Access Course in Physics - SCQF 6

In this self-guided course, you set your own study hours.

The learning resources are there for you 24/7, all year round, so you can log in and study anytime.

How many hours per week?

• Learning and assessment for this course totals approximately 150 hours.
• That’s around 10 – 15 hours per week over 12 weeks.
• This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes.

• Your course ends with two assessments. You complete and submit these online.
• Two 50% written 2-hour exams (online) are to be taken. Students can attempt the exams anytime, and they will be graded at the next exit point (exit points are in weeks 7, 15, 25, 41 and 49).
• You do not have to take these final assessments until you feel ready. You can go back and review previous learning until you feel confident enough to progress to the assessment stage.
• You need to pass both assessments. They combine to give you a final grade.

Existing:

You’ll carry out all of your assessments online.

• Your course ends with two assessments. You complete and submit these online.
• You do not have to take these final assessments until you feel ready. You can go back and review previous learning until you feel confident enough to progress to the assessment stage.
• You need to pass both assessments. They combine to give you a final grade.

You can complete your assessments whenever you’re ready, but you will not receive your final grade straight away.

Final grades are not issued automatically.

We determine final grades only at five fixed points each year, called exit points.

How exit points work

• You can submit your assessments online at anytime, and they’ll be graded at the next upcoming exit point.
• We position exit points throughout the year to line up with university and college admission dates.
• We have fixed exit points so that your assessments can be reviewed by both internal and external examiners.

How you’ll get your results

• You’ll receive a grade according to our Common Grading Scale.
• You’ll receive your grades online.
• You’ll receive your transcript (proof of your grades) via email after your grades are announced.

When you’ll get your results

Final grades are available one month after each exit point closes.

See our timeline below to see when exit points close and when results will be available.

Exit points for academic year 2024/2025:

Exit point 4 - May

• Exit point closes 10am, 9 May 2025
• Assessments submitted between the closure of exit point 3 and the closure of exit point 4 are graded
• Final grades for assessments submitted in this exit point are available 6 June 2025

Exit point 5 - July

• Exit point closes 10am, 4 July 2025
• Assessments submitted between the closure of exit point 4 and the closure of exit point 5 are graded
• Final grades for assessments submitted in this exit point are available 1 August 2025

Exit points for academic year 2025/2026:

Exit point 1 - September

• Exit point closes 10am, 5 September 2025
• Assessments submitted to us before this exit point closure are graded
• Final grades for assessments submitted in this exit point are available 3 October 2025

Exit point 2 - October

• Exit point closes 10am, 31 October 2025
• Assessments submitted between the closure of exit point 1 and the closure of exit point 2 are graded
• Final grades for assessments submitted in this exit point are available 28 November 2025

Exit point 3 - January

• Exit point closes 10am, 16 January 2026
• Assessments submitted between the closure of exit point 2 and the closure of exit point 3 are graded
• Final grades for assessments submitted in this exit point are available 13 February 2026

Exit point 4 - May

• Exit point closes 10am, 8 May 2026
• Assessments submitted between the closure of exit point 3 and the closure of exit point 4 are graded
• Final grades for assessments submitted in this exit point are available 5 June 2026

Exit point 5 - July

• Exit point closes 10am, 3 July 2026
• Assessments submitted between the closure of exit point 4 and the closure of exit point 5 are graded
• Final grades for assessments submitted in this exit point are available 31 July 2026

Getting your results in time for entry to university or college

You’ll need your Access transcript as evidence for admissions departments. Please ensure you have enough time to receive your results and transcript before your course start date.

Resitting assessments

If you fail an assessment, you are allowed one re-sit attempt for the next available exit point. There is a £30 fee to resit an assessment.

Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren’t alone in your studies. You’ll have contact with your tutor via MyAberdeen and by visiting the drop-in sessions.

You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.

We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:

• Careers and Employability Service
• Disability support
• IT support
• Library support
• Student Support Service – help with finances, stress, wellbeing and non-academic issues
• Student Learning Service – study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
• Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
• Toolkit – clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier

Wherever you are in the world, you’ll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.

You will need access to:

A computer (PC, laptop or Mac) with an up-to-date operating system

Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.

Reliable internet access

We recommend:

• a wired connection
• a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.

Speakers or headphones

• We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you’re likely to study in an environment with background noise.
• A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.

Software

We’ll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive and install these programs on up to five personal devices.

If your course requires specialist software, we’ll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.

See our detailed IT requirements for more information.

When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure that means you are never alone in your studies.

But learning online does mean that you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.

This course is very much self-guided.

• Have you ever taken a course that involved a high proportion of self-study?
• If yes, did you enjoy self-study as a way of learning?

Self-study isn’t for everyone. If you have any concerns or queries, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help.

Staff discount

University of Aberdeen staff are entitled to a discount on this course. View full details and eligibility criteria.

No other discounts are available.

How to pay

• Your course fee needs to be paid in full before you start your course.
• You enrol and pay for your course online – simply apply below.
• We accept payment via Visa Debit, Visa Credit and Mastercard.

Fees for this course will rise a little at the start of each academic year, on 1 August. This increase is typically 5%.

Resitting assessments

There is a £30 fee to resit your assessments.