Stepping Up Diploma in Science

Units and Structure

Core units:

• Study Skills
• English
• ICT
• Career Planning
• Team Work Skills
• GCSE Maths or Functional skills Maths (optional)
• GCSE English (optional)

Subject specific units:

• Science: Materials and their Properties
• Science: Life Processes and Living Things
• Science: The Investigative Process, Principles and Practical Skills
• Science: Physical Processes

The course can be studied as follows:

One year programme (Studying at Level 2)

The timetable usually works out at 2-3 days a week in lessons plus 2 days in self directed study.

Entry Requirements

You'll need to have:

Stepping Up Diplomas

Functional Skills Level 2 in English

In some cases Level 2 equivalences will be considered alongside diagnostic and departmental assessment results.

Please make sure you bring copies of your existing qualifications with you to the interview.

Recruitment onto Stepping Up courses is a three stage process which begins following receipt of your application.

This process will be used to provide individual guidance onto an appropriate level/route of study.

Stage One: Skills Review (Maths and English).

Stage Two: Diagnostic Assessment (A more in depth Maths and English assessment).

Stage Three: Interview.

Offers are made on a first come, first served basis, following the interview. Failure to attend any one of these stages could impact on your chances of securing a place.

In preparation for achieving the level two Stepping Up Diploma by the fastest route possible you should consider the following:

• Achieving Maths Functional Skills Level 2 or GCSE Maths grade C or above
• Achieving English Functional Skills Level 2 or GCSE English grade C or above
• (You can arrange a brush up on one or both of these subjects by contacting the basic skills team on 0800 358 7676.)
• Specific University entry requirements such as GCSEs or national qualifications.
• Specific University work experience requirements, either paid or voluntary.

If you are considering Higher Education and successfully progress from the Stepping Up Social Science Level 2 to the Level 3 Access to HE Diploma, you will be required to complete an application for a University place at the start of the level 3 course. Therefore, the sooner you begin your research, the better. Please refer to the University websites or visit http://www.ucas.ac.uk/ to explore your career options and/or visit our careers drop in service.

Please note: some university courses require that you must have RELEVANT work experience (paid or voluntary) prior to submitting your application for a university place. If you need to do voluntary work to gain relevant experience then you will need to consider looking for/starting this now

For equivalent qualifications see our Entry Requirements Explained page.

Tutors and Student Support

Student Support and Facilities

As a student, you’ll have access to a wide range of facilities, services and support, including:

• Step outside the classroom  and access our state of the art facilities as well as 3 huge Learning Resource Centres with thousands of resources to use
• With hands-on experience you’ll be prepared for employment with a competitive edge.
• A dedicated impartial careers advice team to help you on your future path
• Our wide range of courses means that we can offer the right paths to get you where you need to be
• Our Hub campus is right in the heart of the town centre meaning you can find your way to us easily
• Outstanding student support throughout your studies with us.