Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computing)

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computing)

This Course at a Glance

• 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 computing 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 (Computing), 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 pure maths and database development to cyber security fundamentals and web page 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 (Computing) 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.

Modules

Module 1: Academic Writing Skills

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to structure a written response
• Be able to develop a structured response to a plan
• Be able to present the response appropriately for audience and purpose
• Understand how to apply academic writing principles to own work

Module 2: Reading and Note Making

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand a range of reading strategies
• Understand the use of language in terms of the purpose and context of a range of texts
• Be able to use methods for developing notes from a range of sources

Module 3: Use of Information and Communication Technology

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to use word processing software to create documents
• Be able to use spreadsheet software packages to manipulate numerical data
• Be able to use computer presentation software to produce a presentation
• Know how to combine data from different sources and packages to create a document

Module 4: Components of Computer Systems

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the basic components of a computer system
• Understand the characteristics of data capture devices and the need control of data input
• Understand the characteristics of modern storage methods
• Understand the characteristics of common output devices
• Understand the operation and use of modern data communications methods

Module 5: Algebra and Functions

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to use and understand the rules of indices
• Understand the use of surds
• Be able to solve a problem involving algebraic expressions
• Be able to use function notation and solve a problem involving functions

Module 6: Cyber Security Fundamentals

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand cyber security concepts
• Understand current cyber threats and cyber warfare techniques and methods
• Be able to evaluate defence mechanisms against cyber threats

Module 7: Database Development

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the use of database terminology and factors that influence design
• Use a database system to structure and organise data
• Use a database system to manipulate and present information
• Know how to create appropriate user interfaces
• Be able to test and review the database

Module 8: Calculus

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to solve a problem involving coordinate geometry of straight lines
• Be able to perform and apply differentiation on a simple function
• Be able to perform and apply integration

Module 9: AI, Machine Learning and Deep Learning

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the fundamentals of artificial intelligence
• Understand the fundamentals of machine learning
• Understand the fundamentals of deep learning

Module 10: The Safe and Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the principles of safe and ethical use of generative AI in own subject area
• Be able to evaluate the use of generative AI tools or resources with regard to academic integrity
• Be able to evaluate safe and ethical practices in using generative AI in own subject

Module 11: Software Development

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the key features of a programming language
• Be able to create a computer program to meet the needs of a specific situation
• Understand good practice within the software development process
• Understand the importance of testing within the software development cycle

Module 12: Pure Maths

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to apply logarithms to solve a problem
• Be able to apply trigonometric methods to solve a problem
• Be able to solve a problem involving a series

Module 13: Programming Constructs

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to design both simple and complex single task programs from a specification
• Be able to use both the basic and advanced constructs provided by a high-level programming language appropriately
• Be able to create programs to handle simple data structures
• Be able to test and correct complex single function programs

Module 14: Further Differentiation

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to perform and apply differentiation on a simple function
• Be able to perform and apply differentiation on a complicated function

Module 15: Web Page Design and Production

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the basic constituent elements of a Web Page
• Understand the basic language code used in web page production
• Understand how to design and produce a web page
• Understand how to make a web page ‘live’ on the internet

Module 16: Further Trigonometry

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to solve a problem involving arc length and sector area
• Be able to use simple trigonometric identities to solve problems
• Be able to use complex trigonometric identities to solve problems

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete short introductory tasks at the start of your course to support the development of your academic study skills.

Entry Requirements

To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode.

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 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

Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.

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.

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete short introductory tasks at the start of your course to support the development of your academic study skills.

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 3 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.

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 (Computing). 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.

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete short introductory tasks at the start of your course to support the development of your academic 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.

Skills & Education Group Access

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computing), (QAA aim code: 40012803), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. 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.

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.

• 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 

Frequently Asked Questions