Skip to main content
Nottingham College logo

Key Details

Course Area:

Access to Higher Education and Employment

Student Type:

19+ student

Course Type:

Full-time FE course

Course Introduction

This course is perfect if you are aged 19+ and would like to develop your core science skills ahead of university-level study.

There is a 4 week Introduction course (not Pre-Access) beginning week commencing 9th September 2024. This course must be completed in order to study the full Access course

You’ll learn a range of skills and techniques across the core science fields through studying 14 units, including:

  • Scientific study skills
  • Mathematical techniques in science and data analysis
  • Advanced maths
  • Chemistry – inorganic, physical and organic
  • A range of biology units:
    • Human cell biology
    • Biological communication systems
    • Genetics
    • Ecology and environment
    • A practical scientific project

You can expect to complete a unit of scientific study skills designed to support your skills in research techniques, report writing, presentation skills and writing laboratory reports. This will help you develop the skills needed to approach and complete the range of assessments on the course.

You’ll have support from a personal tutor who will guide you through your studies and support you in your university application.

Course Information

CAVA Access to HE Diploma

Level 3

You must be aged 19 or over to apply for this course.

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C) including English and Maths.

Relevant work experience will be considered as a substitute for a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification (but not English or Maths).

You will not be allowed to study GCSE Maths or English alongside this course.

If English is not your first language and don’t hold GCSE Qualifications, international qualifications will be accepted (with the exception of GCSE English) as substitutes, subject to a NARIC translation.

We will accept an IELTs score of 6 .0 or higher in place of GCSE English grade 4.

Learning is assessed in a variety of methods to prepare you to study at university. This may include an extended essay, timed assessments under controlled conditions and report writing.

Choose to follow with a degree-level qualification or a career in scientific research, laboratory work, radiography, ophthalmics or other Allied Health Professions.

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of your Access to HE course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.

If you progress on to degree level study and complete a full degree, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe. This means you do not have to repay it.

Subject to eligibility you may be able to study this course for free, funded through the Adult Education Budget. Upon receipt of your application, we will assess your eligibility and advise you of your next steps.

Please note: Course funding information is accurate as of 22/02/2023 and is subject to change.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Related Courses

Access to Higher Education: Creative Arts (19+) - Full-time

Access to Higher Education: Business (19+) including a four week introductory course - Full-time

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Photography) (19+) - Full-time