Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science)
- SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 31st May
- SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 31st May
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science)
Your Course at a Glance
- Gain university entry without A Levels
- Complete your course online
- Pursue an environmental career or one working with animals
- Achieve a nationally recognised qualification
- Pass your course in less than a year
- No exams
About Your Diploma
If you have a passion for conservation and agriculture and would love to work in a land-based industry or with animals, then going to university to study a degree related to this industry will put you in a strong position to achieve the career you want.
Before you can study your degree, you will need qualifications to meet entry requirements. Included in those requirements are A Levels, but if you don’t possess those, then an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science) is a great alternative.
In fact, most universities accept these Level 3 qualifications instead of A Levels, but you must check with your chosen establishment before applying. An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a vocational course that offers the perfect mixture of industry-based knowledge and study skills.
By studying land based science, you will explore a wide range of topics, including plant biology, animal biology, environmental management and more. All of these subjects will give you solid foundational knowledge, which you can use to build upon when you study your degree.
Not only will you study topics related to land based industries, but you will also learn a range of study skills that will prepare you for university, including academic writing skills and how to use spreadsheet software.
With this qualification, you will be in a strong position to study a degree that could potentially lead you into careers within agriculture, farming, land based engineering and more.
Getting Started
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science) is delivered entirely online and there are no exams. You will have flexibility in terms of your study schedule, but you will have submission deadlines for your assignments. This will all be outlined simply for you in the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) you are issued with.
As soon as you enrol, you will be granted 24/7 access to all the course materials you need to achieve your Level 3 diploma. We have an industry-leading digital platform that provides everything you require in one easy-to-use place.
Not only that, but you can also contact our experienced tutors and Access Support Team to help you through your studies. Once you enrol, you will have two years to complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma course, but on average, our learners complete it within 9 months

Modules
Unit 1: Preparing to Study
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how study is organised and planned
- Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
- Understand a range of constraints upon study
- Understand the importance of assessment feedback
Unit 2: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information, or central ideas
Unit 3: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan, draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 4: Using Spreadsheet Software
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know how to use spreadsheet software
- Know how to perform calculations on spreadsheet data
- Know how to use spreadsheet software to create and develop charts
Unit 5: Algebraic Methods
On completion of this unit you will:
- Apply series
- Apply mathematical operations on logarithms
- Apply mathematical operations on surds
- Apply algebraic methods.
Unit 6: Cell Biology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure and organisation of cells, including stem cells
- Understand cellular metabolism
- Understand how cells grow and divide
Unit 7: Periodic Table
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the Periodic Table
- Understand periodicity in the elements of Period 3
- Understand ionisation energy
- Understand oxidation and reduction
- Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals
- Understand the Group 7 elements
Unit 8: Calculus
On completion of this unit you will:
- Apply differentiation
- Apply integration
- Apply differentiation and integration to solve problems
Unit 9: Research Topic
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to plan and carry out a primary research project on a topic relevant to your Diploma title
- Be able to plan and write a research topic report
- Understand, develop and apply basic research skills
Unit 10: Aspects of Animal Biology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand aspects of cell biology
- Understand a range of skeletal and locomotory systems in animals
- Understand sensory organs in animals
Unit 11: Atomic Structure and Bonding
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure of the atom
- Understand electronic structures
- Understand the formation of ionic bonds
- Understand the formation of covalent bonds
Unit 12: Trigonometry
On completion of this unit you will:
- Apply the trigonometrical functions
- Understand the principles of trigonometric graphs
- Apply trigonometry
Unit 13: Ecology, Ecosystems & Environmental Management
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand ecology and environmental relationships
- Understand the techniques involved with management of an ecosystem
- Understand the role of government and non-governmental bodies in environmental protection
Unit 14: Hydrocarbons
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of organic compounds
- Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkanes
- Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkenes
Unit 15: Statistical Research
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to plan for an investigation within an appropriate subject area
- Understand how to carry out an investigation by collecting and processing an appropriate range of data
- Understand how to Interpret and analyse results
- Understand how to evaluate the investigation
Unit 16: Plant Biology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how plants are classified
- Understand pollination and fertilisation in flowering plants
- Understand transport processes in plants
- Understand plant hormones
Unit 17: Chemical Change
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know how to measure the concentrations of solutions
- Understand energy changes during chemical reactions
- Understand factors influencing rates of chemical reactions
- Understand the concept of chemical equilibrium
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: essay, formula sheet, scenario analysis, illustrated report, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, series of questions, worksheet, academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course.
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course.
The remaining 15 come from ungraded units aiming to help you improve your academic writing and study skills.
As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
Open College Network West Midlands

On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: 40010429).
A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (English Studies). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.
As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.

An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Sciences) will give you foundational knowledge in a number of areas including ecology, the environment, chemistry, biology and physics.
Career
The main purpose of an Access to Higher Education Diploma is to prepare students for university, and with a land-based science qualification covering a wealth of career options, you will have various degree subjects to choose from.
Our online course may help you narrow down your options if you are unsure about the best direction for you to take. Suitable degrees include:
- Animal Studies
- Arboriculture
- Horticulture
- Ecologist / Conservationist
- Landscape Architecture
- Landscape and Garden Design
- Agriculture
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Depending on the career you want to pursue, you may need to continue your studies. Some professions require a masters degree or specialist training. For example, if you want to become a Veterinary Nurse, you will need to study a degree that is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). You may also need to undergo specialist training.
Whatever career you decide to pursue, make sure you research the qualifications you need. The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science) is a great starting point.
- SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 31st May
- SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 31st May
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science)
Your Course at a Glance
- Gain university entry without A Levels
- Complete your course online
- Pursue an environmental career or one working with animals
- Achieve a nationally recognised qualification
- Pass your course in less than a year
- No exams
About Your Diploma
If you have a passion for conservation and agriculture and would love to work in a land-based industry or with animals, then going to university to study a degree related to this industry will put you in a strong position to achieve the career you want.
Before you can study your degree, you will need qualifications to meet entry requirements. Included in those requirements are A Levels, but if you don’t possess those, then an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science) is a great alternative.
In fact, most universities accept these Level 3 qualifications instead of A Levels, but you must check with your chosen establishment before applying. An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a vocational course that offers the perfect mixture of industry-based knowledge and study skills.
By studying land based science, you will explore a wide range of topics, including plant biology, animal biology, environmental management and more. All of these subjects will give you solid foundational knowledge, which you can use to build upon when you study your degree.
Not only will you study topics related to land based industries, but you will also learn a range of study skills that will prepare you for university, including academic writing skills and how to use spreadsheet software.
With this qualification, you will be in a strong position to study a degree that could potentially lead you into careers within agriculture, farming, land based engineering and more.
Getting Started
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science) is delivered entirely online and there are no exams. You will have flexibility in terms of your study schedule, but you will have submission deadlines for your assignments. This will all be outlined simply for you in the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) you are issued with.
As soon as you enrol, you will be granted 24/7 access to all the course materials you need to achieve your Level 3 diploma. We have an industry-leading digital platform that provides everything you require in one easy-to-use place.
Not only that, but you can also contact our experienced tutors and Access Support Team to help you through your studies. Once you enrol, you will have two years to complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma course, but on average, our learners complete it within 9 months
Modules
Unit 1: Preparing to Study
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how study is organised and planned
- Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
- Understand a range of constraints upon study
- Understand the importance of assessment feedback
Unit 2: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information, or central ideas
Unit 3: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan, draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 4: Using Spreadsheet Software
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know how to use spreadsheet software
- Know how to perform calculations on spreadsheet data
- Know how to use spreadsheet software to create and develop charts
Unit 5: Algebraic Methods
On completion of this unit you will:
- Apply series
- Apply mathematical operations on logarithms
- Apply mathematical operations on surds
- Apply algebraic methods.
Unit 6: Cell Biology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure and organisation of cells, including stem cells
- Understand cellular metabolism
- Understand how cells grow and divide
Unit 7: Periodic Table
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the Periodic Table
- Understand periodicity in the elements of Period 3
- Understand ionisation energy
- Understand oxidation and reduction
- Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals
- Understand the Group 7 elements
Unit 8: Calculus
On completion of this unit you will:
- Apply differentiation
- Apply integration
- Apply differentiation and integration to solve problems
Unit 9: Research Topic
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to plan and carry out a primary research project on a topic relevant to your Diploma title
- Be able to plan and write a research topic report
- Understand, develop and apply basic research skills
Unit 10: Aspects of Animal Biology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand aspects of cell biology
- Understand a range of skeletal and locomotory systems in animals
- Understand sensory organs in animals
Unit 11: Atomic Structure and Bonding
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure of the atom
- Understand electronic structures
- Understand the formation of ionic bonds
- Understand the formation of covalent bonds
Unit 12: Trigonometry
On completion of this unit you will:
- Apply the trigonometrical functions
- Understand the principles of trigonometric graphs
- Apply trigonometry
Unit 13: Ecology, Ecosystems & Environmental Management
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand ecology and environmental relationships
- Understand the techniques involved with management of an ecosystem
- Understand the role of government and non-governmental bodies in environmental protection
Unit 14: Hydrocarbons
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of organic compounds
- Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkanes
- Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkenes
Unit 15: Statistical Research
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to plan for an investigation within an appropriate subject area
- Understand how to carry out an investigation by collecting and processing an appropriate range of data
- Understand how to Interpret and analyse results
- Understand how to evaluate the investigation
Unit 16: Plant Biology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how plants are classified
- Understand pollination and fertilisation in flowering plants
- Understand transport processes in plants
- Understand plant hormones
Unit 17: Chemical Change
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know how to measure the concentrations of solutions
- Understand energy changes during chemical reactions
- Understand factors influencing rates of chemical reactions
- Understand the concept of chemical equilibrium
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: essay, formula sheet, scenario analysis, illustrated report, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, series of questions, worksheet, academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course.
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Assessment
A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course.
The remaining 15 come from ungraded units aiming to help you improve your academic writing and study skills.
As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
Qualifications
Open College Network West Midlands

On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: 40010429).
A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (English Studies). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.
As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.

An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Sciences) will give you foundational knowledge in a number of areas including ecology, the environment, chemistry, biology and physics.
Career
The main purpose of an Access to Higher Education Diploma is to prepare students for university, and with a land-based science qualification covering a wealth of career options, you will have various degree subjects to choose from.
Our online course may help you narrow down your options if you are unsure about the best direction for you to take. Suitable degrees include:
- Animal Studies
- Arboriculture
- Horticulture
- Ecologist / Conservationist
- Landscape Architecture
- Landscape and Garden Design
- Agriculture
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Depending on the career you want to pursue, you may need to continue your studies. Some professions require a masters degree or specialist training. For example, if you want to become a Veterinary Nurse, you will need to study a degree that is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). You may also need to undergo specialist training.
Whatever career you decide to pursue, make sure you research the qualifications you need. The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Land Based Science) is a great starting point.

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