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Key details

Course areas
Access to Higher Education and EmploymentScience
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date

Tuesday 1st September 2026

Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Course code
Parent course code:C000728 Child course code: Q002765
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Course introduction

If you are aged 19+ and have an interest in biology and would like a career based on deepening our understanding of living organisms, then this could be the course for you.

There is a 4 week introduction course (not Pre-Access) that starts week commencing the 1st September 2025. This this will determine whether you are most suited to the Level 3 Access course or the Pre-Access course.

You’ll learn a range of skills and techniques 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

1 year

CAVA Access to HE Diploma: Science

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C) including English and Maths and be aged 19+.

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. To obtain IELTs you can book yourself on this link: Https://ielts.org/take-a-test/booking-your-test

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 biology, biomedical or veterinary science, nutrition.

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.

You may be able to study this course for free if you are aged 19-23 and planning to study towards your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3.

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

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Biological Scientists

Potential Earnings

£47,094.73

Average Earnings

£27,841.39

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Natural Sciences

People in these occupations observe the natural order, formulate theories, run tests, and conduct experiments.

Environmental Conservation

People in these occupations coordinate environmental services, run quality tests, ensure regulatory compliance, and carry out conservation measures.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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