Combined & Medical Sciences
Access to Higher Education Diploma
Leaflet Code: L8242
Overview
Interested in a career in life or medical sciences such as optometry, biomedical science, neuroscience, radiography, or pharmacy?
The Access to HE Diploma in Combined and Medical Sciences is your pathway to university and beyond.
Designed for adults returning to education, this diploma is ideal if you’re seeking a career change, lack formal qualifications, or want to build confidence before entering Higher Education.
Equivalent to three A-Levels, the course prepares you academically for university study. It’s intensive and requires motivation, dedication, and a positive attitude.
You’ll study modules in:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
Plus, you’ll develop essential academic skills for university success.
We’ll support your UCAS application, personal statement, and provide an academic reference. While most universities accept Access to HE Diplomas, it’s your responsibility to check for specific entry requirements.
- Citylabs
- Full Time
- 1 year
- August 2026
Academic Entry Requirements
- For entry on to the Access to HE Diploma (Combined Medical Science) you need to have achieved and have official evidence (e.g. certificates) of:
• GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or above (we will also accept IELTS at 6.5 or above with no aspect under 6.0 in place of GCSE English)
Prospective students should check the entry requirements of their preferred university to ensure the best possible opportunity for progression.
You will also complete an initial assessment and an informal interview as part of the application process. If we feel that you are not quite ready for the Access to HE Diploma we may offer you a place on our Pre-Access course (Level 2) which will help you to prepare for level 3 study whilst studying English and maths qualifications alongside.
How will I be assessed?
A range of assessment methods will be used to assess your progress throughout the academic year. These include: essays, reports, short answer questions and presentations. All assessments are designed to support you in preparing for study at university.
Fees, Finance and Funding
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to pay tuition fees for this Access to Higher Education Diploma. There are a number of different funding and finance options that may be able to help you, with dedicated support from the government, bursaries and grants, and loans to cover any tuition fees. Have a look at our fees, finance & funding page to find out all the information you need.
You will need a calculator for the course.
One model that is stuitable Casio FX-83GTCW Scientific Calculator; any scientific calculator suitable for A level study can be used.