Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computing)

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computing)

This Course at a Glance

• Gain highly desirable computer and technology skills
• Work in innovative tech-focused industries
• Study a degree without A Levels
• Get qualified within a year
• No classes
• Tutor support included
• No exams

About your Diploma

Any business worth its salt today has to be on the mark with its digital operations and computational procedures. This is because not only is there an increasing threat of cybercrime, both B2B and B2C businesses have to provide a convenient service to their end-user. This means having all that you provide available at the touch of a button.

If you’re analytical, scientifically minded and have a passion for computing, you could turn these interests into a rewarding and well-paid career by becoming a professional in the digital landscape.

Graduates of computing degrees earn on average 5K above the national average wage. This is because companies are crying out for qualified computer science professionals to help them protect and progress their business operations.

By studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computing), you can gain the foundation knowledge you need to study computer science at university. Equivalent to three A Levels, this course can help you get the expertise you need to take advantage of the many cutting edge roles in industry-leading businesses that are on offer.

During your studies, you will explore everything from advanced mathematics and data analytics to cyber security and web design. This diploma guides you through the key aspects of computer science and will give you an excellent grounding in how technology can be designed and harnessed to communicate, store and process digital data.

Getting Started

learndirect is the leading UK online learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computing) is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification that is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

You have up to two years to complete this course, but the flexibility of online learning means most of our students finish their Access to Higher Education Diploma within 9-12 months. As an online course, you can also study from the comfort of home and around your existing commitments.

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.

*Please note, entry requirements differ between universities. It’s always best to check with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.

Modules

Unit 1: Exploring Using Spreadsheets

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to set up, format and maintain data exports to other packages
• Be able to construct and use Spreadsheet calculations
• Be able to use spreadsheets to produce and develop graphs and charts

Unit 2: Use of Information and Communication Technology

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to use word processing software to create documents
• Be able to use spreadsheet software packages to manipulate numerical data
• Be able to use computer presentation software to produce a presentation
• Know how to combine data from different sources and packages to create a document

Unit 3: Production of a Research Project

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to select a research topic justifying the choice
• Understand research methodologies
• Be able to conduct research
• Be able to draw meaningful conclusions to research evidence
• Be able to reference own project

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: Cybersecurity Threats and the Law

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how vulnerabilities are identified
• Understand how cyber-attacks are executed
• Understand the current cybersecurity legislation of the UK
• Understand the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT)

Unit 7: Database Structures and Applications

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand terminology related to databases
• Be able to create a simple database
• Be able to create reports by interrogating databases
• Be able to develop a database for others

Unit 8: Developing Databases

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs)
• Understand database structures
• Be able to create a relational database
• Be able to develop a relational database and its documentation
• Understand the importance of the Database Administrator (DBA)
• Understand the purpose of a Database Management System (DBMS)

Unit 9: Network Systems and Technologies

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand network systems
• Understand the role and impact of bandwidth on the effectiveness and efficiency of a network system
• Understand the role and types of cable used in a network
• Understand network communication and wireless technologies

Unit 10: Principles of Hyper Text Preprocessor (PHP)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the characteristics of Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP)
• Understand coding standards and quality
• Be able to use PHP
• Be able to apply, and make modifications to, programming constructs in a functional PHP script

Unit 11: Structured Query Language (SQL) Fundamentals

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure of Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Be able to develop and modify databases
• Be able to enter, modify and delete data from a database table

Unit 12: Website Design and Development

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to design a website
• Be able to use web development tools to build Hyper Text Markup Language 5 (HTML5) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) based websites
• Be able to analyse web development tools, methodologies, and technologies
• Understand the tools and technology required to use multimedia in a website
• Be able to embed working multimedia components in an HTML5 site

Unit 13: Trigonometric Functions, Ratios and Rules

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to use trigonometric functions and ratios
• Be able to solve equations and problems by employing trigonometric rules
• Be able to construct proofs by applying trigonometric
• Be able to illustrate trigonometric functions graphically

Unit 14: Using Algebra

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to use series
• Be able to perform logarithmic calculations
• Be able to solve problems involving surds
• Be able to solve algebraic equations

Unit 15: Calculus for Scientists

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to differentiate algebraic and trigonometric functions
• Know how to perform integration
• Be able to solve problems involving differentiation and integration

Unit 16: Applied Statistical Research

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to devise a statistical investigation
• Be able to collect and statistically process data
• Be able to apply data analysis to an investigation aim and hypotheses
• Be able to critically evaluate an investigation

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 writing skills tasks, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, production of a range of computer science tasks in the form of a series of questions

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 (Computing). 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 (Computing), (QAA ref = 40012803), 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.

• Application analyst
• Applications developer
• Cyber security analyst
• Data analyst
• Database administrator
• Forensic computer analyst
• Information systems manager
• Game designer
• IT consultant
• Software engineer
• Systems analyst
• UX designer
• Web designer
• Web developer

Further Qualifications and Prospects 

Frequently Asked Questions