Access to Higher Education: Medical Sciences

Our Medical Sciences Pathway prepares students for degree level study on a variety of health-related degrees that have a strong Science base. Previous students from this Pathway have progressed onto degree courses such as: Nursing, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Nutrition and Paramedic Practice/Science. On this Pathway, in addition to the core modules, you will be studying the following subject modules:

• Scientific Investigation Skills
• The Musculoskeletal System for Healthcare
• Disease and Body Defence
• Reproductive Biology for Healthcare
• Cardiopulmonary System
• Energy for Healthcare
• Cell Biology * Mendelian and Applied Genetics for Healthcare
• Mammalian Control Systems
• Digestion and the Liver for Healthcare
• Psychology and Mental Health

On this course you will study units in biology, psychology and research. It will prepare you for health-related degrees that have a strong science basis like physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics and paramedic science.

The people who come onto Access courses often feel they did not fulfil their potential at school. They may have spent many years in unsatisfying work, been at home looking after children or have otherwise been in a situation where they have needed to take a decision about bringing about a change in their lives. What they all do have in common is a thirst for knowledge and a desire to carry on with their education.

For progression to university you may require GCSE English and/or maths at grade C/4 (or Functional Skills equivalent). It is advisable to gain these qualifications before commencing the Access diploma, however one GCSE can be studied alongside if necessary.

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Assignments, which take a variety of forms (such as essays, reports and presentations) are completed for each module. Students on all pathways complete a final assessment of a research project and presentation on a topic within their subject discipline.

Access to HE Diploma: Medical Sciences (Level 3 qualification)

The Access to HE Medical science pathway is an established and successful route to all Higher Educational Degrees for careers in the Health and Medical Services within the NHS. From Adult Nursing to Paramedics; Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Dietic to Speech and Language therapy.