Skip to main content
East Coast College logo
Work For Us

Access to HE Diploma (Science) Studying Science and Animal

Science Animal Image

Key Details

Levels

Level 3

FT / PT

PT

Location

The Place | Great Yarmouth

Duration

1 year

This course is designed to support your progression into a wide range of higher education courses and future careers within scientific and animal-related industries. Successful completion can provide a pathway into degree programmes and careers such as conservation science, animal management, animal science, animal welfare, ethics, and other related areas.

Throughout the course, you will develop a strong foundation in scientific principles while gaining valuable practical experience. You will have access to purpose-built laboratories and specialist facilities, allowing you to develop essential practical skills, build confidence in scientific techniques, and apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts.

The course combines academic study with hands-on learning, helping you to understand key concepts in science while exploring their applications within animal, environmental, and health-related fields. You will develop skills in research, investigation, analysis, and problem-solving, preparing you for further study and employment within a range of science-based sectors.

In addition to the core curriculum, you will study additional specialist units depending on your chosen pathway. These pathways allow you to tailor your learning experience towards your interests and future goals, with options including the science pathway, animal pathway, or health pathway.

Students will follow the CAVA Access to Science framework, which provides a structured programme of study designed to develop the knowledge, practical abilities, and academic skills required for progression to university-level study and professional careers.

Course Information


A sufficient standard of numeracy and English Language is needed to cope with the demands of the course. We strongly advise you to have a GCSE in English language and maths at grade C or above as the majority of university providers will require this.

All students will undertake diagnostic assessment to assess these skills during the course interview or induction process and you will be required to demonstrate that you can work at level 2 in these subject areas. Students may be able to study for one GCSE in either English Language or maths alongside the Access course. This will be discussed during the Access interview process.


Assessment methods are varied on the course and mirror assessment methods that are likely to be experienced on most university degree programmes. Assessments take the form of essays, presentations, case studies, research project and written examinations. Additionally, assessment for the study skills units is a portfolio of evidence which is compiled throughout the year. Assessments are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction, with the exception of study skills units which are ungraded.


This course will allow you to access an array of university degrees: Conservation Science and Animal Management, Animal Welfare, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science. For more information, contact adultlearning@eastcoast.ac.uk


Units you may study include:

  • Cell Biology
  • Study Skills
  • Animal Science and Welfare
  • Animal Welfare and Ethics
  • Ecology
  • Zoology and Ecology

50/50

Career Pathways