Access to HE Diploma (Engineering)

What Higher Education (HE) degree courses can I go on to with this Engineering Access Diploma?

With the Engineering Access Diploma, you have a wide range of HE progression routes. Some common degrees include:

· Bachelor’s degrees in General Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical / Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Chemical Engineering

· Degrees in Mechatronics, Robotics, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering

· Specialised areas such as Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering

· Related interdisciplinary degrees like Engineering Design, Engineering Management, Computer Engineering

Universities often accept the Access Diploma as an alternative to A-Levels, especially when your graded units include Maths and Physics or the relevant science modules. Be sure to check specific degree entry requirements at the universities you are interested in.

What kind of skills or prior experience will help me if I start this Engineering Access Course?

You don’t need formal engineering work experience, but having some of the following will help you succeed:

· A strong interest in technology, how things are built or work, problem solving, and mathematics

· Familiarity with basic computing skills: using Windows, Linux or Mac, file and folder management, installing software, handling different platforms

· Skills in Office tools: Word, Excel, Teams etc. — being comfortable working with documents, spreadsheets, and online collaboration tools

· Some curiosity about engineering contexts (for example observing engineering in the real world, hobbies involving electronics, robotics, CAD software, mechanical projects, etc.)

These help you engage with the practical and theoretical parts of engineering more easily.

Is an Access to HE Diploma in Engineering recognised by universities (is it as good as A-Levels)?

Yes — the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering) is a Level 3 qualification regulated by the QAA. Many UK universities accept it as an alternative to A-Levels or BTECs, provided you fulfil any specific unit/grade or subject requirements (especially in Mathematics and a relevant science or engineering unit). It carries UCAS points, and has become a well-established route into engineering degree courses.

Who will be my Tutor?

We have professionals that are current in their practice of their chosen fields to support you. For example, you will be able to take directly to a Midwife/Nurse and get guidance and support directly from these professionals as you complete your course.

This is on top of a Faculty Leader in Science who has worked as a Science Teacher for more than 10 years.

Will I get some 1:1 support?

Yes! We help our students personally navigate their career options with online video calls and messenger chats.

We provide 1-1 specialist support to you when you need it.

Working in partnership with you, we will provide a personal service of meeting individual educational needs and career options.

Do I need to be ‘good’ at science?

You experience of science at school will likely be in an exam-based system that places high importance on being able to remember knowledge and ‘perform’ under exam conditions. This course is completely different, instead of covering vast discipline of science this course focussing on the key foundation knowledge that you’ll need in the next step of your learning journey. Teaching difficult concepts is our expertise, we will meet you where you are and get you where you need to be. By the end of the course, you’ll love science and have produced some useful learning resources to take you into your next stages of study.

I’m anxious about sitting exams, will I have to sit exams either face-to-face or online?

This course is completely online, and you’ll be glad to hear that there are no exams. The course leader will assess your understanding and knowledge of the subject but setting you assessments with clear criteria and assessment descriptors. You will submit your assignment for grading, either ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’.

I’m nervous to present or talk to the group online, will I be forced to do this?

We will meet you where you are, if you want to develop this skill ready for university then we can arrange smaller group sessions or one-to-one sessions to support you, or you can choose an alternative format for your presentation. We want you to feel comfortable and supported on this course.

Will I have support applying for university?

Absolutely, we will hold your hand every step of the way, you can talk to us about course choices, we’ll help proofread your personal statement, provide references. As promised, we will get you to university.

I haven’t decided which exact route I’d like to take within the profession, does it matter?

No, not at all, we’ll introduce you to a number of different professionals within the health services so you can hear about their journey, experience and careers.

Will I have to do practical experiments at home?

The investigation skills unit is based around a practical investigation of red peppers. The equipment that you’ll need is limited to things you’d find in your kitchen but you don’t need to carry out the investigation yourself if you don’t want to as your course leader will demonstrate it.

What are the assignments like?

We set a variety of assignments that will set you up with skills that will be useful in your future studying and career. We encourage essay writing with referencing, but don’t worry, we’ll show you how! We also set presentations, video tasks, leaflet and poster design and we show you how to use great free tools like Canva to make it super easy.

Do I have to attend live lessons and switch my camera on?

No, not at all. Many of our students are busy people working shifts and managing several commitments. You can watch the session recordings and then arrange a time to meet with your tutor to ask any questions or get further support. As for the camera, switch it on if you feel comfortable, don’t worry if not. We’ve created a culture of supportive and collaborative students in our online community, but all approaches are respected and accepted. Do what makes you feel comfortable.