29 Nov 2021
Key Facts
Qualification Summary
The Diploma allows learners to undertake study related to computing. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree level programmes within the sector. Many learners join these types of degrees after following A level study, so the Diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A level studies.
Learners will complete mandatory units which cover an introduction to computing and programming as well as maths for computing, which is an important element of any computing programme. They will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units covering computer systems, networks and software as well as a unit which explores the impact of robotics within the industry.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills.
Learners who have followed these routes may need to develop skills in specific areas as well as learning more about subjects in which they have an interest. If the learner has gone straight into employment, they may not have studied at Level 3 and so this Access to HE Diploma will help them to build on existing skills and provide a good grounding for further academic study.
Why choose this qualification?
This Diploma allows learners to undertake study related to computing. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree level programmes within the sector. Many learners join these types of degrees after following A level study, so the diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A level studies.
Learners will complete mandatory units which cover an introduction to computing and programming as well as maths for computing, which is an important element of any computing programme. They will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units covering computer systems, networks and software as well as a unit which explores the impact of robotics within the industry.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills.
Learners who have followed these routes may need to develop skills in specific areas as well as learning more about subjects in which they have an interest. If the learner has gone straight into employment, they may not have studied at Level 3 and so this Access Diploma will help them to build on existing skills and provide a good grounding for further academic study.
Rules of Combination
Learners must complete 45 graded credits at level 3 from 'academic subject content units. Learners must complete 12 Credits from the Mandatory group, a maximum of 6 Credits from the Research Optional group and the remaining 27 Credits must be taken from the Computing Optional unit group.
Units
Learners must complete 6 credits from this group.
Research Project for IT - Methodology
Research: Practical Investigation Project for Computing
Learners must complete 12 Credits from the Mandatory group.
Introduction to Computer Systems
Introduction to Programming Implementation
Mathematics for Computing
Learners must complete 27 credits from this group.
Algebra and Trigonometry
Computer Networks
Creating Robots and Control Systems
IT Project
JavaScript
Mathematics: Algebra, Exponentials and Logarithms
Matrices
Principles of keywords and optimisation
Relational Database
Series
Software Fundamentals - Object-Oriented Programming
Systems Analysis
Understanding Robots and Control Systems
Website Design and Development
Learners must complete 15 credits from this group.
Learners must complete 9 credits from this group.
Computer Data Protection
Preparation for Higher Education
Writing reports
Learners must complete 6 credits from this group.
Application of Number - Interpreting and Presenting Information
Optimising Examination Performance
Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience
Spreadsheets
Study Skills
Work Placement
Intended learner groups
a) Adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any, prior qualifications and wish to progress to HE
b) Adults who have gone straight into industry (perhaps following apprenticeship routes) who wish to progress to HE.
How this diploma meets learners' needs
The Diploma will provide them with underpinning skills to support academic study and provide a level 3 qualification linked to their proposed HE study. A broad range of knowledge will be acquired which support an understanding of computing software, networks and programming and will ensure that the learner is fully prepared for progression onto the relevant degrees.
What this diploma covers
The units include a balance of units which allow the learners to keep their options open until they have fully decided on their preferred route at degree level. The ungraded units have been chosen to support both progression into higher education and also to allow the learners to develop skills relevant to the subject area e.g. computer data protection.
Delivery methods
Include:
– Face to face
– Blended learning including online platforms such as Moodle or Pearl.
Work placements would also be beneficial and visits to software companies would widen opportunities.
Progression routes
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (single Hons)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Education with Qualified Teacher Status
BSc (Hons) Computing for Business
BSc (Hons) Computing
BSc (Hons) Computing and ICTBSc (H) Computer Science and Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
Provider approval criteria
Resources and special requirements – computer labs, JavaScript (server). Software to facilitate all modules.
Progression route entry requirements
Learners will probably require a pass in maths and English at GCSE level or a Functional Skills qualification in English and Maths to progress onto a degree course.
Funding information
There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.
The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).
View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search
How to find a learning aim
If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:
How to Use: Find a learning Aim
Additional funding information for Access to HE
- Access to HE is eligible for funding as part of the legal entitlement offer.
- Access to HE is eligible for funding via Advanced Learner Loans and appears on the Advanced Learner Loans catalogues published by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
- Access to HE Diplomas are designed for adult learners aged 19+ and the ESFA only funds young people on these programmes by exception, as stated in paragraph 149, page 39 of the Funding guidance for young people 2020 to 2021.
We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.
This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.
The following support materials will help you deliver this qualification.
Information for Access Centres
Assignment briefs
Centres approved to deliver our Access to HE Diplomas can download assignment briefs for a selection of units in this Diploma. Assignment briefs can be downloaded by logging to Prism and locating the relevant unit. More assignment briefs are being added not all units currently have assignment briefs available.
The assignment briefs can be easily adapted to suit your needs. We recommend checking the rules of combination for the Diploma and adapting the brief accordingly.
To provide a flavour of what’s available, you can download the below samples for free: