Digital Technologies and Computer Science - Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma

If you would like to study Computing at university but left school without the qualifications you need, then this Access to HE course could be for you. Each year, over 20,000 Access to HE students apply for a degree course at a UK university; if you go onto complete a relevant degree at university, your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off by Student Finance England.

This course will help you get the qualifications you need to study computing, or a related course, at university. The qualification will provide you with an intensive introduction to the ideas, mathematical and computing skills, in a variety of areas of study including programming, web development and networking.

You will also learn key presentation skills, seminar skills and writing skills that will be crucial at university level. Throughout the course you will undertake a research project and participate in lessons aimed at preparing you for higher education, helping you focus on developing your academic, literacy and examination skills.

You will develop skills in:

• Report Writing
• Writing & Delivering Seminar Papers
• Extended Project
• Finding and Reading Information
• Using Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Cyber Security
• HTML and CSS basics
• Arrays and Data Type
• Introductions to Robotics
• Installing, Configuring and Administering a Server
• Computer Networks
• Numerical Methods
• Algebra
• Application of Numbers
• Mathematics for Computing Website design Programming in Java Programme design Mathematics Social, legal and health implications of ICT use in society Study skills

You will need:

• To be aged 19 or older
• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or A*-C) or English and Maths Functional Skills at Level 2
• Level 2 qualification in ICT or computing

All applicants must have an interview and assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

This course is assessed through coursework assignments, tests and examinations throughout the course, which are set and marked by your teachers and externally moderated by OCN London.

Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and tests.

Adults

Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2
If you will be aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, your course may be free, depending on your circumstances. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

Once you have completed your Access to HE course, you can progress to a Higher Education degree at a university or college including Russel Groups universities such as Queen Mary University on London or Kings College of London. 

You should check requirements for specific degree courses - different Higher Education institutions may have different entry requirements for similar courses.