Access To Higher Education | Diploma in Applied Sciences | Level 3

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Course Type: Access to Higher Education Campus: Central Brighton Campus Entry requirements: GCSE English and Maths grade C or level 4 (or equivalent). Assessment: Project work, essays, presentations and exams. Qualification: LASER Access to Higher Education Diploma: Biomedical Sciences Level 3 Awarding Body: Laser Funding: Eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan Fees (September 2023): £3384.00

Why this course?

Students in science lab wearing labcoats

You will study biology and chemistry; you will also have the opportunity to choose a topic for study to produce an Independent Research Project.

The Access course also prepares you for Higher Education by increasing self-confidence in your learning ability as well as developing the necessary academic skills such as essay writing and research skills.

This course will enable you to apply to a variety of life science degree courses such as Pharmacy, Dietetics, Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Biochemistry and Veterinary medicine. 

The course consists of 60 credits, 45 are graded and 15 are ungraded. All units are at level 3.

Please note you must be 19 or older to join this course. 

Find out more about this course by watching our recent Webinar and Q&A video here.

Start dates

Click here to see fee information.

Code Start Campus Times Duration Fees
FE1159-1C 13 Sep 2023 Central Brighton TBC 36 weeks £3384.00 Apply
  • alumni Views Tomas Forzani-Fawcett Access To Higher Education Diploma - Biomedical Sciences Level 3
    I thought I would express my thanks for your help in getting me through college and to university. I am doing well and I am enjoying the modules so far, Forensic science principles being the most interesting, I got 81% on my first lab book marking!
  • student Views Victoria Phillips Access to Higher Education - Applied Science

    As a mature student, it was a little daunting as I had spent 20 years out of education but the tutors both made me feel very safe, answered all the questions I had about the course and gave me confidence that I could do this. The course has been very varied and I have enjoyed the experiments in particular. Due to my autism, I struggle to understand things by just reading them and the extra lessons to be able to speak to a tutor were a massive help to me. The skills I have learned from being on this course are huge, from IT skills to lab work. This course has given me the skills and confidence to go to university and achieve the goals and career I have been looking for. I would highly recommend this course to family and friends as it has changed my entire view of the future and given me my confidence back. I do not think this would have happened without the support of the tutors. 

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Entry requirements

To study for this LASER Access course you must have GCSE English grade C or level 4 (or equivalent qualification recognised by HE) and GCSE Maths grade C or level 4 (or equivalent qualification recognised by HE).


It is essential that you do some reading in preparation for your course so a starting point would be to look at GCSE and/or AS level science text books.

You should also be listening to and reading about current 'science' news stories.

It is also essential to research courses and universities prior to starting the course to help with your university application which takes place in the first term.


What's next?

Successful completion of the course enables students to progress on to courses such as foundation degrees in biological sciences and degrees in biomedical science, molecular biology, molecular medicine, environmental science, nutrition, genetics, science teaching, forensic science.

There are many careers such as working in NHS laboratories and hospitals and the public health laboratory service.

Biomedical scientists are also employed in a variety of roles including the veterinary service, the health and safety executive, the medical research council, university and forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical and product manufacturers and various government departments.

What's next?

Course content

Biomedical scientists learn skills and gain qualifications that can be transferred all over the UK and recognised worldwide. Biomedical science represents an opportunity to put scientific knowledge into practical use and perform a key role within medical healthcare. For example, when you have visited hospital and had a sample taken from you by a doctor or nurse these would have been analysed by a biomedical scientist, without whom it would not be possible to diagnose illness and evaluate the effectiveness of the necessary treatment.

Course units

• Cells

• Genes 

• Body Movement 

• Biochemical Pathways 

• Microbiology and Immunology 

• Fundamental Chemistry 

• Amounts of Matter 

• Organic Molecules 

• Equilibrium 

• Biochemistry 

• Chemistry for Biology 

• Scientific Investigative Skills 

• Extended Independent Academic Study (Science) 

• Mathematics for the Natural Sciences 

• Communication and Presentation Skills 

• Essay Skills 

• Reviewing and Planning for the Future 

• Using ICT For Study 

  • Student testimonials

    Victoria Zaniewicz

    "After ten years in my job I decided it was time for a career change. Having been out of education for 15 years, this was a challenge, however, with the support of my tutors and peers I am now studying Nutrition and Dietetics at Nottingham University and am well on the way to the career I’ve always wanted."

    Lydia Tyson Blake

    "I learnt so much on my course - I truly feel more ready for university now! My tutors filled me with the confidence and enthusiasm to continue."

  • Our science department benefits from large teaching rooms and two specialised chemistry and microbiology labs
  • Online access to course documents, resources and study support through the MET’s virtual learning environment
  • Access to student services, including career advice and additional learning support
  • Cafés and coffee bars with a wide range of reasonably priced meals, snacks and drinks
  • A travel agency and a hair and beauty salon, both open to the public

Level 3 Entitlement

This course is free if you meet the following criteria:

  •  You are a UK citizen, hold EU Settlement Status or have a visa which could qualify you for home status. 

       AND

  • If you will be aged 19-23 when your course begins and you have not already achieved a full Level 3 or higher, you may not have to pay any fees. 

Advanced Learner Loan

You may be eligible to apply for a loan to meet the course costs of your qualification fees. This is paid directly to the College on your behalf. For more information about Advanced Learner Loans, please click here

Advanced Learner Loan

Advanced Learner Loans are similar to Higher Education loans. These loans are available to students aged 19+ studying on Access to HE courses. 

Find out more

Course costs

You may be eligible for free tuition or financial support.

 

Find out more

Open events

Come in to the College to see our facilities, meet our teaching staff and speak to current students.

 

Find out more and register
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