Environmental Science - Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Environmental Science) is a Level 3 qualification which prepares people without traditional qualifications for study at university.

The qualification gives you the relevant academic subject knowledge needed for higher education study and the opportunity to develop study skills to help you succeed. It is well established and widely accepted by universities, qualifying for UCAS tariff points that are comparable to the tariff points for three A Levels.

The Access to HE Diploma (Environmental Science) offers adult returners a coherent, integrated, and supported year of study through which they will gain the knowledge, awareness, skills and confidence necessary for successful undergraduate studying in the intended progression routes for this Diploma.

The course aims to provide a balance of essential study skills with specialist subject knowledge to enable the students to be prepared for the academic and practical rigours of undergraduate study in Environmental Science. It must however be noted that the Access to HE Diploma does not provide guaranteed entry to UK Higher Education Institutions.

The primary aims are:

• To provide HE progression opportunities for adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances, do not have the necessary qualifications.
• To give learners a general introduction to the basic concepts, methods, and key areas of knowledge within the core disciplines taken and offer a coherent and stimulating framework within which they can broaden their intellectual outlook and make connections between subject areas.
• To help learners develop and consolidate the various skills required to enable them to cope successfully with the demands of undergraduate study and to become independent, self-directed learners.
• To establish a positive and supportive learning environment within which learners can build their confidence through successful learning and the sharing of their experience.
• To provide the personal and educational support needed if learners are to pursue their aims within the framework of the course.

You will need:

• To be aged 19 or older
• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or A*-C); however, you will be considered for the course if you have one GCSE at grade 4-9 in Maths or English  with the offer of GCSE classes in addition to the course
• Ideally, a GCSE in Science, or equivalent qualification

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

This course is assessed through coursework assignments, tests and examinations throughout the course, which are set and marked by your teachers and externally moderated by OCN London.

Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and tests.

Adults - Access to Higher Education

If you will be aged 19 to 23 prior to the start date of your course, and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for a Level 3 entitlement, in which case your study with us will be free. Otherwise, you will have to pay the fees yourself or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

If you are aged between 18 and 25 you may not have to pay course fees. 

You may need to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. 

Course fees can be discussed at the interview. 

Learners primarily progress to Higher Education study in areas related to Environmental Science. These may include some of the following areas of Degree level study:

• Conservation Science
• Ecology
• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Geography
• Environmental Geoscience
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Science and Management
• Geography
• Geology
• Global Development
• Marine Biology
• Wildlife Conservation
• and a wide range of combined and related degrees.