Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)

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 

Entry Requirements

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 on healthcare courses 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

This course is ideally suited to those who have completed full-time education but have not achieved the grades required to get into university.

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.

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 (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.

• 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