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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)
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Course Outline
Course Outline
The Access to HE Diploma is your stepping stone to university, designed for those who don’t have traditional qualifications but are ready to take the next step. It helps you build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for higher education, all while developing important skills like communication, problem-solving, and self-belief. If you’re dreaming of a new career and need the right qualification to get there, this course is the perfect place to start!
Modules
Modules
To complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science), you’ll need to achieve:
- 45 graded credits at Level 3 in academic subject areas
- 15 ungraded credits at either Level 2 or Level 3, focusing on essential study skills
Skills for Learning & Core Units
- Academic Study Techniques – Develop essential study skills to prepare for university
- Progressing to Higher Education – Guidance on taking the next step in your computing career
- Email – Master professional communication in a digital environment
- File Management and Security – Learn how to organise and protect digital files
Mathematics for Computing
- Algebraic Methods – Strengthen mathematical skills for problem-solving in computing
Computer Science Specialisms
- Cyber Security – Understand threats, vulnerabilities, and protection strategies
- Website Design – Use digital imaging and web authoring tools to create websites
- Relational Databases – Learn database design and management
- Application of SQL – Develop skills in database querying and manipulation
- Application of PHP – Explore server-side programming for web applications
- Installing, Configuring & Maintaining Systems – Hands-on experience with IT infrastructure
- Service Design & Operation – Learn the fundamentals of IT service management
- Networking – Gain an understanding of network design and security
- Mobile Computing – Explore technology trends and mobile system development
- Systems Analysis & Design – Learn how to plan and develop IT systems
This course is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in computer science, preparing you for university or a career in the tech industry. By the time you finish, you’ll have valuable skills and a clear path for your next steps!
Enrolment Requirements
Enrolment Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for students applying for the Cambridge Online Education Access to H.E. Diplomas. Tutors are nevertheless, required to ensure that learners admitted onto the Diploma possess the necessary skills and personal qualities to cope with the demands of the course.
Assessments
Assessments
All Access to HE Diplomas require the achievement of 60 credits. 45 of the 60 credits must be graded at Level 3 (pass, merit or distinction). Such credits will arise from the Academic Subject Content Modules. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded and can be achieved at either Level 2 or Level 3. Students may only be registered against units with a maximum combined total credit value of 60. In terms of the length of time required for a learner to complete their diploma, for all Access to HE Diplomas the notional learning hours are 600. Notional learning hours comprise all learning that may be relevant to the achievement of the learning outcomes including directed and private study, practical and project work, assignments and assessment time. The assessment methods used for each unit of your course will be detailed in the Programme Handbook. Your tutor will provide you with formative feedback and provisional grades. Your grades will be then evaluated by the Examination Board. Final grades will be released to students after the External Moderation Visit.
Qualification
Qualification
On successful completion of the course, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science) at level 3 awarded by the Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group.
Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications. Cambridge Online Education is a fully accredited education provider for this qualification
Careers
Careers
After completing the Access to Higher Education Computer Science, you can then continue your education or seek employment in the following fields:
- Application analyst
- Applications developer
- Cyber security analyst
- Data analyst
- Forensic computer analyst
- Game designer
- Games developer
- Machine learning engineer
- Penetration tester
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- UX designer
- Web designer
- Web developer
- Business analyst
- IT sales professional
- IT trainer
- Nanotechnologist
- Network engineer
- Telecommunications researcher
As different universities have different entry requirements, you are strongly advised to check these requirements with your chosen tertiary education provider. You can contact our career advisers for further guidance and support in that matter.


Meet your expert friendly tutor

Devon's Story
After years in my company's IT department on a lowish pay band I was given the opportunity to upskill with an diploma Course in Computer Science. I'm looking forward to learning new things on my degree and the increased pay that follows! It's great that companies can do this for their teams as it makes their staff better skilled and happier which can only mean good things for the business.
FAQ Computer Science
What HE progression routes are there with this course?
Given the broad-based nature of the course the HE progression route is varied including IT, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Games Development, Cyber Security etc.
What qualifications do you need to start this course?
None. Universities, however, will have their own entry requirements. Typically, GCSE (grade C and above) in English and Mathematics in addition to an AHE qualification.
What prior experience is needed?
No formal experience is needed. You should, however, have a keen interest in technology and a thirst to learn more. Furthermore, you should be thoroughly proficient with your chosen platform (Mac, Windows, Linux) – installing applications, managing files and folder, users and permissions etc. You should also be proficient with Office 365 including Word, One Drive and Teams.