Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions)
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 30th April
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 30th April
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions)
This Course at a Glance
- Change your career and become a teacher
- Understand education and development
- Completion possible in 9-12 months
- Study a degree without A Levels
- Learn at your pace
- 100% online study
- No Exams
About Your Course
If you’ve ever considered becoming a teacher, or you’re currently working in a support role in a school and want to take your career to the next level, an online Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions) can help.
Previously, the routes to becoming a teacher were limited to gaining a Certificate in Education. Now, gaining a bachelor's degree is essential for new teachers across the United Kingdom, but there are many ways you can work towards this depending on if you already have a degree, and the route you would prefer to take.
If you don’t already have a degree, you will need to apply for an undergraduate Initial Teacher Education or Training (ITET) programme at university with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). One of the popular ways you can do this is by studying a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with QTS.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions) acts as the ideal preparation for a Bachelor of Education. Its education and development focused modules provide you with knowledge specific to teaching and education and can be used it as an equivalent to three A-Levels.
Throughout the course, you will learn all about how to manage behaviour in the classroom. You will explore numerous topics that will shed light on the development of children, from the psychology of learning to theories of child development, disability and special education needs.
You’ll be taken through the different roles, responsibilities and relationships in education, in addition to completing modules that give you the study skills for university. For more information on what you will cover in the course, see the ‘Modules’ tab.
Getting Started
learndirect is the leading UK online learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions) is a nationally recognised Level 3 equivalent qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Studied entirely online, the course flexibility allows you to work towards your career as a teacher alongside your current commitments. So, whether you’re already employed in a school, have a job outside of education or have family care commitments, you can complete your course around them.
You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies. An Access to Higher Education Diploma can be completed over two years. However, most students complete their course within 9-12 months, helping you get on the way to study at university faster than otherwise possible.
*Please note, each university sets its own entry requirements. Therefore, it is always best to check with your chosen institution that your Access to Higher Education Diploma will be accepted before enrolling on the course.
Modules
Unit 1: Exploring Roles and Responsibilities
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of the teacher
- Understand the professional relationships between teachers and trainers engaged in education
- Understand the need for Teacher’s Standards
- Understand the importance of continued professional development for education staff
Unit 2: Exploring the Development of a Typical Child
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the stages of development of children from birth to adulthood
- Understand the stages of cognitive development of children from birth to adulthood
- Understand factors which affect social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development in children
Unit 3: Learning and Study Skills
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know how to plan and organise study activity
- Understand the application of learning theories relating to personal learning
- Be able to create a range of strategies to address the factors which may impact upon study
- Understand the value of assessment feedback
Unit 4: Planning and Writing an Assignment
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task
- Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style
- Understand different reading strategies
- Be able to take effective notes
- Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 5: Writing and Studying Academic Texts
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to write academically and with relevance
- Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work
- Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism
Unit 6: Introduction to Human Reproduction
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive systems
- Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system
- Understand the development of human life from the stage of conception to birth
Unit 7: Theories of Play
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand different types of play and the value of play
- Understand the theories of play in relation to children’s life stages
- Be able to plan, deliver and review an activity linked to a theory of play
Unit 8: Contemporary Education
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand developments in the educational system
- Understand a range of theories of the role of education in society
- Understand the relationships between educational opportunity, social class, gender, and ethnicity
Unit 9: Educational Achievement
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the differences in achievement rates between different groups in Education
- Understand how effective strategies are in addressing the difference in educational achievement of pupils
Unit 10: Equal Opportunities
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the key aspects of legislation that identify rights and responsibilities regarding equality of opportunities
- Understand how to foster equality of opportunities, inclusiveness, and diversity in the workplace
Unit 11: Managing Behaviour in an Educational Setting
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of a positive learning environmen
- Understand strategies to maintain a positive learning environment
- Understand how problem behaviour can be displayed in the classroom
- Understand strategies for managing behaviour in the classroom
Unit 12: Safeguarding in an Educational Setting
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the development of government legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures for the safeguarding of pupils
- Understand how to recognise and categorise different types and indicators of abuse
- Understand how to apply policies and procedures when issues of safeguarding have been raised
- Understand how different agencies work together to safeguard learners in educatio
- Understand the importance of application of accepted Codes of Practice in classroom practice
Unit 13: Special Education Needs and Disability
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand types of disability and special education needs
- Understand legislation, policies and procedures, and guidelines for special education needs and disabilities
- Understand how to plan for inclusive learning for pupils with special education needs and disabilities
Unit 14: Stages and Theories in Language Acquisition
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the stages of language acquisition development
- Understand different perspectives on language acquisition
Unit 15: Short Story Analysis
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand narrative techniques of a short story
- Be able to analyse the use of language in a short story
- Understand the influence of social and historical factors on the text of a short story
Unit 16: Human Digestive System and Dietary Needs
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure and functions of the human digestive system
- Understand how to achieve a balanced diet in humans
- Understand the importance of a balanced diet and dietary needs at different stages of the human lifespan
Unit 17: Child Development Theories
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand Piaget’s theory of development
- Understand the major criticisms of Piaget’s work
- Understand alternative theories of development
- Understand how stages of child development link to practical situations
Unit 18: Learning
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand what is meant by learning
- Understand what is meant by conditioning and its practical applications
- Understand how behaviour can be influenced by social learning theory
Unit 19: The Psychology of Child Development
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of early relationships in child development
- Understand the nature/nurture debate in relation to the development of intelligence, personality, or language
Unit 20: Education in Contemporary Society
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of education in socialisation of pupils
- Understand the role of education in modern society
- Understand the impact of labelling and stereotypes in education
- Understand the meritocratic view of education in contemporary society
Entry Requirements
To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode..
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic poster, academic report, case study analysis, development of play activity, essay, illustrated report, journal article, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course.
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.
A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.
As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
Skills & Education Group Access
On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions), (QAA ref = 40012840), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.
Developing Your Career
By completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions) and a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with QTS, you can become qualified as a teacher and work in an array of exciting roles. Teachers are required to educate children and young people of all ages and abilities.
You could become a:
- Primary School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Special Educational Needs Teacher
- Early Years Teacher
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Once you graduate and gain Qualified Teacher Status, there are many ways you can progress and advance up the career ladder.
With experience, you could take on roles with more responsibility such as:
- Head of Department
- Head of Year
- Pastoral Manager
- Deputy or Assistant Head Teacher
- Head Teacher
There are also a number of non-teaching roles in education that you could move into, such as:
- Academic or School Librarianship
- Education Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Publishing
- Education Social Work
- Museum Education
- Careers Guidance
- School Liaisons
All teachers in the UK must also complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) per year. This includes any type of training or education that adds directly to your skillset as a teacher, but falls outside of your mandatory and statutory training.
Completing CPD training is a great way to explore new avenues of teaching and improve your ability to support learners.
You could study courses like:
- Digital Skills for Teaching Online
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Bullying in Schools
- Developmental, Learning and Behavioural Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
- Forest School Programme Leadership
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) - Advanced
- Understanding Children and Young Peoples' Mental Health
Should you choose to complete a postgraduate qualification, like a PhD, you could even become a Higher Education (HE) Lecturer or an Academic Researcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 30th April
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 30th April
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions)
This Course at a Glance
- Change your career and become a teacher
- Understand education and development
- Completion possible in 9-12 months
- Study a degree without A Levels
- Learn at your pace
- 100% online study
- No Exams
About Your Course
If you’ve ever considered becoming a teacher, or you’re currently working in a support role in a school and want to take your career to the next level, an online Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions) can help.
Previously, the routes to becoming a teacher were limited to gaining a Certificate in Education. Now, gaining a bachelor's degree is essential for new teachers across the United Kingdom, but there are many ways you can work towards this depending on if you already have a degree, and the route you would prefer to take.
If you don’t already have a degree, you will need to apply for an undergraduate Initial Teacher Education or Training (ITET) programme at university with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). One of the popular ways you can do this is by studying a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with QTS.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions) acts as the ideal preparation for a Bachelor of Education. Its education and development focused modules provide you with knowledge specific to teaching and education and can be used it as an equivalent to three A-Levels.
Throughout the course, you will learn all about how to manage behaviour in the classroom. You will explore numerous topics that will shed light on the development of children, from the psychology of learning to theories of child development, disability and special education needs.
You’ll be taken through the different roles, responsibilities and relationships in education, in addition to completing modules that give you the study skills for university. For more information on what you will cover in the course, see the ‘Modules’ tab.
Getting Started
learndirect is the leading UK online learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions) is a nationally recognised Level 3 equivalent qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Studied entirely online, the course flexibility allows you to work towards your career as a teacher alongside your current commitments. So, whether you’re already employed in a school, have a job outside of education or have family care commitments, you can complete your course around them.
You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies. An Access to Higher Education Diploma can be completed over two years. However, most students complete their course within 9-12 months, helping you get on the way to study at university faster than otherwise possible.
*Please note, each university sets its own entry requirements. Therefore, it is always best to check with your chosen institution that your Access to Higher Education Diploma will be accepted before enrolling on the course.
Modules
Unit 1: Exploring Roles and Responsibilities
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of the teacher
- Understand the professional relationships between teachers and trainers engaged in education
- Understand the need for Teacher’s Standards
- Understand the importance of continued professional development for education staff
Unit 2: Exploring the Development of a Typical Child
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the stages of development of children from birth to adulthood
- Understand the stages of cognitive development of children from birth to adulthood
- Understand factors which affect social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development in children
Unit 3: Learning and Study Skills
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know how to plan and organise study activity
- Understand the application of learning theories relating to personal learning
- Be able to create a range of strategies to address the factors which may impact upon study
- Understand the value of assessment feedback
Unit 4: Planning and Writing an Assignment
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task
- Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style
- Understand different reading strategies
- Be able to take effective notes
- Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 5: Writing and Studying Academic Texts
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to write academically and with relevance
- Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work
- Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism
Unit 6: Introduction to Human Reproduction
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive systems
- Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system
- Understand the development of human life from the stage of conception to birth
Unit 7: Theories of Play
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand different types of play and the value of play
- Understand the theories of play in relation to children’s life stages
- Be able to plan, deliver and review an activity linked to a theory of play
Unit 8: Contemporary Education
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand developments in the educational system
- Understand a range of theories of the role of education in society
- Understand the relationships between educational opportunity, social class, gender, and ethnicity
Unit 9: Educational Achievement
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the differences in achievement rates between different groups in Education
- Understand how effective strategies are in addressing the difference in educational achievement of pupils
Unit 10: Equal Opportunities
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the key aspects of legislation that identify rights and responsibilities regarding equality of opportunities
- Understand how to foster equality of opportunities, inclusiveness, and diversity in the workplace
Unit 11: Managing Behaviour in an Educational Setting
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of a positive learning environmen
- Understand strategies to maintain a positive learning environment
- Understand how problem behaviour can be displayed in the classroom
- Understand strategies for managing behaviour in the classroom
Unit 12: Safeguarding in an Educational Setting
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the development of government legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures for the safeguarding of pupils
- Understand how to recognise and categorise different types and indicators of abuse
- Understand how to apply policies and procedures when issues of safeguarding have been raised
- Understand how different agencies work together to safeguard learners in educatio
- Understand the importance of application of accepted Codes of Practice in classroom practice
Unit 13: Special Education Needs and Disability
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand types of disability and special education needs
- Understand legislation, policies and procedures, and guidelines for special education needs and disabilities
- Understand how to plan for inclusive learning for pupils with special education needs and disabilities
Unit 14: Stages and Theories in Language Acquisition
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the stages of language acquisition development
- Understand different perspectives on language acquisition
Unit 15: Short Story Analysis
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand narrative techniques of a short story
- Be able to analyse the use of language in a short story
- Understand the influence of social and historical factors on the text of a short story
Unit 16: Human Digestive System and Dietary Needs
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the structure and functions of the human digestive system
- Understand how to achieve a balanced diet in humans
- Understand the importance of a balanced diet and dietary needs at different stages of the human lifespan
Unit 17: Child Development Theories
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand Piaget’s theory of development
- Understand the major criticisms of Piaget’s work
- Understand alternative theories of development
- Understand how stages of child development link to practical situations
Unit 18: Learning
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand what is meant by learning
- Understand what is meant by conditioning and its practical applications
- Understand how behaviour can be influenced by social learning theory
Unit 19: The Psychology of Child Development
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of early relationships in child development
- Understand the nature/nurture debate in relation to the development of intelligence, personality, or language
Unit 20: Education in Contemporary Society
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of education in socialisation of pupils
- Understand the role of education in modern society
- Understand the impact of labelling and stereotypes in education
- Understand the meritocratic view of education in contemporary society
Entry Requirements
To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode..
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic poster, academic report, case study analysis, development of play activity, essay, illustrated report, journal article, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course.
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.
Assessment
A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.
As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
Qualifications
Skills & Education Group Access
On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions), (QAA ref = 40012840), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.
Developing Your Career
By completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education Professions) and a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with QTS, you can become qualified as a teacher and work in an array of exciting roles. Teachers are required to educate children and young people of all ages and abilities.
You could become a:
- Primary School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Special Educational Needs Teacher
- Early Years Teacher
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Once you graduate and gain Qualified Teacher Status, there are many ways you can progress and advance up the career ladder.
With experience, you could take on roles with more responsibility such as:
- Head of Department
- Head of Year
- Pastoral Manager
- Deputy or Assistant Head Teacher
- Head Teacher
There are also a number of non-teaching roles in education that you could move into, such as:
- Academic or School Librarianship
- Education Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Publishing
- Education Social Work
- Museum Education
- Careers Guidance
- School Liaisons
All teachers in the UK must also complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) per year. This includes any type of training or education that adds directly to your skillset as a teacher, but falls outside of your mandatory and statutory training.
Completing CPD training is a great way to explore new avenues of teaching and improve your ability to support learners.
You could study courses like:
- Digital Skills for Teaching Online
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Bullying in Schools
- Developmental, Learning and Behavioural Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
- Forest School Programme Leadership
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) - Advanced
- Understanding Children and Young Peoples' Mental Health
Should you choose to complete a postgraduate qualification, like a PhD, you could even become a Higher Education (HE) Lecturer or an Academic Researcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
learning
learning hours