Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)

Accreditation by Open College Network West Midlands

100% online
learning

16 units

600 notional
learning hours

Description

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 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.

OUR PASS RATE

Access to Higher Education Diplomas (National Average 78.4%)

88^%

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

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.

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.