Access to HE Diploma (Computing) - Level 3

The aim of the course is to give you a second chance at education by developing personal confidence, the ability to study, analytical and problem solving skills and the guidance to help decide your future. The course will provide a thorough grounding in the key concepts and theories, such as devices, software and mathematics, in preparation for further studies or training within the computing field.

What will I do on this course?

You'll complete the following units on this course:

• Maths
• Introduction to computer systems
• Core HE study skills 1 - research
• Core HE study skills 2 - presentation and reflection
• Applied computer networks
• Logic circuits and boolean algebra in computing
• Number systems and flowcharts in computing
• Spreadsheet modelling
• Control systems technology
• Cyber security
• Website design & development
• Programming - design a program solution
• Programming - testing a programming solution
• Database - research and modelling
• Databases - design, implement and test

You will need:

• at least 1 GCSE grade 4 (C) or higher in English language or maths.

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

02/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

This course will run three days a week with face-to-face delivery on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday- from 9am - 3pm.

Fee information

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

Subject areas covered are: mathematics, computer hardware and networking, software development and user application software. The Access to Higher Education course (depending upon the final qualification) is equivalent to A-Levels. It is recognised by higher education institutions, advanced apprenticeships, business, retail and appropriate professions. Our Access to Higher Education courses are validated by the Cambridge Access Validating Agency and the qualification is universally recognised as demanding and rigorously assessed.

How is my course assessed?

The course will be split into modules which are individually assessed. Later modules build on the skills developed in the earlier ones. Some modules use exams in the assessment process but only as part of the overall assessment whilst others use coursework only. Modules are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

How many UCAS points will I achieve on this course?

The number of UCAS tariff points for an Access to Higher Education diploma varies between 48 and 144 points, depending on your grade for each module.

Access to Higher Education qualifications are split into a total of 45 graded credits and each module will have a different credit weighting (for example, one module may be worth 3 units and another may be worth 6). For each graded module, you'll achieve a pass, merit or distinction and these each carry a different amount of UCAS points (with pass being the lowest and distinction being the highest).

For example, if you pass each graded module, you will achieve 48 UCAS points. If you gain a distinction in each graded module, you will achieve 144 UCAS points (equivalent to three A grades at A Level).

We've included some examples below of what grades you need to achieve common UCAS tariff point entry requirements:

You can find more details on the UCAS Tariff points calculator here.