Access to HE Diploma Computing: Online

You will study modules in Study Skills, Maths, Computing, and ICT.

Credits are gained through the coursework.

The course is validated and moderated by Ascentis under license from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and comprises of 60 credits, of which 45 are graded and 15 ungraded. You will study towards 3 credits in Preparing to Progress, 3 credits in academic writing and 54 credits over the three subjects Maths, Computing and ICT.

We would advise you to check with your chosen University to ensure they accept these units for your chosen course before you apply.

Teaching will be delivered by way of self-directed learning with access to regular tutor support. Additional webinars and online forums for group discussions are also available throughout your studies. You will be assessed through coursework.

All assessments are internally and externally verified through a rigorous and robust process to ensure all grading is consistent, fair and provides developmental feedback.

One subject will be covered at a time and a tutor with specialist subject knowledge will be assigned to guide and support you on your learning journey.

Although the workload of the course is intensive, it is structured in a way that recognises the pressures on adult learners. Many students successfully balance a healthy work/home life whilst studying the course and Activate Learning has helped over 3,000 Access to HE students progress on to university.

You must meet the following entry criteria:

• Aged 19+ at the start of the academic year.
• Living in the UK.
• Already hold a grade B/6 or above in GCSE maths and GCSE C/4 or above in English Language or equivalent such as Functional Skills Level 2. If you hold international qualifications, we can assess these to see if you meet the criteria.
• Passing an entry assessment in maths and English.

*For your application to be processed, we are required to view your official certificates. These can be requested from the awarding body if you no longer have them.

You will be NOT be able to study maths and/or English GCSEs alongside this course.

You will have a numeracy and literacy assessment to check your suitability to study at Level 3. Don’t worry, most students are successful in the assessment process.

A wide range of support is available at the college for students, including financial support.

An Access to HE Diploma will help you to progress to study at university. It will also help you improve your employment prospects. As well as developing subject knowledge, you will improve your communication, personal and study skills through a core programme that also provides one-to-one tutorial support.

Completing an Access to HE Diploma in Computing allows learners to progress on to degrees in Information Technology, Computing, Communication Technology and related fields.

Learners go on to have careers in IT and telecommunications in many sectors, including finance, government, business, commerce, public services and the voluntary sector.

Note: Please check the entry requirements for your chosen universities to confim the suitability of this qualification.

Once you submit your application with us and we have seen proof of your maths and English qualifications, you will receive an initial literacy and numeracy test by email to check your suitability to study at Level 3.

But don’t worry: most students are successful in this! If you pass, you will then receive an offer for the course and the most relevant funding information to you.

Funding Options:

To be eligible for funding, you will need to live in England. Anyone in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland will need to self-fund the course.

Level 3 Entitlement fee remission: If you are aged 19-23 and do not hold a prior full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible to study the course for free. This would also depend on your location within the UK, but we would check this for you during your application process.

19+ Advanced Learner Loan:If you are aged over 23, or you are 19-23 with a full Level 3 qualification, you can fund the course with the Advanced Learner Loan supplied by Student Finance England. This loan will be wiped from your records if you progress to university and complete your studies! If you do not progress to university or a higher education course, you will not need to start paying back the loan until you earn over £25,725.00. 

 Remember: If you go on to study at university and complete a degree, the loan for your Access course is written off by the government.