Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences - Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma

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If you want to study Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, Pharmacology, Nutrition, or a related science degree at university — but don’t have the traditional qualifications — this Access to Higher Education Diploma could be your route back into education.

Validated by OCN London, this Level 3 qualification is worth 60 credits and carries UCAS tariff points equivalent to three A Levels. It is widely recognised by universities across the UK.

At our Angel Campus, you’ll study in purpose-built science laboratories and benefit from a blend of face-to-face and online learning, designed to support adult learners returning to academic study. The course develops the scientific knowledge, practical laboratory skills, and academic confidence you need to progress to a science-based degree.

You will also be supported by a dedicated personal tutor who will help you plan your university choices and prepare your UCAS application.

Did you know? If you progress to and complete a university degree after your Access to HE Diploma, your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off by Student Finance England.

The programme focuses on building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and biomedical sciences, alongside the academic skills required for higher education.

Core topics include:

• Biology for Health and Science – cells, tissues, human physiology, the cardiovascular system, biochemistry
• Chemistry for Biomedical Science – bonding, energetics, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, oxidation and reduction
• Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Principles – introductory pharmacology, nutrition and health science

To enrol on this course, you must:

• Be aged 19 or older
• Have GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications
• Ideally, have a GCSE in Science (Biology or Chemistry preferred)
• Attend an interview to confirm the course is suitable
• Enthusiasm and commitment to full-time study are essential.

We welcome mature learners with non-traditional qualifications, relevant experience, or a strong interest in science.

Assessment is continuous throughout the year and includes:

• Written assignments and scientific reports
• Laboratory practical assessments
• Presentations
• Examinations and timed tests

Assignments are marked by your tutors and externally moderated by OCN London to ensure national standards. Independent study will form an important part of your weekly workload.

You may be required to have basic study resources, such as a scientific calculator, stationery, access to textbooks, and occasionally a lab coat, depending on the practical sessions.

Adults - Access to Higher Education

This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• If you are aged 19-23 and you do not have a full Level 3 qualification (a full L3 is the equivalent of two A-levels at A* - E grade). You need to show us proof of any qualifications you already have.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions, and live in London If you live outside London, you need to pay fees.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us, and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

If you have to pay for your course, and decide to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL), the residency rules are different: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

Some courses have additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Completing this Access to HE Diploma prepares you to progress to a wide range of science-based university degrees, including:

• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
• BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
• BSc (Hons) Nutrition or Nutrition Science
• BSc (Hons) Human Biology

Graduates often go on to careers in pharmacy, laboratory science, healthcare science, pharmaceutical research, nutrition, public health, and the wider life sciences.

Topics covered can include:

Biology

• The Blood
• Human Biology
• Human Physiology
• The Cardiovascular System
• Cells

Chemistry

• Introduction to Matter
• Amount (Mole) of Substance
• Chemical Energetics
• Chemical Bonding
• Oxidation and Reduction
• Organic Chemistry
• Practical Scientific Project

Maths

• Handling Scientific Data
• Algebra

You will need:

• To be aged 19 or older
• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or A*-C); however, you will be considered for the course if you have one GCSE at grade A*-C in Maths or English and the other at grade D with the offer of GCSE classes in addition to the course
• Ideally, a GCSE in Science, or equivalent qualification

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

This course is assessed through coursework assignments, tests and examinations throughout the course, which are set and marked by your teachers and externally moderated by OCN London.

Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and tests.

Adults - Access to Higher Education

This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• If you are aged 19-23 and you do not have a full Level 3 qualification (a full L3 is the equivalent of two A-levels at A* - E grade). You need to show us proof of any qualifications you already have.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions, and live in London If you live outside London, you need to pay fees.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us, and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

If you have to pay for your course, and decide to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL), the residency rules are different: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

Some courses have additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Once you have completed your Access to HE course, you can progress to a Higher Education degree at a university or college. 

You should check requirements for specific degree courses - different Higher Education institutions may have different entry requirements for similar courses.