Science, Healthcare and Medicine - Pathway to Higher Education

This is a one-year course for adult learners who are interested in studying one of our Access to Higher Education Diplomas, but who do not yet meet the GCSE entry requirements. This will also be suitable for you if you have qualifications from another country which universities in the UK don’t recognise, or if you need to retake your GCSEs to achieve a higher grade. Most universities require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English, maths and science.

This "pre-access" qualification gives you the subject knowledge in English, Maths and Science to apply for an Access to Higher Education Diploma, to then progress to university the following academic year. Access Diplomas are well-established and widely accepted by universities, qualifying for UCAS tariff points equivalent to three A levels.

This course will provide you with the foundation knowledge of GCSE English, Mathematics, and Double Science, which you will be entered to sit in the summer exam season. You will be taught by our lecturers who are experienced in delivering high-quality adult education.

This course is delivered at the Centre for Applied Sciences. Lessons will combine theory lectures and practical sessions, many of which will take place in our specialist science laboratories.

• GCSE Combined Science (Key concepts in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) - equivalent to two GCSEs
• GCSE English Language (Language skills, effective communication strategies, non-fiction texts and media)
• GCSE Maths  (Fundamental mathematical operations, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry
• GCSE Psychology

You will need to:

• Be aged 19 or older
• Have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 3 or above (A* - D), or you will be asked to take a diagnostic test at enrolment to assess your ability
• Attend an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for you

This course is assessed through national exams which will take place in the summer.

Adults - Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2

If you will be aged 19+ on 31st August prior to the start date of your course, up to Level 2, then your study with us will be free. You must have lived for 3 years within the EU/EEA/UK prior to the start of your course, you must have lived in the UK before 1st January 2021 and you must have permission to live in the UK for at least 12 months from the first day of learning. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

After your Pre Access course is completed, you will have the opportunity to interview for one of our Access to Higher Education Diplomas. We currently run the following Diplomas through OCN London:

• Access to Medicine
• Access to Medical Biosciences
• Access to Health and Human Sciences
• Access to Nursing
• Access to Engineering
• Access to Policing

Please note, you will still need an interview to assess your suitability for these courses, and you must meet their entry requirements to be given a place.