Adult Courses

Access to HE: Medicine and Medical Sciences (Level 3 Diploma)

Course Overview

Fee disclaimer

  • This course is FREE for most students
  • You may be eligible for a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan

Course fees listed below are the maximum fee if paid.  Click here to find out more and if you are eligible for free or discounted courses.

Entry requirements

GCSEs at grade 5/6 or above in English, Science and Maths. Students are advised to check the entry criteria for individual universities, as these vary and some may require grades higher than a 5/6 in the above subjects. Good literacy and numeracy skills are required to cope with the requirements of the course and the written assessments. If you do not have the GCSE in science, an alternative pathway is Access to science which can also lead to medical careers.

Course information

Access Courses are for students who are 21+ who wish to go to university but do not have a relevant Level 3 qualification. If you wish to progress to Higher Education for entry into medicine and other related courses, then the Access to HE Diploma in medicine and medical sciences has been designed for you to gain the necessary qualifications to fast-track to a degree at university.

The course is accredited by Gateway Qualifications and carries nationally recognised certification. Successful completion of an Access course is recognised by most universities as a qualification for entry to Higher Education.

You can expect to study:
  • microscopy
  • dissections
  • spectroscopy
  • gel electrophoresis
  • aseptic technique
  • microbiology
  • chemical and biochemical identification tests
  • organic syntheses
  • approximations of physical standards

As well as becoming proficient in these standard laboratory techniques, you will also cover modules in biology, chemistry, physics, and maths and will develop your core study skills in literacy and numeracy to give you a sound base for study at university.

This is an intensive and academic course that requires commitment, a mature attitude to study, and dedication. It will help you to gain the necessary educational background and to update your skills and knowledge in the medical sciences. You will learn through classroom-based activities, practical experiments, group work, lectures, and individual research and study.

This Access to Higher Education Diploma in medicine and medical sciences is a one-year course for adults aged 21+ who wish to pursue Higher Education.

The aim of the qualification is to provide an opportunity for adults who may not have studied at Level 3 previously, and therefore require a qualification to gain access to university or other higher education courses.

The course particularly suits those who have been out of full-time education for some time or who wish to change careers. Students need to have a mature attitude, dedication, and commitment to their studies.

  • How you are assessed

    You will be assessed through a range of assignments, coursework and exams.

Select your campus option to apply

Dates Schedule Max. fee if paid
Start: 09/09/2024
End: 03/07/2025
Mon to Thu (09:00 - 17:00)
£3384.00

What Can This Course Lead To

Students who successfully complete the Access to Medicine programme have a clear progression pathway to multiple universities. Former students have gone on to study Medicine at the Medical College at Anglia Ruskin University. Alternative degrees that you could progress to include:

  • Biology
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Medical Science
  • Applied Science
  • Bioengineering
  • Dietetics and other medical-related professions

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Financial Support

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