Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education)
This Course at a Glance
- Change your career and become a teacher
- Understand education and development
- Completion possible in 9-12 months
- Study a degree without A Levels
- Learn at your pace
- 100% online study
- No Exams
About Your Course
If you’ve ever considered becoming a teacher, or you’re currently working in a support role in a school and want to take your career to the next level, an online Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) can help.
Previously, the routes to becoming a teacher were limited to gaining a Certificate in Education. Now, gaining a bachelor's degree is essential for new teachers across the United Kingdom, but there are many ways you can work towards this depending on if you already have a degree, and the route you would prefer to take.
If you don’t already have a degree, you will need to apply for an undergraduate Initial Teacher Education or Training (ITET) programme at university with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). One of the popular ways you can do this is by studying a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with QTS.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) acts as the ideal preparation for a Bachelor of Education. Its education and development focused modules provide you with knowledge specific to teaching and education and can be used it as an equivalent to three A Levels.
Throughout the course, you will learn all about how to manage behaviour in the classroom. You will explore numerous topics that will shed light on the development of children, from the psychology of learning to theories of child development, disability and special education needs.
You’ll be taken through the different roles, responsibilities and relationships in education, in addition to completing modules that give you the study skills for university. For more information on what you will cover in the course, see the ‘Modules’ tab.
Getting Started
learndirect is the leading UK online learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) is a nationally recognised Level 3 equivalent qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Studied entirely online, the course flexibility allows you to work towards your career as a teacher alongside your current commitments. So, whether you’re already employed in a school, have a job outside of education or have family care commitments, you can complete your course around them.
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. An Access to Higher Education Diploma can be completed over two years. However, most students complete their course within 9-12 months, helping you get on the way to study at university faster than otherwise possible.
*Please note, each university sets its own entry requirements. Therefore, it is always best to check with your chosen institution that your Access to Higher Education Diploma will be accepted before enrolling on the course.
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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 responding 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: 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:
- Understand what is meant by learning.
- Understand what is meant by conditioning and its practical applications.
- Understand Social Learning Theory and Observational Learning.
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
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 system throughout life
- Understand the sequence of events from conception to childbirth
Unit 18: Sociology of Education
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of education as a socialising 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
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 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 poster, academic report, case study analysis, development of play activity, essay, illustrated report, journal article, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, 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 in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education). 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.
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 Higher Education 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
By completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) and a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with QTS, you can become qualified as a teacher and work in an array of exciting roles. Teachers are required to educate children and young people of all ages and abilities.
You could become a:
- Primary School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Special Educational Needs Teacher
- Early Years Teacher
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Once you graduate and gain Qualified Teacher Status, there are many ways you can progress and advance up the career ladder.
With experience, you could take on roles with more responsibility such as:
- Head of Department
- Head of Year
- Pastoral Manager
- Deputy or Assistant Head Teacher
- Head Teacher
There are also a number of non-teaching roles in education that you could move into, such as:
- Academic or School Librarianship
- Education Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Publishing
- Education Social Work
- Museum Education
- Careers Guidance
- School Liaisons
All teachers in the UK must also complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) per year. This includes any type of training or education that adds directly to your skillset as a teacher, but falls outside of your mandatory and statutory training.
Completing CPD training is a great way to explore new avenues of teaching and improve your ability to support learners.
You could study courses like:
- Digital Skills for Teaching Online
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Bullying in Schools
- Developmental, Learning and Behavioural Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
- Forest School Programme Leadership
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) - Advanced
- Understanding Children and Young Peoples' Mental Health
Should you choose to complete a postgraduate qualification, like a PhD, you could even become a Higher Education (HE) Lecturer or an Academic Researcher.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education)
This Course at a Glance
- Change your career and become a teacher
- Understand education and development
- Completion possible in 9-12 months
- Study a degree without A Levels
- Learn at your pace
- 100% online study
- No Exams
About Your Course
If you’ve ever considered becoming a teacher, or you’re currently working in a support role in a school and want to take your career to the next level, an online Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) can help.
Previously, the routes to becoming a teacher were limited to gaining a Certificate in Education. Now, gaining a bachelor's degree is essential for new teachers across the United Kingdom, but there are many ways you can work towards this depending on if you already have a degree, and the route you would prefer to take.
If you don’t already have a degree, you will need to apply for an undergraduate Initial Teacher Education or Training (ITET) programme at university with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). One of the popular ways you can do this is by studying a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with QTS.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) acts as the ideal preparation for a Bachelor of Education. Its education and development focused modules provide you with knowledge specific to teaching and education and can be used it as an equivalent to three A Levels.
Throughout the course, you will learn all about how to manage behaviour in the classroom. You will explore numerous topics that will shed light on the development of children, from the psychology of learning to theories of child development, disability and special education needs.
You’ll be taken through the different roles, responsibilities and relationships in education, in addition to completing modules that give you the study skills for university. For more information on what you will cover in the course, see the ‘Modules’ tab.
Getting Started
learndirect is the leading UK online learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) is a nationally recognised Level 3 equivalent qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Studied entirely online, the course flexibility allows you to work towards your career as a teacher alongside your current commitments. So, whether you’re already employed in a school, have a job outside of education or have family care commitments, you can complete your course around them.
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. An Access to Higher Education Diploma can be completed over two years. However, most students complete their course within 9-12 months, helping you get on the way to study at university faster than otherwise possible.
*Please note, each university sets its own entry requirements. Therefore, it is always best to check with your chosen institution that your Access to Higher Education Diploma will be accepted before enrolling on the course.
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 responding 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: 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:
- Understand what is meant by learning.
- Understand what is meant by conditioning and its practical applications.
- Understand Social Learning Theory and Observational Learning.
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
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 system throughout life
- Understand the sequence of events from conception to childbirth
Unit 18: Sociology of Education
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of education as a socialising 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
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 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 poster, academic report, case study analysis, development of play activity, essay, illustrated report, journal article, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, 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.
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 (Education). 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 (Education) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education 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
By completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) and a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with QTS, you can become qualified as a teacher and work in an array of exciting roles. Teachers are required to educate children and young people of all ages and abilities.
You could become a:
- Primary School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Special Educational Needs Teacher
- Early Years Teacher
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Once you graduate and gain Qualified Teacher Status, there are many ways you can progress and advance up the career ladder.
With experience, you could take on roles with more responsibility such as:
- Head of Department
- Head of Year
- Pastoral Manager
- Deputy or Assistant Head Teacher
- Head Teacher
There are also a number of non-teaching roles in education that you could move into, such as:
- Academic or School Librarianship
- Education Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Publishing
- Education Social Work
- Museum Education
- Careers Guidance
- School Liaisons
All teachers in the UK must also complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) per year. This includes any type of training or education that adds directly to your skillset as a teacher, but falls outside of your mandatory and statutory training.
Completing CPD training is a great way to explore new avenues of teaching and improve your ability to support learners.
You could study courses like:
- Digital Skills for Teaching Online
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Bullying in Schools
- Developmental, Learning and Behavioural Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
- Forest School Programme Leadership
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) - Advanced
- Understanding Children and Young Peoples' Mental Health
Should you choose to complete a postgraduate qualification, like a PhD, you could even become a Higher Education (HE) Lecturer or an Academic Researcher.
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learning
learning hours
