The Access to HE Diploma (Science) offers adults supported study through which they will gain the knowledge, awareness, skills and confidence necessary for successful undergraduate studying in the intended progression routes for this Diploma.
The course aims to provide a balance of essential study skills with specialist subject knowledge to prepare you for the academic and practical rigours of undergraduate study in Science. It must however be noted that the Access to HE Diploma does not provide guaranteed entry to UK Higher Education.
Its primary aims are:
-
To provide HE progression opportunities for adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances, do not have the necessary qualifications
-
To establish a positive and supportive learning environment within which learners can build their confidence through successful learning and the sharing of their experience;
- To provide the personal and educational support needed if learners are to pursue their aims within the framework of the course.
Learners on the Science course will undertake study in different subject areas and complete the following:
Mandatory units may include:
- Finding and Reading Information
- Report Writing
- Algebra
Optional units may include:
- Examination Skills: Preparing for and Succeeding in an Examination
- Probability & Statistics in Science
- Note taking and Note making
- Reading and Comprehension of Scientific Writing
- Biological Molecules and Enzymes
- Cells
- Chemical Bonding
- Predicting & Controlling Chemical Processes
- Structure, Bonding and the Periodic Table
- The Blood
- The Chemistry of Organic Compounds
- Periodic Trends
- Handling Scientific Data
- Disease and Immunity
You will need:
- GCSE Maths at grade 4 (C) or higher
- GCSE English at grade 4 (C) or higher
We will accept Functional Skills at Level 2 as an equivalent, but recommend that you check the entry requirements of your chosen university before applying, as many will only accept GCSEs for entry onto their degree programmes.
You will also have an interview with our course teachers at enrolment to check that the course is right for you.
If you did not study English in the UK, you should have a minimum of 6.00 in IELTS, alongside a UK or equivalent international qualification (a NARIC check will be required).
There are a variety of assessment methods which include:
- Case study submissions
- Oral presentations
- Practical tasks/demonstrations
- Examinations
- Experiments
- Question and answer (written and oral)
- Tutor observation
- Blended learning with use of Google classroom
Learners primarily progress to Higher Education study in areas related to Science.
These may include some of the following areas of Degree level study:
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Genetics
- Human Nutrition
- Nutrition and Food Science
- Paramedical Sciences
- Pharmacology
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Radiography
- Science
- Sports Science and a wide range of combined and related degrees.
OCN London works with local universities to develop progression agreements that benefit all its providers and learners. The following agreements are in place:
- London South Bank University (Partnership agreement)
- Goldsmiths, University of London (Progression agreement)
- The Institute of Banking and Finance (Progression agreement)
You will be taught using a variety of methods, such as:
- having discussions
- watching/ preparing presentations
- lab work
- role play
- note taking
- team work.
Adult Students (19+)
If you will be aged 19 or older on 31 August before your course starts, are resident in London, and have the legal right to stay in the UK for at least 12 months, you may be eligible to study for free, depending on your circumstances and chosen course. For more information, please click here.
You may also be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs â please click here.
Course Fee: £3600
You may be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs â please click here for more information.
Please note: West London College is unable to support students requiring an Advanced Learner Loan to cover course fees for the remainder of the 2025/26 academic year. However, many students may be eligible to study with us free of charge, depending on their individual circumstances. For those who wish to pay their own course fees, we also offer a payment plan option - more information will be provided after you have applied.
