Access to HE Diploma (Land Based Science)
About the course
The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification for those who wish to apply for a degree but do not currently hold the relevant entry qualifications. The programme currently runs at our Preston centre and will be running at our Liverpool centre subject to approval.
This programme is for students with a passion for a career in the land based industries, whether that is working with animals, horses, plants, trees or other areas of agriculture and conservation. The programme makes full use of the College's outstanding specialist facilities and resources. At University Centre Myerscough Preston this includes the farms, animal collections, equine arenas, ornamental grounds, woodlands and laboratories. At the Croxteth Park Centre, Liverpool this includes the Victorian Walled Garden and glasshouses, woodlands, nature reserve, animal collections and equine yard / arena.
The course is designed to help students gain knowledge, skills and confidence to study for a degree and act as a stepping stone to a career in the land based industries.
The course will consist of units selected from the following list:
- Biological Science (including animal biology and plant biology)
- Environmental Science
- Forensic Science
- Chemistry
- Related Studies (Land Based Science)
- Research techniques and statistical techniques
- Information Communication Technology
- Skills for Learning
Units will be contextualised to a range land-based industries including working with animals, horses, plants, trees, agriculture and conservation.
Please note that units are subject to availability and not all units may be available each year. Units may also be subject to change due to awarding body criteria.
Entry requirements & additional information
Entry requirements
Maths or English at GCSE Grade C or above or equivalent qualification.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Learning and assessment
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and workshops.
Students are expected to undertake independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.
Students will complete a variety of assessments including tests, essays, presentations, reports and group work.
Progression
The Access to HE Diploma is equivalent to 2 A Levels.
The Access to HE Diploma prepares you for study at university level and is accepted by many institutions as an alternative to A Levels.
Following completion, students may apply to higher education programmes in the following subjects at University Centre Myerscough:
· Agriculture and Countryside
· Animal Studies
· Veterinary Nursing
· Equine studies
· Arboriculture
· Sportsturf
· Horticulture
· Landscape Architecture
· Landscape and Garden Design
NOTE: For progression to FdSc Veterinary Nursing at Myerscough, students will need to achieve a distinction in each of the Biological Science units except Plant Biology. Students will also need to meet the other entry requirements for FdSc Veterinary Nursing as specified on the factsheet for that course.
Careers
The Access to HE Diploma prepares for a higher education degree which can lead to a variety of rewarding careers in the land-based industries (see subjects listed under ‘progression’).
Special requirements
The course is full time (approximately 3 days per week, 10am to 3pm)
Cost £2,598
If you are 18 years of age and live in the UK, it is likely there will be no charge for the course.
Funding
If you are aged 19-23 and this is your first full Level 3 qualification, you will be entitled to funding to cover all of your tuition fees at no cost to you.
Alternatively, if you are 19-23 and you already have achieved a full Level 3 qualification, or are aged 24 or over, you could be eligible for a loan.
Advanced Learner Loans are not means tested or dependent on credit checks. When you progress and complete a university level course, the 19+ Advanced Learner Loan is completely wiped meaning you will only have to pay back your university student loan.
Costs that are mandatory for the course:
Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear – approximately £100
Work experience
There is no formal work placement on this course, but the programme does offer the flexibility to gain additional experience during the course, where students have opportunity to undertake extra-curricular work experience.