Overview

Could you see yourself as a physiotherapist, nutritionist, dietician, research scientist or biochemist?

If so, our Access to HE Diploma (Science) course is for you. Designed for adults (19+) returning to education, you'll cover key topics such as human biology, chemistry, and physics in small, friendly and supportive classes. It prepares you for university and a future as a physiotherapist, nutritionist, dietician, research scientist or biochemist.

You can prepare by reading around your subject via our booklist and purchase recommended items from our kit list. Please be aware that as an Access learner you might be eligible to receive a college laptop for you to use for the duration of your course.

Once you’ve finished your Access to HE course, you may choose to stay and study a foundation degree in Sport and Exercise Science at the NTU Mansfield Centre on our Derby Road campus, which is run by Nottingham Trent University.

On successful completion of the course you will be awarded an Access to HE Diploma from Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA). Find out more on the cava website.

What will I study?

It is possible to study two pathways within the Access to HE Diploma (Sciences) course - one which focuses on biology and another which will focus on chemistry. Both the chemical and biological sciences pathways contain a significant portion of hands on, practical science. General areas covered on both pathways are:

Study skills
Practical, scientific individual research project
General biology
Human biology
Chemistry
Physics

Start date, attendance and fee

Start date - September 2026
Attendance - Two and a half to three days per week
Fee - £3,384 (See 'Funding options')

FAQs

We have created a downloadable document that lists all our most frequently asked questions.

View Access to HE FAQs

Entry requirements
This course is only available adults aged 19+ (as of 31 August 2025).
- GCSE grade 4-9 (C or above) in English Language and maths.
- You are strongly advised to complete a work placement before joining the course.
Don’t have the required GCSEs? No problem!
We’re here to help you get ready for your next step.
- Need one GCSE? Study it alongside our Preparation for Access to HE - Level 2 course.
- Need both GCSEs? Join our GCSEs for Access to HE courses - Level 2 course, designed just for adult learners.
You’ll take a short assessment to see what support you need. Then, we’ll guide you to the best option.
Assessment
You will be assessed on the assignments which are set regularly throughout the course. Some of these assignments will be completed under exam conditions but most will be completed in your own time.
Progression
This course offers you the potential to enter a variety of professions (subject to your chosen degree* and entry requirements), including: physiotherapist, nutritionist, dietician, research scientist or biochemist.
*To find out how many UCAS points this course carries, and to receive advice on your Higher Education options, please contact the college’s enquiries team on 0808 100 3626 and ask to be transferred to the Head of Department for this subject area. They can provide the most up-to-date information.
As a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may also be eligible for a range of benefits if you choose to progress to NTU after completing your course. For more information, please visit Progress NTU.
Careers
Qualifications gained
- Access to HE Diploma (Science)
- CAVA
Funding options
Don't let paying for this course hold you back from achieving your goals. There are different funding routes available for adult learners. Dependent on your personal circumstances, you may be eligible to:
- Apply for an Advanced Learner Loan
- Split the cost of courses over four instalments
- Apply for additional financial support.
Did you know? If you successfully go on to complete a Higher Education qualification following an Access to HE course, you won’t have to pay your Advanced Learner Loan back at all.
For more information please contact 0808 100 3626 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Studying Access to Higher Education at West Notts College
Visit our access to higher education subject area page to explore the full range of courses available.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.