Advanced Biochemical Sciences: Access
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Course overview
Would you like to take the first step to university in a friendly environment? Have you seen our Access Medical Studies and Allied Health programme but do not meet the entry requirements yet?
Access to Pre Medical Studies and Allied Health allows progression to the Access Medical Studies and Allied Health course or life science based HE (HNC/D or Degree level).
It is a Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) that provides positive destination routes not otherwise achievable without formal academic certification. The programme is a lot work in terms of academic study and time however the rewards are invaluable in helping you progress in your career. It is a science based programme and will give you a strong fundamental knowledge base to start your studies at university.
The course is intensive and requires a full time commitment. It is not possible, due to the nature of the programme, to complete it on a part time basis. You must be able to commit to full time study and be aware that classes can be timetabled any time between 9-5, Monday through Friday. You should thoroughly consider if you are able to commit to a full time course in terms of finances, childcare, etc. Further information about SWAP Access courses can be found on the SWAP website
What you will learn
A wide variety of units will be covered.
Core subjects include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
Core skills including:
- Maths
- Communications
Entry requirements
All candidates on the programme should have been out of education for 3 years. You should not have a HNC or degree.
This Access programme is NOT intended for recent school leavers. If you are a recent school leaver you are very welcome to apply for our NQ Steps to Science programmes.
Entry to the course will be based upon a competitive review of the applications.
Applicants should now provide detailed information on relevant life, education and employment experience within their personal statement, in addition to demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject.
Tell us what experience you have in the subject already? What about the subject interests you? What skills do you have that will make you a suitable candidate for the course? Give examples. If your personal statement is missing this crucial information it is likely your application will be rejected, and you will be unsuccessful.
For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
When you start the course we will review your academic understanding and skills to ensure you are placed on the correct programme. If you need support in particular area/s we may move you to an alternative pathway to allow you the best possible chance of success.
Career Opportunities
Careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, physiotherapy or any other life science based employment.
Future prospects
This Access to Pre Medical Studies and Allied Health course is designed to enable adults with no formal qualifications to prepare, in one year, for entry into a degree course in biological or chemical based degree programmes if you are not successful in gaining a place in the Access Medical Sciences and Allied Health programme.
If you have successfully completed your Access course, you would be very welcome on our HN programme and as an internal candidate would be prioritized. You would also be considered for our highly competitive Access Medical Studies and Allied Health course, and again would be prioritised for this. Completing these courses opens the door to a huge choice of degree courses or of science jobs both locally and in every corner of the world. All learners who successfully complete our HN courses progress either to university or obtain well paid jobs.
