Entry Requirements

You must be aged 19 or above by the 31st of August 2022.

You must have at least one GCSE C/4 or above in either English Language or Maths, or a Level 2 in Functional Skills (evidence of this will be required during the application cycle).

Ideally you will have both. However, if you only hold the one, you may work towards the one that you do not have whilst studying for your Access Diploma; this will be dependent on being accepted onto a Level 2 course, either GCSE or Functional Skills.

Many universities require GCSE Maths and English rather than an equivalent. It is your responsibility to begin checking which qualifications you require with the university or college you wish to progress to.

It is also important to note that for some degree programmes you will also need GCSE Science at grade C or above.

Course Structure

You will study a range of different units across the programme, some focusing on your academic skills and some more subject specific, such as:

• Physics
• Biology
• Human physiology
• Chemistry
• Academic study skills
• Independent research

Assessment & Feedback

You will be assessed through assignments, presentations and internally set examinations.

Course Cost

Advanced learner loan may be available

Adult, full_time: £3,384

Course fee based on 2023-24 for UK residents, but the fees are expected to rise for 2024-25.  

Non-Uk citizens will need to provide sufficient document/s confirming your right to live and study in the UK e.g. confirmation of settled status.

What Next...

You can progress to higher education programmes at university or college, including our BA (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Investigation degree programme at University Centre Southend. Other common degree pathways include: Veterinary Science, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Environmental Science, Podiatry, Sports Science.

Success Stories...

Rebecca Lee studied Access to Science and is now working at East of England Ambulance Trust

Course studied

Access to Higher Education (Science) Level 3 Diploma

South Essex College was a safe, friendly and well-supported environment

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My name is Rebecca Lee, I am 35 years old, and I studied Access to Science HE Diploma at South Essex College from September 2018 until July 2019.
I achieved an Access to science HE, 3 credits at level 2 and 57 credits level 3.

I left secondary school with poor GCSE results and worked part-time in health and social care. I am a single parent to four young children. Additionally, I am dyslexic.
Since completing my course I have completed the first and second year of a Paramedic Science BSc Hons degree at Anglia Ruskin University. I am just entering my third and final year. 

I have just received a job offer as an EMT emergency Medical Technician with East of England Ambulance Trust and I volunteer for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.
My job will entail all aspects of emergency and non-emergency frontline clinical jobs. 
I chose to study at South Essex College because of the amount of advice and support that was available on every aspect of my course application. Further education has enabled me to progress onto study at university and has allowed to me gain further opportunities. It has also provided me with exceptional time management skills and a better understanding of further education. It was a great feeling to finish the course and realise that I had achieved the grades required for my conditional university offer. 

South Essex College was a safe, friendly and well-supported environment. The staff were exceptional. My ambitions are to graduate from university register as a paramedic and progress into pre-hospital emergency medicine with the Air Ambulance- HEMs.
   
College helped me to gain the confidence and motivation required to progress with my studies into university.