Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)

Accreditation by Open College Network West Midlands

100% online
learning

16 units

600 notional
learning hours

Description

SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 30th November
SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 30th November

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)

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 computer science 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 (Computer Science), 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 (Computer Science) is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification that is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

You have up to a year 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.

OUR PASS RATE

Access to Higher Education Diplomas (National Average 78.4%)

88^%

Modules

Unit 1: 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 responding to a set, academic writing task
Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas

Unit 2: 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 3: Using the Internet & Email

On completion of this unit you will:

Be able to use e-mail
Be able to use the Internet for research and communication
Understand how to evaluate Internet resources

Unit 4: Using Spreadsheet Software

On completion of this unit you will:

Be able to use spread sheet software
Be able to perform calculations on spread sheet data
Be able to use spread sheet software to create and develop graphs and charts

Unit 5: 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 6: Algebraic Methods

On completion of this unit you will:

Be able to apply series
Be able to carry out logarithmic calculations
Be able to solve problems involving surds
Be able to solve algebraic problems

Unit 7: 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 8: Cyber Threats and Legislation

On completion of this unit you will:

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

Unit 9: Differentiation and Integration

On completion of this unit you will:

Understand differentiation
Understand integration
Be able to solve problems involving differentiation and integration

Unit 10: 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 11: Research Project

On completion of this unit you will:

Know how to plan independent research
Understand and apply a range of research methods relating to research
Know how to carry out research
Know how to interpret results of research
Know how to reference work

Unit 12: 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 13: Trigonometry

On completion of this unit you will:

Be able to use trigonometrical functions
Be able to use trigonometry to solve equations and problems
Be able to use trigonometric functions and identifies in the context of proofs
Be able to produce trigonometric graphs

Unit 14: Networking

On completion of this unit you will:

Understand the diverse types of network systems and devices in common use
Understand the impact of bandwidth on a network
Understand the different cable types use in a network
Understand how different network technologies operate and communicate

Unit 15: Statistical Research

On completion of this unit you will:

Be able to plan an investigation which allows for the collection of statistical data
Be able to carry out an investigation
Be able to interpret and analyse results
Be able to evaluate an investigation

Unit 16: 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 Hyper Text Markup Language 5 (HTML5) and Cascading Style Sheets (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 HTML5 site

Requirements

Entry Requirements

If you’re ready to take the next step, you can start your Access to Higher Education Diploma today. But by the time you apply to university, you’ll also need to have a GCSE in Maths and English (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above to fulfil the entry requirements.

If you don’t have these right now, you can work towards these while you complete your Access to HE Diploma. This is something that many of our learners do successfully to ensure their university application criteria is met well ahead of applying.

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 on a degree 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 in Maths and English (or equivalent level 2 such as Functional Skills)

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 HE Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.

*Please note, this course is eligible for UK residents only.

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 HE Diploma (Computer Science). 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

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.

Developing Your Career

With an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science) and a subsequent computer science degree, you will be eligible for an array of exciting technologically advanced roles, in almost any industry of your choosing.

Advances in technology mean there’s almost no end to the need for computer science expertise. So, when you come to apply for a graduate job, you will likely be spoilt for choice!

You could become a:

Further Qualifications and Prospects

Continual learning is essential for roles that are related to IT as it constantly evolves and becomes more efficient. Besides studying the latest developments, you can advance your knowledge and progress in your career by studying postgraduate level computer science courses in a MSc or PhD.

Gaining postgraduate qualifications is essential if you want to move into a career in academia. They can also be extremely useful for a range of other professional avenues, for example, developing new technologies and products.

If you want to teach IT in secondary schools, you would also need to obtain a teaching qualification.

SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 30th November
SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 30th November