Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering)

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering)

This Course at a Glance

• First steps towards a career in engineering
• Average completion time 9-12 months
• Achieve the equivalent of 3 A Levels
• Fast route to university
• 100% online learning
• No Exams

About Your Diploma

If you want to make a crucial contribution to the fabric of our industries, then engineering opens up a realm of opportunities. It is a skill that is always in demand as almost every industry, from electronics to defence, requires the expertise of a professional engineer.

By studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering), you will be able to pursue engineering at degree level. Learning these crucial skills will allow you to apply your understanding to design, build, and solve problems.

If you don’t already possess A Levels, an Access to Higher Education Diploma is the best route to university as one Diploma is equivalent to 3 A Levels. Before embarking on degree-level study, you can gain a foundational knowledge that will prepare you for the next step.

During your nationally recognised course, you will delve into the elements required to understand the fundamentals of engineering, including the structure of the atom, molarity and chemical change, and the principles of mechanical engineering.

Mathematical skills are essential in engineering, so you should already be strong with numbers when you embark on this course. You will explore the mathematical principles that engineers use on a daily basis to perform their mechanical duties. Every element of your study is designed to kick-start your career in engineering.

Please note that while most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas, you should check with your chosen establishment before applying.

Getting Started

You have two years to complete an Access to Higher Education Diploma, but on average, learndirect students take around 9 months to secure their qualifications. This is because you have the flexibility to study at your own pace, although you will have assignment deadlines.

To help keep you on track, you will be issued with an Individual Learning Plan. This will set out your deadlines and allow you to track your progress. With the course being 100% online, you won’t be confined to in-person classroom study.

As long as you have a computer/laptop and stable internet connection, you can study the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering).

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: The Structure of the Atom

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the properties of protons, electrons and neutrons
• Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom/isotope
• Understand s, p and d orbitals
• Understand the relationship between ionisation energies and reactivity
• Understand how ionisation energy data is reflected in the periodic table

Module 4: Arrangement and Trends in the Periodic Table

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the arrangement of elements in the periodic table
• Understand the periodicity of period 3 of the periodic table
• Understand ionisation energies in relation to period 3
• Understand the oxidation and reduction effects of reactions
• Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals

Module 5: Using Algebra

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to use series
• Be able to perform logarithmic calculations
• Be able to solve problems involving surds
• Be able to solve algebraic equations

Module 6: Principles of Mechanical Engineering

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to perform vector calculations
• Be able to perform vector resolution calculations
• Understand uniformly accelerated motion
• Be able perform projectile motion calculations
• Be able to use Newton’s Laws of Motion
• Be able to perform calculations involving the principles of momentum and conservation
• Understand the concepts of energy, work and power
• Understand the components of internal energy
• Be able to perform calculations related to the ideal gas laws
• Understand the basic principles of kinetic theory of gases

Module 7: Trigonometric Functions, Ratios and Rules

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to use trigonometric functions and ratios
• Be able to solve equations and problems by employing trigonometric rules
• Be able to construct proofs by applying trigonometric
• Be able to illustrate trigonometric functions graphically

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: Hydrocarbons, Alkenes and Alkanes

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the impact of organic compounds
• Understand alkane structure and reactions
• Understand alkene structure and reactions

Module 10: Mathematical Principles Applied to Engineering

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to assess complex expressions and solve engineering problems using the laws of logarithms and indices
• Be able to use algebraic techniques to solve problems
• Be able to solve engineering problems using a range of mathematical techniques

Module 11: Molarity and Chemical Change

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to calculate solution concentrations
• Understand enthalpy change
• Be able to analyse data to determine reaction order
• Understand chemical equilibrium

Module 13: Energy and Motion in Mechanical Science

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to perform linear and angular motion calculations
• Be able to perform calculations on the effect of forces on materials
• Be able to solve problems related to friction
• Be able to perform heat energy and transfer calculations
• Be able to perform torque related calculations

Module 14: Engineering Calculus

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to use differentiation techniques applied to engineering
• Be able to use calculus to solve engineering problems
• Be able to apply integration techniques

Module 15: Conducting a Design Project

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to prepare a design specification for an engineered product, from a given design brief
• Be able to produce alternative design solutions for an engineered product

Module 16: Algebraic and Trigonometric Techniques in Engineering

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to apply algebraic techniques in engineering applications
• Be able to use matrix algebra to solve simple technical problems
• Be able to perform trigonometric functions to calculate basic and inverse ratios and plot equations
• Be able to prove trigonometric identities and apply rules to solve engineering problems
• Be able to use binomial theorem to expand mathematical expressions and solve engineering problems

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: work book, essay, formula sheet, portfolio, series of questions, worksheet, academic writing skills tasks

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.

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 to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering). 

Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units that focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you 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 conduct.

Skills & Education Group Access

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering), (QAA ref = 40012852), 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.

Frequently Asked Questions