Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science and Maths)

Key Facts

Level:
Level 3
Subject Sector:
6.1 ICT Practitioners
Credits:
60
Qualification No:
QAAQ004752
Price:
View price list
Age Range:
19+
QAA aim code:
40014800

Qualification Summary

The Diploma provides learners with a wide choice of units to support progression into Computer Science and Maths degree programmes. The mandatory group ensures that learners have a good understanding of themes relevant to Computer Science and Maths including Algebra, Algorithms and Linear Programming, Computer Logic and Number Systems and Computer Programming. Learners can select from a range of optional units linked to Computer Science and Maths, with some variety of choice to include units which may be of specific interest if the learner has an interest in Artificial Intelligence, Calculus: Differentiation, Calculus - Integration, Cybersecurity, Geometry, JavaScript, Logs and Functions, Matrices, Series, Software Fundamentals - Object-Oriented Programming, Trigonometry and Website Design and Development.
In addition to the graded units, learners must choose from a selection of mandatory and optional ungraded units to support underpinning skills both for work within the sector or for further academic study.

Why choose this qualification?

This Access to HE Diploma has been fully reviewed and revalidated for the 2024-25 academic year. Updated resources are also available to Gateway Qualifications recognised centres.

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is an academic qualification that is designed to prepare learners for study at degree level. The diploma is designed to give the learner the relevant academic subject knowledge and underpinning study skills required to progress onto a relevant degree programme.

As an Access Validating Agency (AVA), all of our Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas are compliant with Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulations.

Units

Graded Academic Subject Content Units

Learners must complete 45 credits from the Mandatory Units: Graded Academic Subject Content, Mandatory Unit: Research Graded Academic Subject Content and Optional Units: Graded Academic Subject Content groups.

Mandatory Units: Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must complete 12 credits from the mandatory graded units.

Algebra

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034550
Click here to view full unit details

Algorithms and Linear Programming

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034552
Click here to view full unit details

Computer Logic and Number Systems

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034574
Click here to view full unit details

Computer Programming

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034576
Click here to view full unit details
Mandatory Unit: Research Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must achieve 6 credits from this group.

Research Skills for Computer Science

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034644
Click here to view full unit details
Optional Units: Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must achieve 27 credits from this group.

Artificial Intelligence

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034556
Click here to view full unit details

Calculus: Differentiation

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034570
Click here to view full unit details

Calculus: Integration

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034568
Click here to view full unit details

Cybersecurity

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034586
Click here to view full unit details

Geometry

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034612
Click here to view full unit details

JavaScript

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034624
Click here to view full unit details

Logs and Functions

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034628
Click here to view full unit details

Matrices

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034630
Click here to view full unit details

Series

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034652
Click here to view full unit details

Software Fundamentals - Object Oriented Programming

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034654
Click here to view full unit details

Trigonometry

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034678
Click here to view full unit details

Website Design and Development

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034690
Click here to view full unit details
Ungraded Units

Learners must achieve 15 credits from the Mandatory Units: Ungraded and Optional Units: Ungraded groups.

Mandatory Units: Ungraded

Learners must achieve 3 credits from this group.

Preparation for Higher Education

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034710
Click here to view full unit details
Optional Units: Ungraded

Learners must achieve 12 credits from this group.

Academic Writing Skills

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034692
Click here to view full unit details

Application of Number - Interpreting and Presenting Information

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034694
Click here to view full unit details

Communication - Speaking and Listening

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034696
Click here to view full unit details

Complex Numbers

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034698
Click here to view full unit details

Components of a Computer System

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035905
Click here to view full unit details

Computer Data Protection

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034700
Click here to view full unit details

Developing Professional Attributes

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034702
Click here to view full unit details

Mathematics - Calculations

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034706
Click here to view full unit details

Optimising Examination Performance

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034708
Click here to view full unit details

Presenting Information Using ICT

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034714
Click here to view full unit details

Problem Solving in the Workplace

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034716
Click here to view full unit details

Professional Interpersonal Behaviours

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034718
Click here to view full unit details

Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034720
Click here to view full unit details

References and Reliability of Sources

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034722
Click here to view full unit details

Relational Database

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034724
Click here to view full unit details

Spreadsheets

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034726
Click here to view full unit details

Statistics

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034728
Click here to view full unit details

Study Skills for Higher Education

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034730
Click here to view full unit details

Sustainability Project

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034732
Click here to view full unit details

The Fundamentals of Environmental Sustainability

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034734
Click here to view full unit details

Writing Reports

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034736
Click here to view full unit details

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 Higher Education
b) Adults who have gone straight into industry (perhaps following apprenticeship routes) who wish to progress to Higher Education.

How this diploma meets learners' needs

The diploma will address the learning needs of these target groups with underpinning skills to support academic study and provide a level 3 qualification linked to their proposed Higher Education study. A broad range of knowledge will be acquired which support an understanding of Computer Science and Maths including, generic maths skills such as algebra, calculus, geometry, logs, series, trigonometry and computer science topics such as algorithms and linear programming, cybersecurity, computer programming and computer logic or artificial intelligence, Javascript or website design, ensuring that the learner is fully prepared for progression onto the relevant degrees. Learners will also research into a subject of interest relevant to the diploma.

What this diploma covers

Learners will complete a planned, balanced and coherent programme of study, through which they have been able to acquire subject knowledge and develop academic skills which are relevant to the intended progression route(s). The units include a balance of units which allow the learners to study a broad range of topics 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.

Delivery methods

Delivery methods for the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science and Maths) can include:

• Face to face sessions
• Blended learning

Assessment Methods should include: a portfolio of evidence, exams, presentation, controlled assessment, report, projects and reflection. Depending on the ungraded units selected, learners may also be assessed through group discussion, essay, case study analysis, SWOT analysis, personal development plan, literature review, plans, timetables or reports.

Progression routes

Following successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science and Maths) learners may progress to the following:

BSc (Hons) Business Computing
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Networking)
BSc (Hons) Computer Security and Forensics
BSc (Hons) Computing
BSc (Hons) Computing (Information Systems)
BSc (Hons) Digital Media Design and Development
BSc Mathematics and Computing
BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Maths
BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics
BEng (Hons) Computer Engineering
BEng (Hons) Cybernetics
BEng (Hons) Software Engineering

Provider approval criteria

The centre is likely to require a computer lab and relevant software to support delivery of some of the units.

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

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.

Related Qualifications