Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)

Overview

• Get to grips with the essentials of computer science
• Pursue your passion at university without A-levels
• Unlock your future career in the computing industry
• Study stress-free online with 24/7 access to learning materials
• Gain an A-level equivalent qualification in as little as 6 months
• Receive expert guidance from a dedicated tutor

If you’re analytical, scientifically minded and have a passion for computing but lack the qualifications to go to university and enter the computer science and technology industry, our online Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science) is perfect for you.

Exploring 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.

But this diploma isn’t just an online course designed to boost your knowledge; it’s a recognised A-level equivalent qualification that is accepted by universities across the UK. This means that, upon completion of Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science), you will be able to go to university to study computer science or a related degree subject without prior Level 3 qualifications.

That’s why, as well as equipping you intellectually with a strong understanding of computer science, the diploma will also prepare you for the university application process and life in higher education. Along with subject-based theory, Access to HE Diploma (Computer Science) offers practical skills-based modules to help you transform easily from home study student to undergraduate and thrive on the degree programme of your choice in the future. On average our learners take between 8 to 9 month to complete this course.

Modules

Unit 1:  Preparing for Success

On completion of this unit you will:

• Ensure your Diploma is correctly specified for future goals and aspirations

Unit 2: Preparing to Study

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how study is organised and planned
• Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
• Understand a range of constraints upon study
• Understand the importance of assessment feedback

Unit 3: Academic Writing Skills

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
• Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in reponding to a set, academic writing task
• Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas

Unit 4:  Preparing a Written Assignment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to use key information sources
• Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
• Understand a range of reading strategies
• Understand note-making methods
• Understand how to plan, draft and produce a written assignment

Unit 5: Using Spreadsheet Software

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know how to use spread sheet software.
• Know how to perform calculations on spread sheet data.
• Know how to use spread sheet software to create and develop charts.

Unit 6: Using the Internet & Email

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to use e-mail:
• Understand how to use the Internet for research and communication.
• Understand how to evaluate Internet resources.

Unit 7: Algebraic Methods

On completion of this unit you will:

• Apply series
• Apply mathematical operations on logarithms.
• Apply mathematical operations on surds.
• Apply algebraic methods.

Unit 8: Cyber Threats and Legislation

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how attacks are carried out.
• Understand the ways in which vulnerabilities can be identified.
• Understand the UK legislation covering cyber security and future strategy.
• Understand international standards.

Unit 9: Calculus
On completion of this unit you will:

• Apply differentiation
• Apply integration.
• Apply differentiation and integration to solve problems.

Unit 10: Database Applications

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand database terminology.
• Be able to apply the principles of creating a simple database using a database application.
• Know how to interrogate databases and create reports.
• Be able to use a database application to create a database for other users.

Unit 11: Database Development
On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the concept of Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD).
• Understand the implications of database structure in design.
• Understand the principles of relational databases.
• Know how to develop a fully functioning relational database.
• Understand the role of the Database Administrator (DBA).
• Know the purpose of a Database Management System (DBMS).

Unit 12: Trigonometry

On completion of this unit you will:

• Apply the trigonometrical functions.
• Apply trigonometry.
• Understand the principles of trigonometric graphs.

Unit 13: Fundamentals of Hyper Text Preprocessor (PHP)
On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the characteristics of Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP).
• Understand coding standards.
• Be able to use outputs, variables and programming constructs in PHP.
• Be able to apply and modify programming constructs in a functioning PHP script.

Unit 14: Fundamentals of Structured Query Language (SQL)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the characteristics of Structured Query Language (SQL).
• Be able to create and amend databases.
• Be able to enter, amend and delete data from a database table.

Unit 15: Research Topic (Computer Science)
On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to plan and carry out a primary research project on a topic of your own choosing with a central focus on Computer Science
• Be able to plan and write a research topic report.
• Understand, develop and apply basic research skills.

Unit 16: Study Skills Portfolio Building

On completion of this unit you will:

• Study Skills Portfolio Building

Unit 17: Networking

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know the diverse types of network systems and devices in common use.
• Be able to explain the impact of bandwidth on a network.
• Be able to describe the cable types used in a network.
• Know how different network technologies operate and communicate.

Unit 18: Designing and Developing a Website

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to design a website to address loosely-defined requirements
• Be able to use web development tools to build (X) HTML and CSS-based websites to address well-defined specifications.
• Understand different web development tools, methodologies and technologies.
• Understand the technology and tools needed to use multimedia in the context of a website.
• Be able to embed functional multimedia components in an (X) HTML site.

Requirements

If you wish to start your Access to Higher Education Diploma right now, you should hold a GSCE in maths and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. It is a common requirement for entry to most universities and degrees. However, you can also have a relevant NVQ at level 2 if you wish to study a related degree at university.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas have been designed to help learners follow their academic aspirations and get them into their choice university. You must be mindful that each university has its own admission criteria, and some may even differ from course to course. These can include, but not be limited to:

• A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction.
• 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 A – C in maths and English (or equivalent level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills etc.) Or a full level 2 NVQ qualification in a related subject.

Students wishing to gain entry to higher education at the end of this Diploma should conduct some preliminary research on the admission criteria as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment. Each learner is responsible for researching the entry criteria and ensuring they meet the requirements. learndirect is not able to accept responsibility if anyone completing an Access to HE Diploma fails to secure an offer from a higher education institution.

Assessment

Assessment of your work will be offered through assignments. The end of each unit will provide you the opportunity to check up on your knowledge and advance. Your tutor will offer marking and feedback to help you progress further.  This Access to HE Diploma is a level 3 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated qualification. To successfully achieve your qualification, you will need a total of 60 credits .Of these, 45 will come from graded units of academic content, while the following 15 will be drawn from ungraded units concerning study skills.

We encourage you to complete both the graded and the ungraded units and check with the university of your choice what the entrance criteria is. This will help you understand what marks to aim for.

Qualifications

Open College Network West Midlands

On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref = 40008265).

Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.

Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.