• Science
  • January
  • Full-Time
  • SCQF Level 6

ACCESS TO SCIENCE AND HEALTH

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Intro to the course:

The Access to Science course is designed to give you the foundations for a career within Health and Science. It covers topics such as  Chemistry, Biology, Communications, Numeracy and Human Anatomy. 

 

Each unit is taught by a lecturer who has experience within the area and is equipped to develop your understanding. Through a combination of practical and theoretical approaches, you will develop your knowledge and understanding as well as the ability to apply that knowledge to situations. 

 

Furthermore, we will support you in your study skills and preparation for transition to Higher Education. 

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Full-Time

Start date
05/01/2026

Who is the course for?

This course is designed to support students who wish to return to education or are looking at a chance in career. 

The course is focussed on ensuring you have the theoretical knowledge required to progress to HNC level study.

You should be able to commit to 3 days in college and at least 2 days of studying a week. 

What will I study?

Access to Science  covers a multitude of disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics and anatomy. 

The units have been selected to ensure that you have a good grasp of basic scientific theory whilst being able to transfer and apply that knowledge to practical situations., 

You will study topics such as: 

  • Chemistry basics - atoms, molecules and reactions. 
  • Cell Biology- what are cells, what do they do and how we use them in bioscience.
  • Mathematics - develop numeracy skills, critical thinking and problem solving. 
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology - understand how your body works and the impact of disease and injury.
  • Psychology - consider the influence of the world around is and its impact on behaviour. 
  • plus many more.

 

In addition to the subject based units, you will study a unit called ‘Preparation for Higher Education’ that develops your skill set for transition to HNC, if you successfully complete the course. 

Please be advised that the units are subject to change. 

There is no placement element on this course

Next step course options

The course options after the Access to Science are: 

  • HNC Applied Science
  • HNC Healthcare Practice

How will I be assessed?

The assessment approaches vary between units depending on the requirements. 

Assessment approaches can include: 

  • Closed book exams
  • Open book exams
  • Posters
  • Presentation
  • Practical skills

Your lecturer for each unit will advise on the assessment approach and timescales. 

If you are worried about assessments, you can seek support from the ‘Learning hub’ within the college.

Why should I choose this course?

The science and healthcare industry within Scotland is expanding rapidly, with increases in job and academic opportunity. This course, will support you in being able to take advantage of that. 

You'll be taught by experienced staff with a background in the science and health care industry, with the chance of site visits  with organisations such as the Marine Conservation Society, the University of the West of Scotland and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre.

We work closely with our University and SWAP Partners to ensure a progressive and positive learning experience

Where can this course lead?

This course does not provide any qualifications for employment, however you can gain a set of highly transferable skills such as ICT, numeracy, time management and laboratory skills. 

The course team will help you to consider your next steps which may include employment in a variety of sectors. 

What are the entry requirements?

No formal qualifications are required. 

This course is suitable for a wide variety of individuals - perhaps you are wanting to re-enter education, need to gain further scientific knowledge to meet the entry qualifications for the HNC Applied Science, or just want to develop your knowledge base. 

You will be asked to supply a reference and your personal statement should detail why you wish to do the course. 

What are the interview arrangements?

There is no interview for this course. 

You will be asked to submit a reference, and a lecturer may potentially phone you to discuss your application. 

Fees, finance and funding

Fees for full time is £1008

This course is eligible for Bursary.

Please note, fees are subject to change, please double-check this when enrolling in your course

If you are unsuccessful in your Bursary application, you may be liable for the full cost of course

For more information please visit the finance pages - Fees, finance and funding options.

Other information:

For more information on this course and to speak to a member of our team email admissions@slc.ac.uk

Need more help?

Would you like to speak to someone about your application today? We’d love to hear from you.

You can drop into the Student Advice Centre between 8.45am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Tel: 01355 270750
Email: admissions@slc.ac.uk

Choose your study options

Study mode Full-Time Start date 05/01/2026 Duration 3 days
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