) Online

Course Code

Access to HE Diploma (Science)

Course Type

Course Duration

1 academic year

Location

Online

Start Date

15 September, 2025
Teacher demonstrating in Health & Social care simulation room to students

Are you an adult (19+)?

You must be 19 years old or over to meet the college’s entry requirements for the Online Access to HE courses.

Do you want a career in science or healthcare?

This course is tailored for adults pursuing careers in:

      • Biomedical Science
      • Chemistry
      • Physics
      • Biochemical Science
      • Medical Sciences
      • Neuroscience
      • General Science
      • Radiography
      • Dietetics
      • Dental Hygiene and Therapy

Do you need a Level 3 Qualification to get into university?

If you don’t already have A-levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, the Access to HE Diploma provides a recognised route into university-level study.

 

GCSE English and Maths at Grades A–C (4–9)

Or Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths

Important: Some universities only accept actual GCSEs, not Functional Skills.

Additional GCSEs

Some courses may also require:

  • GCSE Science (especially Sciences, Radiography, Dental Hygiene and Therapy.)
  • Other GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, depending on the course and institution.

As the course is fully online you must have strong ICT skills to enable you to cope with the demands of the course.

You must have your own laptop

This course is delivered online through the platform Moodle. Moodle allows learners to achieve recognised Access to Higher Education Diplomas from home, on the move or in the workplace. Moodle is more than just a delivery tool, course materials, assessments and interactive content are mapped to your specific regulated diploma through a cloud-based Virtual Learning Environment. You will have the opportunity to come into college for ‘drop-in’ support sessions with your specialist tutor who can provide guidance and support with your assignments and access remote support during the working week.

Your study materials, resources, textbooks and assignments are provided and supported using the Moodle platform, with ongoing support from the experienced and subject specialist Access to HE curriculum team.

Modules:

Unit 1: Researching and Understanding Opportunities in Higher Education

 

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

 

  • Understand the range of opportunities available in Higher Education.
  • Understand the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a particular Higher Education opportunity.
  • Be able to action plan for the development of career related abilities and skills.
  • Understand the importance of broader life experiences and transferable skills in relation to progression to Higher Education.

 

Unit 2: Academic Writing Skills

 

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

 

  • Be able to structure a written response
  • Be able to develop a structured response to a plan
  • Be able to present the response appropriately for audience and purpose
  • Understand how to apply academic writing principles to own work

 

Unit 3: Research Skills

Upon successful completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to identify a viable research topic
  • Be able to develop a research plan
  • Understand the importance of data analysis and interpretation in research.

Unit 4: The Structure and Function of Cells

Upon successful completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand cellular structure and organisation
  • Be able to analyse cellular activity.
  • Be able to analyse the cell cycle.

Unit 5: Systems Physiology

Upon successful completion of this unit you will::

  • Understand the structure, function and role played by the cardiovascular system.
  • Understand the structure, function and role played by the respiratory system
  • Understand the structure, function and role played by the digestive system.
  • Be able to analyse the basic principles of physiology.

Unit 6: Human Musculoskeletal System

Upon successful completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the human skeleton and how it relates to locomotion
  • Be able to analyse muscle contraction.
  • Understand the development of bone

Unit 7: Endocrine System

Upon successful completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand terms hormone and endocrine gland
  • Be able to analyse homeostasis and feedback mechanisms.
  • Understand the action of hormones

Unit 8: Redox and Periodicity

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

  • Be able to identify and apply oxidation and reduction principles.
  • Understand
  • Understand the chemistry of  Group 2 elements and compounds and halogens

Unit 9: Atoms Bonds and Structures

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand atomic structure.
  • Understand bonding, structure and properties
  • Be able to analyse intermolecular forces.

Unit 10: Chemistry of Drugs

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the key definitions used in medicinal chemistry
  • Understand the significance of the molecular structure of drugs upon their function.
  • Understand analytic methods used for drug detection.
  • Understand the importance of isomerism in drug action.
  • Be able to analyse common processes involved in drug design.

Unit 11: Chemistry of Pollution

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the causes and effects of atmospheric pollution.
  • Understand the effects of rising CO2 levels on the chemistry of the oceans.
  • Understand causes and effects of pollution of the hydrosphere.
  • Be able to evaluate sources of trace-metal pollution and their effects on local soils and/or water courses

Unit 12: The Laws of Physics

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand force and motion.
  • Understand energy conservation and momentum.
  • Understand wave motion.
  • Understand reflection and refraction.
  • Understand magnetism and electrical current behaviours.

 

Unit 13: The Principles and Properties of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand electromagnetic waves.
  • Understand visible and ultraviolet light including their applications.
  • Understand microwaves and infrared light.
  • Explain how intermolecular forces influence boiling and melting points of substances.
  • Understand the use of x-rays in medical settings

Unit 14: Radioactivity in Medicine

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the nature of radioactive decay.
  • Understand the need for safety precautions when handling radioactive isotopes.
  • Analyse the beneficial uses of radioactive isotopes.

Unit 15: Medical Physics

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will:

  • Understand the structure and operation of the eye and the correction of simple eye defects.
  • Understand the structure of the ear, the process of hearing and identify and explain simple methods of detecting hearing abnormalities through interpretation of simple tests.
  • Understand the electromagnetic spectrum and explain how different types of electromagnetic waves are used in medical physics.
  • Understand medical uses of ultrasound imaging techniques.
  • Understand therapeutic uses of radioactivity

Cost:

Some learners are fully funded for the course depending on individual circumstances and eligibility criteria or there is the option for an advanced learner loan which will be discussed with you at enrolment by the funding team.

The advanced learner loan, if required, will cover the cost of your Access Course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks. Student Finance England who are responsible for the loans will ‘write-off’  any outstanding advanced learner loan balances as soon as you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to pay back your advanced learner loan if you complete your degree programme.

Self-funded students will pay £3384.00

 

As this is a fully online course, there is no enrichment available.

To successfully complete the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma, you need to earn 60 credits at Level 3, which are broken down as follows:

1. Graded Credits (45 credits)

  • These come from academic subject units.
  • Each credit is awarded a grade: Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
  • These grades contribute to your overall diploma grade and are important for university applications.

2. Ungraded Credits (15 credits)

  • These are typically in study skills (e.g., academic writing, research techniques, reflective practice).
  • They don’t carry a grade but are essential for helping you prepare for university-level work.

Assessment Methods

To assess your learning and help prepare you for university, you will be asked to complete:

  • Essays
  • Reports
  • Journal articles
  • Academic posters
  • Short answer question papers
  • Workbooks
  • Presentations

These diverse methods help build the skills you’ll need for higher education.

 

Are there any additional costs the student be made aware of?

Your UCAS application for university entry will cost £28.50

Once you’ve successfully earned your 60 credits, you’ll be eligible to apply for:

  • Undergraduate Degrees
  • Degree Apprenticeships
    (As long as you meet the specific entry requirements of your chosen course or institution.)

Applying to University

  • You’ll apply through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
  • The UCAS website provides guidance on:
    • How to apply
    • Course search
    • Application deadlines
    • Personal statements
    • Tracking offers

🔗 Visit the UCAS website

Important:

  • Each university and course might have different grade requirements (e.g., number of Distinctions or Merits).
  • Some competitive courses may require additional qualifications (like GCSE Maths or English at grade C/4 or above).

Common Progression Routes Include:

  • Biomedical Science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Biochemical Science
  • Medical Sciences
  • Neuroscience
  • General Science
  • Radiography
  • Dietetics
  • Dental Hygiene and Therapy

 

These courses typically lead to careers in the NHS or healthcare or science -related sectors.

Course Details

Qualification

Study Mode

Related Posts

No posts were found

Apply for this course or find out more

Located in West Bromwich, Sandwell College boasts best in class facilities and exceptional teaching standards.
Alongside delivering outstanding pass rates, the College is proud to offer unrivalled mental health services and welfare support, ensuring that every student has access to the advice and guidance they need.

Related Courses

Students working together
The Access to HE Diploma (Health Professions) offered at Sandwell College currently runs over two evenings.  The one year intense course is Level 3 and designed to prepare learners for Higher Education, offering a variety...
Course Duration
1 year
Course Type
Adult Course
Start Date
8th September, 2025
Study Mode
Part Time
Teacher demonstrating to Health & Social Care student
Are you an adult (19+)? You must be 19 years old or over to meet the college’s entry requirements for the Online Access to HE courses. Do you want a career in healthcare?  This course...
Course Duration
1 academic year
Course Type
Adult Course
Start Date
15th September, 2025
Study Mode
Full Time
Teacher demonstrating in Health & Social care simulation room to students
Are you an adult (19+)? You must be 19 years old or over to meet the college’s entry requirements for the Online Access to HE courses. Do you want a career in healthcare?  This course...
Course Duration
1 academic year
Course Type
Adult Course
Start Date
15th September, 2025
Study Mode
Full Time

Please ask your question below and we will get back to you.

Sandwell College will use the information provided for the purpose of dealing with your enquiry.
Skip to content