02 Mar 2021
Key Facts
Qualification Summary
The Diploma allows learners to undertake study related to Engineering Science and Maths. 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 algebra, trigonometry and mathematics for science as well as a fundamental physics unit to develop underpinning skills for the optional units. They will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units covering electronics, electrical circuits, engineering design, engineering dynamics, statics and structures, units related to physics and chemistry and structural mechanics. It also includes a unit on project management as that is highly relevant to the engineering industry. A range of maths units are also available to include calculus, statistics, algebra and geometry.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills.
Why choose this qualification?
The diploma allows learners to undertake study related to Engineering Science and Maths. 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 algebra, trigonometry and mathematics for science as well as a fundamental physics unit to develop underpinning skills for the optional units. They will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units covering electronics, electrical circuits, engineering design, engineering dynamics, statics and structures, units related to physics and chemistry and structural mechanics. It also includes a unit on project management as that is highly relevant to the engineering industry. A range of maths units are also available to include calculus, statistics, algebra and geometry.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills
Units
Learners must complete 9 credits from this group.
Algebra and Trigonometry
Fundamental Physics: Theory
Mathematics for Science
Learners must take a maximum of 6 credits from this group.
Research: Extended Writing Project for Engineering Science and Maths
Research: Practical Investigation Project for Engineering Science
Learners may take up to 30 credits from this group.
Electric Circuits
Electrical Principles
Electronics
Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibria
Engineering Design - CAD
Engineering Dynamics
Engineering Statics and Structures
Fundamental Chemistry
Heat, Electricity and Magnetism
Introduction to Computer Systems
Project Management
Structural Mechanics in Construction and Civil Engineering
Learners may take 21 credits from this group.
Calculus: Differentiation
Calculus: Integration
Geometry
Mathematics: Algebra, Exponentials and Logarithms
Matrices
Quantitative Methods - Statistics
Series
Learners must complete 9 credits from this group.
Application of Number - Interpreting and Presenting Information
Practical Science Skills
Preparation for Higher Education
Learners must complete 6 credits from this group.
Computer Data Protection
Introduction to Computer Programming
Optimising Examination Performance
Presenting Information Using ICT
Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience
References and Reliability of Sources
Spreadsheets
Writing reports
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 engineering skills, science related units and mathematics 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. science, spreadsheets and computer data protection.
Delivery methods
Face to face
Blended learning including online platforms such as Moodle or Pearl.
Successful completion criteria
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.Progression routes
Learners may progress to the following:
Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
Electronic and Communication Engineering including a foundation year (4 years) BEng (Hons)
Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)
Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
BEng (Hons) General Engineering
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Mathematics BSc (Hons)
Mathematics MMath (Hons)
Provider approval criteria
Resources and special requirements – access to a science laboratory for science units and computers with relevant software for CAD, graphs and charts and other engineering units.
Funding information
Learning Aims Search
The Hub provides a Learning Aims Search which you can use to check the funding status of any qualification or unit.
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Hub website
From 1st July 2021, the Hub will be replaced by a new Find a learning aim (FALA) service. This service is currently in BETA so if you experience any issues with finding funding details, please double check on the Hub above, or contact your account manager.
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
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.