The science access course is designed for people interested in studying science courses at university. It is a rounded science education split evenly three ways: 1/3 physics, 1/3 chemistry and 1/3 biology. The course is also suitable for those wishing to study vocational courses at university such as Diagnostic Radiography, Physiotherapy or Optometry degrees.

Each week, you will also have a tutorial with a college tutor where you will develop key skills required for studying level three and above; this includes critical thinking, referencing, researching and the UCAS application process.

Throughout the course, hands-on experience and the development of scientific skills are a key component. Learners are provided with numerous opportunities to undertake scientific investigations and take part in sessions taught by professionals from core British scientific institutions.

You are required to have a Science GCSEs at grade B/5, or two at grade C/4. In addition to this you need GCSEs at C/4 or above in English and maths.

There are 15 graded units on the course which will be awarded at pass, merit and distinction. These may contain a mixture of assessment methods, including examinations, scientific investigations and reports, as well as set mathematical questions. The universities will then ask for certain grades to be required for entrance to their course. It is highly recommended that you check with the universities regarding the grades you will require as they differ greatly depending on which course is to be studied. Usually you will need all merits or merits with a number of distinctions to enter university, but with some courses such as Radiography it is not uncommon to need all Distinctions.

Upon successful completion of this qualification it is expected that you will progress onto university to study a scientific subject. Previous learners have gone on to study optometry, biochemistry, genetics, physiotherapy, radiography and zoology both locally and nationally including The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitain University, The University of Salford, The University of Huddersfield and The University of Bradford.