Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education)

Overview

If you have always wanted a fulfilling career in education, but you are not quite sure which field would suit you best, this Access to Higher Education Diploma will provide you with the insight to make the right decision about your future career. With modules on education practice, child development, the psychology of learning, the role of play activities in education, as well as units on elements of anatomy, sociology and safeguarding, this online access course is the perfect launchpad for your higher education and future education career.

If you missed out on your A-levels, this qualification brings you closer to achieving your dream of attending university. Accepted as an alternative qualification by most higher education institutions, the Access to HE Diploma prepares you for academic study, whilst introducing you to the topic you’re interested in.

You will be able to study this Access to HE Diploma online from the comfort of your own home, with all the course materials available from the moment of enrolment. To ensure your success, you will have access to a dedicated tutor that will provide feedback and guidance throughout your course.

Unlike with traditional college-based courses, there are no restrictions on your study schedule. You can fit your learning around your current commitments, without having to compromise on your studies. You can also complete your qualification in as little as 6 months if you wish, although most students take on average 8 to 9 months to complete the course material (the maximum time permitted is 2 years)

Developing your career

Your Access to Higher Education Diploma and the way it is delivered through our virtual learning platform will give you the best possible chance of fulfilling your dream of achieving a university degree.

After you graduate from the education degree programme of your choice, you will be able to pursue a career in education, whether it be in academia, research or teaching. Careers in education are fulfilling and exciting and your Access to HE Diploma is the first step to unlocking such roles.

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 concepts and debates in responding to a set, academic writing task.
• Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas.
• Understand the role of reference, allusion and paraphrase to avoid plagiarism.

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: Roles, Responsibilities & Relationships in Education

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the role and responsibilities of the teacher/mentor/trainer
• Understand the professional relationships between teachers and trainers engaged in education.
• Understand the importance and use of Teacher’s Standards.
• Understand the importance of continued professional development for education staff.

Unit 5: The Developing Child

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the stages of development of children from birth to 18 years.
• Understand the stages of cognitive development of children from birth to 18 years
• Understand factors which affect social, emotional, physical and cognitive development in children from birth to 18 years.

Unit 6: Influences on Educational Achievement

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the differences in educational achievement between different groups.
• Understand measures to address differences in educational achievement.

Unit 7: The Psychology of Learning 

On completion of this module you will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of a range of theories of learning
• Demonstrate an understanding of different learning and teaching styles

Unit 8: The Human Nutrition and the Digestive System

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and functions of the organs of the digestive system
• Understand nutrients and their sources
• Understand the components of a healthy diet and the consequences of an unhealthy diet

Unit 9: Theories of Child Development

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand Piaget’s theory of development.
• Understand the major criticisms of Piaget’s work in child development.
• Understand alternative theories of development.
• Understand how stages of development link to practical situations.

Unit 10: Language acquisition

On completion of this module you will:

• Understand the stages of development on children’s language.
• Understand the contrasting views on language acquisition.

Unit 11: The Development of Education

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand changes and developments in the educational system.
• Understand contrasting theories of the role of education in society.
• Understand the relationships between educational opportunity, social class, gender and ethnicity.

Unit 12:  Developmental Psychology

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of early relationships in child development.
• Understand explanations of the development of individual differences.

Unit 13: Disability and Special Education Needs

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know the different types of disability and special education needs.
• Understand key features of the current legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for working with learners with disabilities and special education needs.
• Understand the planning approaches used in the classroom to support inclusive learning involving learners with disabilities and special education needs.

Unit 14: Play

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand types and the value of play.
• Understand the theories of play in relation to children’s life stages.
• Be able to plan, deliver and review an activity linked to a theory of play, which meets an intended learner’s needs.

Unit 15: Short story

On completion of this module you will:

• Understand narrative elements of the story.
• Understand textual features and language.
• Understand the influence of social and historical factors on the text.
• Know how to make a personal response to the text.
• Know how to use supporting evidence.

Unit 16: Managing Behaviour in the Classroom

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of maintaining a positive learning environment in a classroom.
• Understand how to maintain a positive learning environment
• Understand some of the underlying causes of behavioural problems as displayed in the classroom.
• Understand methods for managing pupil behaviour.

Unit 17: Human Reproduction, Growth & Development 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive system
• Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive tract throughout life
• Understand the sequence of events from conception to puberty

Unit 18: Sociology of Education

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of education as a socializing agency.
• Understand the roles of education in contemporary society.
• Understand the sociological explanations of labelling and the use of stereotypes
• Understand the concept of meritocracy.

Unit 19: Equality of Opportunities

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the main aspects of the legal framework which identify rights and responsibilities about equality of opportunities.
• Understand how to promote equality of opportunities, inclusiveness and diversity in the workplace.

Unit 20: Safeguarding in Education

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the development of legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding learners in education.
• Be able to categorise different types and recognise indicators of, abuse.
• Understand policies and procedures in relation to safeguarding in an educational institution, and their use.
• Understand how different agencies work together to safeguard learners in education.
• Understand the importance of application of accepted Codes of Practice in classroom practice.

Requirements

If you wish to start your Access to Higher Education Diploma right now, you should hold a GCSE in maths and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. It is a common requirement for entry to most universities and degrees. However, you can also have a relevant NVQ at level 2 if you wish to study a related degree at university.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas have been designed to help learners follow their academic aspirations and get them into their choice university. You must be mindful that each university has its own admission criteria, and some may even differ from course to course. These can include, but not be limited to:

●      A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction.

●      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 A – C in Maths and English (or equivalent level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills etc.) Or a full level 2 NVQ qualification in a related subject.

Students wishing to gain entry to higher education at the end of this Access to Higher Education Diploma should conduct some preliminary research on the admission criteria as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment. Each learner is responsible for researching the entry criteria and ensuring they meet the requirements. learndirect is not able to accept responsibility if anyone completing an Access to HE Diploma 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 (Education). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on academic content. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you advance your 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 (Education) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: (40010837). This course has also been assigned 60 credits.

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

Your Access to Higher Education Diploma and the way it is delivered within our innovative learning platform is designed to give you the best possible chance of fulfilling your dream of studying at university. Higher Education Degrees confirm to any employer your intellect, motivation and ability to work independently to succeed not just in your area of specialism but also life itself. A higher education degree is a gateway qualification that will allow you to apply 1,000's of graduate programmes as well as setting you apart from those who don't have a degree.