02 Mar 2021
Key Facts
Qualification Summary
The Diploma allows learners to undertake study related to IT and product design. 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 CAD and programming as well as 3D design. 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, mechanics, understanding manufacturing processes, graphic design and software as well as a unit which explores the impact of robotics within the industry and learners will be able to gain an understanding of the importance of UX design.
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 IT and product design. 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 CAD and programming as well as 3D design. 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, mechanics, understanding manufacturing processes, graphic design and software as well as a unit which explores the impact of robotics within the industry and learners will be able to gain an understanding of the importance of UX design.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills.
Units
Learners must complete 12 credits from this group.
Engineering Design - CAD
Introduction to Programming Implementation
User Experience (UX)3D Design Project
Learners must take a maximum of 6 credits from this group.
IT Project
Research Project for IT - Methodology
Learners must take 27 credits from this group.
Electronics
Graphic Design
Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality
Mathematics for Computing
Mechanics
Program Testing
Relational Database
Software Fundamentals - Object-Oriented Programming
Understanding Manufacturing Processes
Understanding Robots and Control Systems
Visual Studies 2D
Website Design and Production
Learners must complete 9 credits from this group.
Application of Number - Interpreting and Presenting Information
Preparation for Higher Education
Spreadsheets
Learners must complete 6 credits from this group.
Computer Data Protection
Developing Professional Attributes
Introduction to 3D
Introduction to the Grammar of English
Presentation Skills
Presenting Information Using ICT
Problem Solving in the Workplace
Professional Interpersonal Skills
Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience
Study Skills
Work Placement
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 computing, manufacturing, engineering skills 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. maths and the use of spreadsheets.
Delivery methods
Face to face
Blended learning including online platforms such as Moodle or Pearl.
Work placements would also be beneficial and visits to IT companies or manufacturers would widen opportunities.
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:
BSc (H) Computer Science (single honours)
BSc (H) Computer Science and Education with Qualified Teacher Status
BSc (H) Computing and ICT
BSc (H) Computer Science and Mathematics
BSc (H) Software Engineering
Product Design and Creative Innovation BA (Hons)
Product Design BSc (Hons)
Product Design BA (Hons)
Product Design and Innovation BSc (Hons)
User Experience Design, BSc. (HONS)
User Centred Design (Hons), B.Sc.
User Experience and User Interface (UX and UI) Design, B.A.
Provider approval criteria
Resources and special requirements – computer labs, JavaScript (server). Software to facilitate all modules.
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.