Applied Sciences

Course summary

Access to Higher Education (HE) courses prepares adults (aged 19+) without traditional qualifications such as A Levels for study at university or other higher education programmes. This diploma is widely recognised by UK universities and Colleges. You will be given the opportunity to develop not only academic knowledge in your chosen subjects but also broader study skills to help you succeed at university. For further information on the benefits of studying an Access course and what it can lead to, please visit our Awarding body website at https://www.cava.ac.uk/about-access-to-he/for-students/. In this pathway, you will study 3 subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics as well as a compulsory Study Skills course. This pathway also includes a compulsory science practical project (in place of a subject unit 4). This project can be tailored to your chosen HE course and/or your interests (biological/cosmetic/environmental / pharmaceutical/engineering or physics to name a few). All subjects are taught in well-equipped laboratories to help develop a full range of practical scientific skills. Practical work can help you to understand the process of scientific investigation and to develop an awareness of health and safety and risk assessment. A strongly supportive tutorial and study skills system is also in place to encourage the development of an independent and self-disciplined approach to learning as required for higher education. This includes regular group and one-to-one tutorials to set and review targets and ensure sufficient progress is made. Career advice provided by personal tutors and the College Careers officers focus predominantly on university application, registration with UCAS and completion of the application form, as well as assistance with personal statement writing and advice on a range of higher education courses. You are advised to apply for this course between November 2022 and June 2023. Interviews start in February and the course is usually very popular.