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Access to HE Diploma (Science)
Access to HE Diploma (Science)
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) is a route into university without A Levels. This page explains what the qualification involves and how it's structured, giving adult learners considering a science-related degree the information they need to decide if it's the right route for them.
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Explore a route towards a science-related degree at university
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Study fully online with a structured schedule, while still fitting learning around work and family life
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A Level 3 qualification designed to support progression into higher education
Now available online.
Spread the cost over up to 6 months
Spread the cost over up to 6 months
Got a question?
We'd love to talk about how we can help you.
How does the Access to HE Science Diploma work?
Wondering how to take the first step towards a science-related degree? Pass makes the whole process easy to follow, from understanding what the diploma covers through to registering your interest and getting stuck into your studies. Our team is on hand at every stage to help you decide if this is the right route for you.
The Access to HE Science Diploma is a Level 3 Access to Higher Education qualification delivered entirely online, with new starts available throughout the year. Open from age 16 but best suited to those 19 and over, it's a well-established route into a science degree for adults returning to study or switching careers.
Speak to us today and a Pass advisor will walk through your options and help you get your Access to Higher Education Science Diploma underway with confidence.
Register Your Interest
Let us know you're interested in the Access to HE Science Diploma, and the Pass team will contact you to talk through your options.
Access your course
Log in to your learning materials, covering biology, chemistry, physics and academic study skills.
Tutor support for your diploma
A dedicated diploma tutor stays with you throughout, while unit tutors mark your assignments and give feedback as you go.
Get your diploma
Complete your assignments and quality checks to be awarded your recognised Access to HE Science Diploma.
Which universities accept this diploma?
See which UK universities currently recognise the Access to HE Science Diploma.
Other Access to HE Diplomas
Browse the other Access to HE Diplomas Pass offers, spanning health, education, psychology and more.
Equivalent to 3 A Levels, Accepted by Universities
Carrying up to 144 UCAS points and treated as the equivalent of three A Levels, the diploma opens the door to science degrees at universities right across the UK.*
Officially Recognised Level 3 Diploma
This qualification is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and follows the set standards for Access to HE Diplomas nationwide.
What does this mean?Fast-Track Route into Science
Many learners finish in 6 to 9 months, giving you a quicker way onto a science degree than some traditional college routes.
100% Online Diploma, No Classroom
Everything is delivered online, with structured units, tutor input and feedback on assignments, so you can fit study around the rest of your life.
Awarded by Open Awards
This Diploma is awarded and regulated by Open Awards, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency.
What does this mean?Low Cost, No Hidden Fees
One clear, upfront price covers your materials, tutor support, assessment and certification from day one.
*Learners are responsible for checking that their chosen university accepts the qualification for their intended course.
Where could an Access to HE Science Diploma take you?
This diploma feeds into a wide spread of BSc degrees — from Biomedical Science and Healthcare Science through to Forensic Science, Pharmacy and beyond. Which doors open depends on the units you take and the entry requirements of your chosen university.
Biomedical and Healthcare Science
A solid grounding in biology and chemistry that feeds into biomedical and healthcare science degrees, and roles in NHS laboratories and diagnostics.
Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health
Widely accepted as an alternative to A Levels for nursing, midwifery and allied health degree applications.
Forensic and Environmental Science
The chemistry and biology content lays the groundwork for degrees in forensic science, environmental science and sustainability.
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science
A well-trodden alternative route for adult learners heading towards pharmacy, pharmacology or pharmaceutical science.
Science Teaching
A stepping stone into science-focused teacher training for learners drawn to a career in the classroom.
Veterinary and Animal Science
The science content also supports applications to veterinary science, zoology and other animal-related degrees.
Food Science and Nutrition
A route towards food science, nutrition or dietetics degrees, with careers spanning the food industry, public health and NHS research.
Geology and Earth Science
Also supports progression into geology or Earth science degrees, leading to careers in resource exploration and geological surveying.
1 Register Your Interest
If the Access to HE Science Diploma looks like the right fit, register your interest below. Before you do, take a look at the details underneath to confirm the course lines up with your university and career plans.
Diploma Details
Level 3 Access to Higher Education qualification issued by a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency
Open from age 16, though best suited to learners aged 19+
A UK address is required
Built to support progression onto science, healthcare and related degrees, subject to each university's own entry requirements
2 Access your course
Course Access
As soon as you've registered your interest and enrolled, you can log in and start finding your way around the platform, your study materials and what's coming up next.
Structured Learning Plan
Work through a clear, unit-by-unit route covering biology, chemistry, physics, maths and academic skills, all built around what science degrees expect from you.
Interactive Course Materials
Learn from expert-written resources and guided tasks that bring each unit to life and get you ready for the pace of university study.
Ongoing Unit Tutor Feedback
Submit your assignments online and get feedback from unit tutors in line with the qualification's rules, with your diploma tutor keeping you on course throughout.
3 Tutor support for your diploma
Support comes from two directions on this diploma. A diploma tutor sticks with you for the whole course, running tutorials and helping you keep momentum, while a rotating set of unit tutors mark each assignment and give feedback against the assessment criteria.
This support follows the framework set for each unit, so while it has its limits, it keeps things fair and gives you steady guidance as you move through the diploma.
Tutor Support Information
A diploma tutor supporting you from start to finish
Unit tutors marking assignments and giving feedback per unit
Tutorials to help you understand the diploma and stay on course
Feedback given within the rules of the qualification
4 Get your diploma
There's no single results day with this diploma. Instead, your assignments are marked unit by unit, so grades come through steadily across your studies rather than all at once.
To complete the Access to Higher Education Diploma you'll need 60 credits altogether:
- 15 ungraded credits from study skills units
- 45 graded credits from academic subject units
Once your last assignments are marked, your work passes through internal verification, external verification and final sign-off from the awarding body before your diploma is issued.
From there, your nationally recognised Level 3 diploma is ready to back up your UCAS application. The Access Validating Agency can also pass your results to UCAS directly, so universities can confirm your achievement during admissions.
5 Which universities accept this diploma?
The Access to HE Science Diploma is recognised across a wide range of UK universities as a valid entry route onto science degrees. Acceptance can still vary by course and institution, so double-check with your chosen university before applying.
We keep an up-to-date list of universities known to accept this diploma, plus guidance on what to do if yours isn't currently on it.
6 Other Access to HE Diplomas. It all starts with a Pass.
Pass offers a whole family of Access to Higher Education Diplomas, opening a recognised route into university across a wide mix of career paths. Take a look at the others below.
How can the UK's Access to HE Science Diploma help you succeed?
Built to get you onto a science degree at university. Here's how it works.
Course Onboarding
Independent Learning Plan
Course Materials and Reading
Assignment Submission
Track Your Progress
24/7 Access, 100% Online
Course Onboarding
Getting Started the Right Way
Once you've registered your interest and enrolled on the online Access to HE Science Diploma, you'll work through an onboarding stage before your studies officially begin. This walks you through how the qualification is put together, what support you can lean on, and what lies ahead before you start unit one.
Onboarding covers the units ahead, how credits and grades work, and how you'll submit assignments. Once registered, your Independent Learning Plan is generated to set out your study timeline.
Getting onboarding out of the way means you start your first unit knowing exactly where you stand, rather than guessing at how the course works.
Officially Recognised and Regulated
Find out more about the recognition, regulation and awarding body behind your Access to HE Diploma (Science).
Officially Recognised Level 3 Diploma
The Access to HE Diploma (Science) is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, designed to give adult learners a genuine route into higher education. It's regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and follows the standard requirements set for every Access to HE Diploma.
Awarded by Open Awards
This Diploma is awarded and regulated by Open Awards, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency. As the awarding body, Open Awards is responsible for the qualification standards, oversees assessment and quality assurance, and signs off your final award once the required credits and checks are complete.
Get support with your Maths and English qualifications
Most universities look for at least two Level 2 qualifications on top of your diploma. If you don't already hold Level 2 Maths and English, Pass can help you work towards them while you study your Access to HE Diploma (Science).
We offer both GCSEs and Functional Skills qualifications through Pass, with Functional Skills usually the better fit for adult learners coming back to study. Both are delivered fully online at your own pace, with exams taken remotely from home.
Where it's needed, support with Functional Skills English and/or Maths can be woven into your studies, so you're set up to progress onto a science degree.
Be the first to access our Access to HE Diploma (Science)
Registering your interest means you’ll receive early updates, launch alerts, and priority access when enrolment opens for the Science diploma pathway. Our team will also keep you informed about course features, start dates, and everything you need to know to plan your journey into higher education with confidence.
Whether you’re exploring your options for the first time, returning to education as an adult learner, or ready to take the next step towards university, we’ll help you get started on the right path.
This is not a commitment to purchase – just a simple, free of charge way to stay informed.
FAQs
What is the Access to HE Science Diploma and what can I do with it?
An Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 qualification used primarily by adult learners who want to progress to a degree at university, pursue further study, or change career path. It is widely accepted by universities as an alternative to A Levels for UCAS applications, although entry requirements vary by university and course. Once completed, you can apply for a range of science-related degrees and go on to careers in fields such as biomedical science, forensic science, environmental science, pharmacy and related areas.
How long does the diploma take to complete?
Completion times vary depending on the pace you choose and how quickly you complete the required work. A fast-track pace can typically be completed in 6 to 9 months, while a more standard pace typically takes 9 to 12 months. Because the diploma is delivered fully online, you can fit study around your existing commitments, but once you begin submitting assignments there is a clear schedule to work to. Learners may be able to work faster or request extensions or study freezes where appropriate.
How is the diploma assessed?
The diploma is assessed through coursework rather than final exams. Most assessment is completed through written assignments, although some units may include other assessment formats such as presentations. You must meet all required assessment criteria across the units to achieve the diploma. Your work is marked by unit tutors and goes through internal and external quality checks before the qualification can be confirmed.
Can I study around work and family commitments?
Yes. The diploma is designed to fit around work, family and other commitments, allowing you to study flexibly and progress at a pace that suits you. Completion times vary depending on how quickly you complete the required work, with a fast-track pace typically taking 6 to 9 months, while a more standard pace is usually around 9 to 12 months. An Independent Learning Plan helps keep you on track, and depending on your circumstances, it may also be possible to work faster or request extensions or study freezes where appropriate.
How much tutor support will I receive?
Every learner receives tutor support throughout the diploma. A diploma tutor supports you across the qualification and provides tutorials to help you stay on track. Unit tutors change from unit to unit and are responsible for marking assignments and providing feedback. Tutor support is structured and provided within the permitted support arrangements for each unit, so it is not unlimited or available 24/7
Do I need any qualifications to start the diploma?
The minimum age is 16, although the diploma is recommended for learners aged 19 and over. You do not need A Levels or any prior Level 3 qualifications to start. However, most universities will expect you to have GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or accepted equivalents, when you apply for a degree. If you do not yet have these, Functional Skills qualifications can be completed alongside or before the diploma, or if you would prefer full GCSE qualifications, online GCSE courses and exam bookings are also available in a range of subjects, including GCSE Maths and GCSE English.
Do I need a science background before starting the diploma?
No prior science qualifications are required to start the Access to HE Science Diploma. The diploma is designed to build your science knowledge from the ground up through units such as biology, chemistry and physics, alongside study skills units that support your transition into degree-level study. This makes it a suitable route for adult learners who may not have studied science subjects recently, or at all, since school.
Is the diploma recognised by universities?
The Access to HE Diploma is a recognised Level 3 qualification designed to support progression into higher education, and is accepted by many universities as a route into degree-level study. However, every university sets its own entry requirements, so it’s the learner’s responsibility to check that their chosen university and course will accept the diploma before applying. General guidance on how Level 3 qualifications and UCAS Tariff points work is available on UCAS’s website and GOV.UK.
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