Access to Science – Medical & Health Pathway

The Access to Science – Medical & Health Pathway covers all three core sciences applied to healthcare contexts: biology (cell structure and function, cell division and genetics, the musculoskeletal and endocrine systems, and infection and immunity), chemistry (atomic structure, chemical bonding, moles and equations, acids, drug chemistry, and reaction kinetics), and physics (the laws of physics, the electromagnetic spectrum and its medical applications, radioactivity in medicine, and waves and optics). All 15 units are written specifically for the healthcare and health sciences context, making the content directly applicable to degree-level study in medicine, biomedical science, and allied health professions.

This pathway is accepted for entry onto a wide range of university science and healthcare degree programmes, including BSc Biomedical Science, BSc Health Sciences, BSc Medical Science, BSc Pharmaceutical Science, BSc Radiography (Diagnostic and Therapeutic), BSc Physiotherapy, and related Allied Health Professional degree pathways. Some medical schools also accept the Access to HE qualification for graduate-entry medicine programmes, though entry requirements vary significantly. Always confirm specific requirements with the admissions team at your target institution before enrolling.

No prior A-level science is required. You need GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C (or Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent) and to be aged 19 or over. GCSE Science at grade 4/C is helpful but not formally required — the course builds from fundamental principles. The course is specifically designed for adult learners who may not have studied science since school, and the academic writing units in Level 1 provide the academic skills foundation before the more demanding science content begins.

No. This is a fully online, theory-based course — there are no laboratory practicals, no in-person sessions, and no experiments requiring physical equipment. All scientific concepts are taught and assessed through written assignments, data analysis, and case studies submitted online. This makes the qualification fully accessible to learners studying from home. Some university science degree programmes do require evidence of laboratory experience before or during the degree, so check requirements with your target institution.

No. The course is 100% coursework assessed. You submit written assignments at the end of each unit through the online learning platform and receive detailed feedback from your science tutor within 5 working days. There are no timed examinations, no exam halls, and no end-of-course tests. Units are graded Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and your grade profile determines your UCAS points total (up to 144 points).

You can earn up to 144 UCAS points with a Distinction profile, equivalent to three A-levels at top grades. A Pass profile earns approximately 96–120 points; Merit earns 120–132 points; Distinction earns up to 144 points. Health sciences and biomedical science degree programmes typically require 96–120 UCAS points. Competitive programmes such as pharmacy or graduate-entry medicine may require higher grade profiles. Always confirm specific requirements with your target university.

The typical completion time is 9–12 months, based on around 10–15 hours of study per week. You have up to 24 months to complete, and the fully self-paced online format means you can progress faster if your schedule allows. The minimum active study period before results can be ratified is six months. The course can be started at any time of year with no fixed intake dates.

Both are Level 3 science Access qualifications that cover biology, chemistry, and physics content, but they differ in their focus and depth. The Medical & Health Pathway is broader, covering physics for medical imaging (electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity, waves and optics) alongside biology and chemistry, making it suitable for a wide range of healthcare degree programmes including radiography and health sciences. The Biomedical Pathway is more biochemistry-focused, with deeper coverage of cell biology, human physiology, biochemistry of drug action, and microbiology — best suited to BSc Biomedical Science, biochemistry, and molecular biology degrees.

A biomedical scientist is an HCPC-registered healthcare professional who analyses patient samples — blood, tissue, and other specimens — in NHS and private pathology laboratories to diagnose and monitor disease. To qualify, you need an IBMS-accredited BSc Biomedical Science degree followed by completion of an IBMS registration portfolio in a clinical laboratory. The Access to Science – Medical & Health Pathway provides the Level 3 science UCAS points required to secure a place on an accredited biomedical science degree. NHS Band 5 newly qualified biomedical scientists earn £29,970–£36,483 in 2024/25.

Yes. The course is entirely online with no fixed attendance requirements, making it compatible with shift work, part-time hours, and irregular schedules. Healthcare assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacy dispensers, and other non-registered healthcare workers frequently use this Access diploma to build the science qualifications needed to move into registered professional roles. Working in a clinical environment while studying can enrich your written assignments by providing real-world examples of the biological and chemical concepts covered in the course.