Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computing)

Key Facts

Level:
Level 3
Subject Sector:
6.1 ICT Practitioners
Credits:
60
Qualification No:
QAAQ004754
Price:
View price list
Age Range:
19+
QAA aim code:
40014812

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.

Introduction to Computer Systems

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034790
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Introduction to Programming

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034796
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Mathematics for Computing

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034810
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Mandatory Unit: Research Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must achieve 6 credits from this group.

Research Project for IT - Methodology

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034826
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Optional Units: Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must achieve 27 credits from this group.

Algebra

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034550
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Algorithms and Linear Programming

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034552
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Artificial Intelligence

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034556
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Calculus: Differentiation

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034570
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Calculus: Integration

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034568
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Computational Theory

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034754
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Computer Games Design

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034756
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Computer Logic and Number Systems

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034574
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Computer Networks

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034758
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Creating Robots and Control Systems

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034870
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Cybersecurity

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034586
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Data Representation

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034766
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Further Statistics

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034864
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Game Engines

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034774
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Geometry

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034612
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IT Project

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034800
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JavaScript

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034624
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Matrices

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034630
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Mobile Games Development

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034814
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Software Fundamentals - Object Oriented Programming

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034654
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Systems Analysis

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034842
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The Ethics of Computing

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034850
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Trigonometry

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034678
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Understanding Robots and Control Systems

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034858
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User Experience (UX) 3D Design Project

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034860
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Website Design and Development

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034690
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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
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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
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Application of Number - Interpreting and Presenting Information

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034694
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Communication - Speaking and Listening

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034696
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Complex Numbers

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034698
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Computer Data Protection

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034700
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Developing Professional Attributes

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034702
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Inclusivity and Disability

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034704
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Mathematics - Calculations

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034706
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Optimising Examination Performance

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034708
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Presentation Skills

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034712
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Presenting Information Using ICT

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034714
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Problem Solving in the Workplace

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034716
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Professional Interpersonal Behaviours

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034718
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Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034720
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References and Reliability of Sources

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034722
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Relational Database

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034724
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Spreadsheets

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034726
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Statistics

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034728
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Study Skills for Higher Education

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034730
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Sustainability Project

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034732
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The Fundamentals of Environmental Sustainability

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034734
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Writing Reports

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034736
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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 Computing including, units related to cybersecurity, robotics and artificial intelligence which are hot topics within the sector currently, ensuring that the learner is fully prepared for progression onto the relevant degrees. Learners will be able to develop specific maths skills to support work with computers. They will be able to study topics which are relevant to understanding how computers and networks work and may select units related to creating websites.

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 HE Diploma (Computing) can include:

• Face to face
• Blended learning

Work placements would also be beneficial and visits to software companies would widen opportunities.

Assessment Methods could include:

Academic posters, exams, reports, projects, presentations, creation of programmes, short answer questions, practical activities, case study analysis, essay, SWOT analysis, controlled assessment, literature review or a portfolio of evidence, depending on the units selected.

Progression routes

Following successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computing) learners may progress to the following:

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (single honours)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Education with Qualified Teacher Status
BSc (Hons) Computing for Business
BSc (Hons) Computing
BSc (Hons) Computing and ICT
BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering

Provider approval criteria

Resources and special requirements – computer labs, JavaScript (server). Software to facilitate all modules.

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.

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