Starting an Access to Science HE Course

Hi all!

I have always had a passion for the sciences and wish to work as an ODP in the future.

Due to failing my science GCSES I have always been told that this would not be a possibility. However, I came across the access to he: science course and saw that the entry requirements were a grade 4 in both English and Maths - which I have.

Therefore, my question is this… could I succeed despite not having a GCSE in Biology or Chemistry? What could I do to top up my knowledge?

Any advice would be highly appreciated. Thank you.

Reply 1

Stormgrad

Original post by oliviaroseb26

Hi all!
I have always had a passion for the sciences and wish to work as an ODP in the future.
Due to failing my science GCSES I have always been told that this would not be a possibility. However, I came across the access to he: science course and saw that the entry requirements were a grade 4 in both English and Maths - which I have.
Therefore, my question is this… could I succeed despite not having a GCSE in Biology or Chemistry? What could I do to top up my knowledge?
Any advice would be highly appreciated. Thank you.

Contact the admissions team at the institute which you hope to apply. That said I'm currently doing a Access course in Humanities and Social Sciences and only required the 4 in both maths and English and none of the Foundational subjects like psychology and history

Reply 2

libertykate

Original post by oliviaroseb26

Hi all!
I have always had a passion for the sciences and wish to work as an ODP in the future.
Due to failing my science GCSES I have always been told that this would not be a possibility. However, I came across the access to he: science course and saw that the entry requirements were a grade 4 in both English and Maths - which I have.
Therefore, my question is this… could I succeed despite not having a GCSE in Biology or Chemistry? What could I do to top up my knowledge?
Any advice would be highly appreciated. Thank you.

Yes definitely, most universities don't have requirements for GSCES just the higher education grades. I'm starting my Access to HE Science in September and the whole premise of that is to give you the knowledge and skills to succeed in uni without the stereotypical GSCES/A Level route x

Reply 3

PG Study Chester

Official Rep

Original post by oliviaroseb26

Hi all!
I have always had a passion for the sciences and wish to work as an ODP in the future.
Due to failing my science GCSES I have always been told that this would not be a possibility. However, I came across the access to he: science course and saw that the entry requirements were a grade 4 in both English and Maths - which I have.
Therefore, my question is this… could I succeed despite not having a GCSE in Biology or Chemistry? What could I do to top up my knowledge?
Any advice would be highly appreciated. Thank you.

Hello OliviaRoseb26,

It's so great that you are looking at starting an access to HE course in science. Whilst I haven't done an access course myself, I am certain that if you are determined and work hard at it there's no reason why you couldn't succeed. The whole premise for the access courses is to enable students who don't have the GCSEs to achieve the equivalent - don't be put off by the GCSEs just see it as an exciting, new challenge and embrace the opportunity to learn!
If I was you, I would contact the institution you are looking to study at and specifically the department that is responsible for the access to HE applications. Have a chat to the staff and explain that you want to be well prepared for the course, and ask if there is anything that they could advise you do in order to boost your knowledge for the course. It may be that you have enough knowledge already and until the course starts you don't need to do anything. One thing I would do when the course does start, is make sure I read all the 'optional' further reading, and any background 'for information only' materials. By reading around the subject you often gain a better, clearer understanding of the current topic you are learning about, especially as it may place it in a more understandable context. If there is anything you're not sure about or don't really clearly understand, don't be too shy or embarrassed to ask the tutors for help. If it is a bit tricky, just ask them to go over it again, the chances are that other students may be confused too, but aren't brave enough to say, so don't be put off and nervous about asking for further explanations, that is what the tutors are for!
I wish you all the best with your course, stay positive and believe in yourself, you can definitely do this!
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

Reply 4

Tw1x

Currently doing my (Second!) access to science however this time part time. The last time I did my access course was 13 years ago so the knowledge was completely gone. If you want to top up your knowledge I recommend: Online GCSE and A level Science | Southwest Science School or Save My Exams.
I started the I-GCSE human biology when I knew I wanted to try study again. I haven't sat the exam but used the videos the worksheets etc. to enhance my knowledge, particularly when upcoming to a particular topic on the access just to get a decent overview. I plan on purchasing the chemistry for pre-reading and learning once I've finished this first year of access.

I too also don't hit the GCSE criteria for what I wish to apply for so cannot help you with that except to email the unis you wish to apply for - this is currently on my to-do list but as I have another year of access it's not a dire emergency for me