Agored Cymru Diploma in Access to Higher Education (Health Science) Level 3
Key Information
Subject Area
Access to HE
Level
3
Full Time
Location
City of Newport Campus
Start Date
02 September 2025
Duration
1 year
Entry Requirements
GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above are desirable. Learners without qualifications will be required to undertake Numeracy and Literacy assessment and achieve a Level 2 as a minimum.
In a nutshell
This course is ideal if you want to progress on to Higher Education (HE) and into a scientific healthcare profession. It provides a fast track route (1 year) and gives you the opportunity to study on a medical science-related degree course.
This course is for you if...
...you’d like to go to university but left school without the qualifications you need.
...you want to prepare for study at university level.
...you have a passion for health-related studies and careers.
...if you are returning to education.
...you want a career in the medical or scientific field, ranging from physiotherapy, pharmacy, health science, chiropractic, radiology and biomedical sciences to mention a few.
What will I be doing?
This course is designed to give you opportunities to move onto a medical sciences degree (such as physiotherapy, paramedic science, radiography, pharmacy, pharmacology, medical science, biosciences, audiology or chiropractic) or a science related degree (biology, chemistry, physics) and will give you the necessary skills to be successful in the sciences to help you in your future studies.
Study units include:
- Biology/Anatomy and Physiology (min 18 credits*)
- Chemistry (min 15 credits*)
- Physics and Health Physics (6 credits)
- Communication Skills for HE (6 credits)
- Numeracy for Science (9 credits)
*Universities ask for specific credits on their medical related science degree programmes.
The course has also developed good relationships with many of the local universities, where previous students have successfully gained places.
This is assessed via Internal Formal Assessments. You will undertake a range of assessment criteria via assignments, tests, oral presentations, practical tasks and an extended essay. You’ll achieve the Agored Cymru Access to HE - Health Science Diploma which will hold UCAS points.
What is expected of me?
GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above are desirable. Learners without qualifications will be required to undertake Numeracy and Literacy assessment and achieve a Level 2 as a minimum. This is an intensive course which requires a high level of commitment and dedication. Applicants will be expected to attend all sessions and undertake significant independent study.
Respect for others, enthusiasm for the subject and self-motivation are the essential qualities we expect to see in all our learners. All assignments must be successfully completed in order to achieve the qualification.
What comes next?
Gaining the Agored Cymru Access to HE – Health Science will give you the chance to progress onto an appropriate Foundation or Honours Degree in a medical or science-related course.
After that, your career options could include
Additional information
*Universities ask for specific credits on their medical related science degree programmes.
Learners are advised to check University entry requirements as this will differ between institutions.
Have any questions or are not sure if this is the right course for you?
Contact our Student Recruitment team
