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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)

Regular price £1,199.00 GBP
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If you have a passion for technology, problem-solving, and innovation but lack the traditional qualifications to enter university, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science) is the perfect route for you. This nationally recognised Level 3 qualification is designed to equip you with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and confidence required to take the next step in your computing career.

Why Choose This Course?

Our 100% online course is flexible and designed for adults balancing study with work and family commitments. Whether you’re interested in cybersecurity, data science, software development, or networking, this diploma will help you build foundational expertise and prepare you for higher education or employment in the tech industry.

  • Get on the fast track to university – Equivalent to A Levels, this course is accepted by many universities.

  • Develop essential computing skills – Covering programming, cybersecurity, data analysis, and web development.

  • Flexible learning at your own pace – Complete in as little as 9 months

  • No exams – assessment through coursework – Achieve your diploma through end-of-unit assignments.

Expert one-to-one tutor support – Get personalised guidance from experienced IT professionals.

Study Now, Pay Later

We offer Buy Now, Pay Later (12 months interest-free) payment plans, making high-quality education more accessible than ever. Plus, enrolling in an Access to HE course may help you reduce council tax payments (T&Cs apply).

Start Your Creative Journey Today

With Cambridge Online Education – established in 2002 – you’ll receive top-tier online education that prepares you for university and beyond. The diploma is accredited by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).  

Course Outline

The Computer Science Diploma offers a cutting-edge introduction to the world of technology and programming. With courses focusing on coding, systems analysis, and data management, students gain essential skills to understand and innovate in the tech industry. This diploma provides a strong foundation for those looking to pursue further studies in computer science, information technology, or software engineering at university. It also prepares students for a wide range of careers, from software development and cybersecurity to data analysis and IT consulting. With the ever-growing demand for tech professionals, this diploma opens doors to exciting and high-paying career opportunities in industries across the globe. If you have a passion for technology and problem-solving, this diploma is the perfect first step toward shaping your future in the digital world.

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

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!

Curious about what each module covers? Click on the module titles to explore detailed information and see how each one can help shape your future in computing!

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

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

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

 

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.

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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.

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