Course overview
This course is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to access a degree. Completion of this course will prepare you to study a degree in animal science, animal welfare, animal behaviour zoology, animal management or any other animal-related subject.
Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are open to anyone aged 19 and over, with no maximum age limit. These courses are designed for adults who want to go to university but lack the necessary qualifications, those who have been out of education for some time, individuals looking to change careers, or adults with a variety of previous educational or career experiences.
Access courses are not appropriate courses for those wanting to enter the work place directly after, as they are solely focused on university progression.

You will learn
- HE study and presentation skills
- Business skills
- Land-based skills
- Bioscience and biochemistry
- How to carry out a land-based industry research project
- Animal science and welfare
- Animal management and behaviour
Access to HE Diploma (Land-based Studies) – Cambridge Access Validating Agency (The)
Reference: 40009701
Visit www.cava.ac.uk to find out more about the awarding body.
At least four GCSEs at grade 3 and above (D and above) including English and maths, or an equivalent level 2 qualification. We will also consider your prior learning and any experience gained in an appropriate professional environment.
Before you start your course, if you are aged between 16 and 18 years, you will be required to attend a fun and practical two-day workshop where you will meet your tutors and other students on your course. Further details will be provided at the point of an offer being made.
Successful completion of this course will enable you to progress to our animal management and zoology degree, or another related higher education course (subject to entry requirements). You will also be able to find employment in a range of animal management and science careers.
You will need to pay the course fees yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL). More information can be found on our Fees and Funding page.