Course Overview

The Level 3 Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) which is designed to provide preparation for study in higher education (HE) in the UK for adults returning to education.

 In order the gain the Access to HE Diploma, learners must achieve a total of 60 credits. Of these 60 credits, 45 credits must be achieved at Level 3 from graded subject specific units. Graded units can be awarded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. The remaining 15 credits must be achieved at Level 2 or Level 3 from study skills units which are ungraded.

 Diploma title: Access to HE Diploma (Veterinary Science)

 Learning aim code: 40011884

 Validation start date: 1st August 2020

Validation end date: 31st July 2025

SSA sector code:

• 2 – Science and Mathematics

 • 2.1 – Science

Course Aims

The Access to HE Diploma (Veterinary Science) offers adult returners a coherent, integrated and supported year of study through which they will gain the knowledge, awareness, skills and confidence necessary for successful undergraduate studying in the intended progression routes for this Diploma. The course aims to provide a balance of essential study skills with specialist subject knowledge to enable the students to be prepared for the academic and practical rigours of undergraduate study in Veterinary Science. It must however be noted that the Access to HE Diploma does not provide guaranteed entry to UK Higher Education Institutions. Its primary aims are:

 • To provide HE progression opportunities for adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances, do not have the necessary qualifications;

• To give learners a general introduction to the basic concepts, methods, and key areas of knowledge within the core disciplines taken and offer a coherent and stimulating framework within which they can broaden their intellectual outlook and make connections between subject areas;

• To help learners to develop and consolidate the various skills required to enable them to cope successfully with the demands of undergraduate study and to become independent, self-directed learners;

 • To establish a positive and supportive learning environment within which learners can build their confidence through successful learning and the sharing of their experience;

• To provide the personal and educational support needed if learners are to pursue their aims within the framework of the course.

Target Learners

• Adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances, were unable to participate in or benefit from initial education.

• Adults from groups under-represented in higher education.

• Adults seeking a change of direction because of unemployment or lack of career opportunities in their previous field and who have a demonstrable interest in entering a veterinary profession.

Potential Progression Routes

Learners primarily progress to Higher Education study in areas related to Veterinary Science. These may include some of the following areas of Degree level study: Veterinary Science, Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Medicine and Science and other related degrees.

Entry Guidance

There are no centrally specified formal requirements for qualifications on entry; however, learners progressing onto HE Veterinary related courses will likely need to hold GCSEs at grade 9-5/4 (A*-C) in at least English, Maths and Science, as these qualifications usually form part of the entry requirements for the degree courses that learners progress to. Learners should also be strongly advised to contact HE institutions to confirm specific entry requirements onto degree courses within this subject area especially in relation to GCSE Science requirements as these may vary across HEIs.

Work Experience

HEIs generally require learners to have undertaken some work experience as part of their entry requirements. While work experience is not part of the Access course it is expected that providers will advise learners that practical experience may be required and that learners should contact their chosen HEI to confirm if work experience is required for their chosen pathway.

Guided Learning Hours

The Access to HE Diploma represents 600 notional Guided Learning Hours (GLH) with courses generally delivered in 450 GLH. This may vary between centres and may depend on whether the course is being delivered through blended learning. It is expected a centre delivering the course will clearly outline the intended delivery in terms of total hours and how this is broken down weekly over the period of study.

Methods of Assessment

To progress onto Veterinary Science at HE, HEIs require learners to have experience of formal examinations, therefore at least 15 graded credits must be solely accessed via formal examinations as stated in the Rules of Combination for the Diploma. This can include one or more exam per unit and a combination of seen or unseen papers. The remaining credits should be assessed using a variety of methods which take into consideration the target learners for this Diploma and the appropriateness for the units being assessed. Assessment methods should be valid, reliable, and inclusive and assure equity. This could include the following:

 • Tests/exams with seen or unseen papers

• Practical tasks/demonstrations

• Question and answer (written and oral)

• Worksheets

• Written assignments

• Written essays/reports

• Oral presentation

• Case studies