Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)

Overview

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 many 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 with a strong understanding of Computer Science, the Diploma will also prepare you for the university application process and life in higher education. 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 HE Diploma can be completed within two years. However, most students complete their course within 9-12 months.

You will also receive support and guidance our team of qualified and experienced tutors throughout your course.

Modules

Unit 1: 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 2: 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 3:  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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: Calculus
On completion of this unit you will:

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

Unit 9: 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 10: 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 11: Trigonometry

On completion of this unit you will:

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

Unit 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 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 (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

Anyone wishing to continue their education with an Access to Higher Education Diploma, it is necessary they have a GCSE Grade A-C in maths and English (or Functional Skills Level 2 or new GCSE Grade 4-9) with a desire to continue a related degree at university. If you do not hold these qualifications then you must be working towards them whilst completing your Access to HE Diploma.
Our Access to Higher Education Diplomas fulfil entry criteria for a broad range of university degrees and can be used in conjunction with the standard UCAS application process. In short, Access to HE Diplomas have a track record of helping learners get to the university and degree of their choice. Learners must bear in mind each university has their own set of admission criteria and places are subject to demand. Varying admission criteria can include but are not limited to the following:

1. Number of credits to be attained at merit or distinction level.
2. Successfully passing a face-to-face interview at the University.
3. Passing a University’s proprietary literacy and numeracy assessments.
4. Completion of specified work placements or work experience.
5. GCSE Grade A – C in maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills).

Learners must undertake their own research to ensure their Diploma gives them the best possible chance of gaining entry to their university of choice. It is not possible for learndirect to accept any liability if any Access to Higher Education Diploma student fails to secure an offer from a higher education institution.

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.