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Access to HE Diploma (Animal Science)

Course Code: ACCANSFT

Level: Level 3

Study mode: Full Time

The Access to HE (Veterinary Science) Diploma Pathway to Animal Science is a level 3 designed for adult learners.  It is equivalent to 3 A-levels and is one year long.  It is essentially the two-year level 3 Animal Management condensed into a year.  It provides a course of study that will be accepted by Universities and Colleges of Higher Education although they do not guarantee you a place. Common career paths for those studying on the course are veterinary nursing, animal behaviour and zoology.

You can progress to an exciting range of higher-level courses both at Halesowen College and University. The most popular courses include Halesowen College Animal Management HNC/D, Undergraduate Wildlife Conservation, Veterinary Nursing, Animal Behaviour and Zoology.

This course is ideal if you are considering a career working with animals in roles such as a veterinary nurse, nursing assistant, Cattery/Kennels Assistant, Stable Hand, welfare officer and animal training and behaviour.

Course content

Access to HE is a 60-credit diploma which constitute the following:

Animal Science and Animal Management Subject groups

Animal organs and systems
Animal Physiology
Animal Health and Disease
Animal Nutrition and Digestion
Evolution and Multicellular Animals
Biodiversity
Conservation
Reproduction
The Roles and Responsibilities of Veterinary Practitioners
Aspects of Animal Biology
Extended Essay

Study Skills and Introductory Units

Academic Study Techniques
Progressing to HE
Seminar
Animal Cells and Tissues

There are a range of strategies used to assess each unit on the science diploma, these vary and could come in the form of a presentation, a professional discussion, essay, podcast, academic poster, report or video. Each assessment will be marked and graded by your lecturer and then returned to you along with useful feedback and tips for improvement.

Entry Requirements

You require a GCSE grade C/ 4 in English Language or an equivalent qualification, such as L2 Functional Skills English.

It is desirable to have GCSE grade C/ 4 in Maths or an equivalent qualification, such as L2 Functional Skills Maths as well. If not, you can study this alongside your Access Diploma, as you will need it for your degree qualification.

Materials

You will need access to notebooks and stationery.

Day, time and duration

1 year full time course

Course timetable to be confirmed

Start date

September 2026

Course fees

The cost of the course is approx £3400

Find out more about funding your course here

Course Code: ACCANSFT

Level: Level 3