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Access to HE Diploma (Animal Science)
Access to HE Diploma (Animal Science)
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Course Outline
Course Outline
The Access to HE Diploma (Animal Science) is a Level 3 qualification awarded by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group and recognised by universities across the UK.
This diploma brings together:
Animal science units that explore physiology, health, nutrition, and disease.
Complementary sciences such as chemistry and statistics, which underpin animal research and veterinary practice.
Environmental and conservation studies that link animal science to wider ecological issues.
Study skills units that prepare you for the demands of higher education.
This balance ensures you are ready to progress to degree-level study and a career working with animals.
Modules
Modules
Academic Study Techniques (6 credits)
Learn how to succeed at higher education through effective essay writing, referencing, note-taking, and exam preparation. Develop confidence in managing your workload and studying independently.Progressing to Higher Education (3 credits)
Prepare for university admissions by building your personal statement, practising interview techniques, and exploring what higher education will expect from you.Develop Critical Thinking (3 credits)
Analyse arguments, question assumptions, and evaluate evidence. This unit develops reasoning and problem-solving skills vital for science and academic study.Independent Research (3 credits)
Gain hands-on experience of designing and carrying out a research project. You’ll collect data, analyse your findings, and present your conclusions — preparing you for research at degree level.Roles and Responsibilities of Veterinary Practitioners (6 credits)
Understand the professional role of vets and veterinary nurses. This unit covers their duties in diagnosing and treating animals, maintaining welfare, and working ethically within legal frameworks.The Evolution of Multicellular Animals (3 credits)
Explore the development of multicellular organisms and the diversity of the animal kingdom. You’ll study evolutionary processes, adaptation, and classification systems.Aspects of Animal Biology (3 credits)
Learn the foundations of animal biology, including cell structure, tissues, organs, and life processes that support survival and growth.Animal Health and Disease (6 credits)
Examine the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of animal diseases. You’ll study pathogens, immunity, and approaches to improving animal health.Animal Nutrition and Digestive Systems (6 credits)
Understand the importance of diet and digestion for animal health. This unit explores nutritional needs, digestive system structures, and how nutrition supports growth, reproduction, and wellbeing.Animal Physiology (3 credits)
Study the biological systems that maintain animal life, including respiration, circulation, excretion, and nervous control.Animal Organs and Systems (3 credits)
Examine the structure and function of animal organ systems, linking anatomy to physiological processes. This unit deepens your understanding of how body systems interact.Biochemistry (3 credits)
Discover the chemical processes of living organisms. Learn about proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, and metabolic pathways that underpin animal biology and health.Research Topic (6 credits)
Design and complete a larger independent project in animal science. You’ll learn to plan research, gather data, analyse results, and present your work in a structured academic format.Conservation (3 credits)
Explore the importance of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. Consider how conservation strategies and human activity affect animal populations and habitats.Statistical Techniques (3 credits)
Develop quantitative skills by collecting, analysing, and interpreting data. Learn to apply statistics in scientific research and present findings with clarity and accuracy.
Enrolment Requirements
Enrolment Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. However, learners are normally expected to be working at:
Level 2 in English
Level 2 in Mathematics
At Access Courses Online, we provide advice before enrolment to ensure you are ready and motivated to succeed.
Assessments
Assessments
Assessment is coursework-based, not exam-based. Assignments may include:
Essays and reports
Case studies
Research projects
Presentations
Reflective writing
To achieve the diploma, you must complete 60 credits:
45 graded credits at Level 3 (Pass, Merit, or Distinction).
15 ungraded credits at Level 2 or 3.
All work is internally assessed and externally moderated by AIM to ensure fairness and quality.
Qualification
Qualification
On successful completion, you will be awarded the QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma (Animal Science), Level 3 (OFQUAL Ref: 400/1506/3).
This diploma is awarded by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, regulated by Ofqual, the QAA, and Qualifications Wales.
It is accepted by universities across the UK as an entry qualification for animal science and related degrees.
Careers
Careers
This diploma is a recognised route into degrees such as:
Animal Science
Zoology
Veterinary Nursing
Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Bioveterinary Science
Conservation Biology
With a degree, career options include:Animal Scientist – researching animal health, biology, and welfare.
Veterinary Nurse – providing care and support in veterinary practice.
Zoologist – studying animal behaviour, genetics, and ecology.
Animal Welfare Officer – ensuring the protection and wellbeing of animals.
Conservation Scientist – protecting species and habitats.
Bioveterinary Researcher – working in labs to understand animal health and disease.
Animal science is a versatile field with opportunities across veterinary services, research, conservation, education, and industry. This diploma gives you the essential first step towards a career making a real difference for animals.
Our Guarantees
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Affordable Learning
We offer flexible payment plans to make learning more accessible and affordable. Spread the cost of your course over manageable monthly payments, so you can focus on achieving your goals without financial stress.
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Application Support
We provide UCAS application support to help you navigate the university admissions process with confidence. From personal statement guidance to application tips, we’re here to support your journey to higher education.
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Exam Free Learning
Our courses are completely exam free. Instead of exams, you'll complete assignments and coursework designed to develop your knowledge and skills in a supportive and flexible learning environment.
Meet your expert friendly tutor
FAQs
Animal Science
What is the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Animal Science, and who is it for?
The Access to HE Diploma in Animal Science is a Level 3 qualification aimed at people who lack traditional entry qualifications (such as A-Levels) but want to study animal science, conservation, veterinary nursing, zoology, or related subjects at university. It combines academic subject knowledge (biology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, behaviour, welfare) with study skills, research, and practical animal-handling experience.
Are there any specific University courses that accept this diploma?
Yes. Many UK universities accept an Animal Science Access Diploma when applying to related degrees. Providers list degree pathways such as:
· Veterinary Nursing
· Zoology / Wildlife Conservation
· Animal Behaviour & Welfare
Always check with the specific university you plan to apply to for their entry requirements (they may ask for particular grades on certain units, or GCSEs in Science or Maths, etc.).
Tutoring
Who will be my Tutor?
We have professionals that are current in their practice of their chosen fields to support you. For example, you will be able to take directly to a Midwife/Nurse and get guidance and support directly from these professionals as you complete your course.
This is on top of a Faculty Leader in Science who has worked as a Science Teacher for more than 10 years.
Will I get some 1:1 support?
Yes! We help our students personally navigate their career options with online video calls and messenger chats.
We provide 1-1 specialist support to you when you need it.
Working in partnership with you, we will provide a personal service of meeting individual educational needs and career options.
Experience
Do I need to be ‘good’ at science?
You experience of science at school will likely be in an exam-based system that places high importance on being able to remember knowledge and ‘perform’ under exam conditions. This course is completely different, instead of covering vast discipline of science this course focussing on the key foundation knowledge that you’ll need in the next step of your learning journey. Teaching difficult concepts is our expertise, we will meet you where you are and get you where you need to be. By the end of the course, you’ll love science and have produced some useful learning resources to take you into your next stages of study.
I’m anxious about sitting exams, will I have to sit exams either face-to-face or online?
This course is completely online, and you’ll be glad to hear that there are no exams. The course leader will assess your understanding and knowledge of the subject but setting you assessments with clear criteria and assessment descriptors. You will submit your assignment for grading, either ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’.
I’m nervous to present or talk to the group online, will I be forced to do this?
We will meet you where you are, if you want to develop this skill ready for university then we can arrange smaller group sessions or one-to-one sessions to support you, or you can choose an alternative format for your presentation. We want you to feel comfortable and supported on this course.
University
Will I have support applying for university?
Absolutely, we will hold your hand every step of the way, you can talk to us about course choices, we’ll help proofread your personal statement, provide references. As promised, we will get you to university.
I haven’t decided which exact route I’d like to take within the profession, does it matter?
No, not at all, we’ll introduce you to a number of different professionals within the health services so you can hear about their journey, experience and careers.
Lessons
Will I have to do practical experiments at home?
The investigation skills unit is based around a practical investigation of red peppers. The equipment that you’ll need is limited to things you’d find in your kitchen but you don’t need to carry out the investigation yourself if you don’t want to as your course leader will demonstrate it.
What are the assignments like?
We set a variety of assignments that will set you up with skills that will be useful in your future studying and career. We encourage essay writing with referencing, but don’t worry, we’ll show you how! We also set presentations, video tasks, leaflet and poster design and we show you how to use great free tools like Canva to make it super easy.
Do I have to attend live lessons and switch my camera on?
No, not at all. Many of our students are busy people working shifts and managing several commitments. You can watch the session recordings and then arrange a time to meet with your tutor to ask any questions or get further support. As for the camera, switch it on if you feel comfortable, don’t worry if not. We’ve created a culture of supportive and collaborative students in our online community, but all approaches are respected and accepted. Do what makes you feel comfortable.