If you live in England, you might be able to do this course for FREE, see ‘Additional Information’ tab for more details. Apply today, and our team will confirm if you qualify for a free place with no obligation.
Are you interested in a rewarding career in Environmental Science, yet worry that a lack of time could prevent you from taking that next step? If you are aged 19 or over, this Access to HE Diploma (Environmental Science) gives you a convenient and affordable way to study for your qualification online. You will begin your journey after a relevant degree towards a career in energy management, ecology and nature conservation, environmental consultancy, environmental education, sustainability.
This online learning course means that you can study for a change of career, or a return to education, at times that suit you. It has also been specially designed for adult learners that are aged 19 or over, who do not currently meet the necessary entry requirements for a university course, or who have been out of education for a period of time.
Access to Higher Education qualifications are nationally-recognised, one-year, intensive Level 3 courses. They are a fast-track route to gaining the skills and qualifications you need to study at university and begin the career you are dreaming of.
Benefits of studying with Activate Learning:
- Designed exclusively for adults (19+)
- Supportive environment provided through tutors with subject expertise
- Guidance webinars for every module
- Help and guidance on writing your personal statement and completing your UCAS application
- One-year programme equivalent to three A Levels, allowing you to achieve the qualification you need to enter university
- Flexible learning enabling you to study whilst working and personal commitments
- Widely recognised and accepted qualification by UK universities
Activate Learning has helped Access to HE students progress to university for over 30 years. OFSTED rated us ‘Good’ in November 2022, with many outstanding features for our Access programmes.
Each year, around 95% of our Access to HE students progress to university on completion of their programme, going on to over 100 different universities across many different degrees and disciplines.
Remember: if you go to university and complete a degree, the government will write off the loan for your Access course. Please see the ‘Additional Information’ tab for more details.
What you'll learn
The main aim of this course is to prepare students for study at university. Students will receive subject-specific study skills preparation, as well as tuition in subjects that are relevant to their chosen degree course.
You will study modules in Study Skills, Environmental Science, Biology and Chemistry. Credits are gained through the coursework. We would advise you to check with your chosen University to ensure they accept these units for your chosen course before you apply.
In addition to developing subject knowledge, you will enhance your communication, personal, and study skills through a core programme that also provides one-to-one tutorial support.
How you'll learn and be assessed
The course is validated and moderated by Ascentis under license from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and comprises of 60 credits, of which 45 are graded and 15 ungraded. You will study towards 3 credits in Preparing to Progress, 3 credits in academic writing, and 54 credits across the three subjects of Environmental Science, Biology, and Chemistry.
Teaching will be delivered through self-directed learning, with access to regular tutor support. Additional webinars and online forums for group discussions are also available throughout your studies. You will be assessed through coursework. All assessments are internally and externally verified through a rigorous and robust process to ensure all grading is consistent, fair and provides developmental feedback.
One subject will be covered at a time and a tutor with specialist subject knowledge will be assigned to guide and support you on your learning journey. Although the workload of the course is intensive, it is structured in a way that recognises the pressures on adult learners. Many students successfully balance a healthy work/home life whilst studying the course and Activate Learning has helped over 4,000 Access to HE students progress onto university.
After successful completion of the course, you will be awarded an Access to HE Diploma in Environmental Science.
Progression
An Access to HE Diploma will help you to progress to study at university. It will also help you improve your employment prospects. In addition to developing subject knowledge, you will enhance your communication, personal, and study skills through a core programme that also provides one-to-one tutorial support.
This course is designed for anyone wanting to progress to degrees in Ecology, Conservation Science, Environmental Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Science and Management, Sustainable Business, Global Development, and Wildlife Conservation amongst others.
Entry requirements
You must meet the following entry criteria:
- Aged 19+ at the start of the academic year
- Living in the UK
- Already hold a grade C/4 or above in GCSE maths and GCSE English Language or equivalent such as Functional Skills Level 2. If you hold international qualifications, we can assess these to see if you meet the criteria
- Passing an entry assessment in maths and English
*For your application to be processed, we require to see your official certificates. These can be requested from the awarding body if you no longer have them.
You will be unable to study maths and/or English GCSEs alongside the course.
Additional information
Funding Options:
To be eligible for funding, you will need to live in England. Anyone in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland will need to self-fund the course.
19+ Advanced Learner Loan: If you are aged 19 or over, and you want to study an Access to Higher Education programme, you may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your tuition fees.
Student Finance England will write off any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE programme if you go on to complete a higher education/university-level course. This means you do not have to repay it. If you don’t go on to study a higher education/university level course, you won’t need to start paying back the loan until you earn over £25,725 per year. Contact us for more details.
How to apply
Once you submit your application to us and we have verified proof of your maths and English qualifications, you will receive an initial literacy and numeracy test by email to assess your suitability for Level 3 study.
But don’t worry; most students are successful in this! If you pass, you will then receive an offer for the course, along with the most relevant funding information for you.
