Overview
Computing Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)This Access to Computing Diploma is a one year Level 3 intensive course aimed at mature students (19+) without the standard qualifications to enter higher education. This pathway enables you to develop technical and professional skills to prepare you for the challenges of a computing discipline on your chosen higher education course.
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Tresham College Wellingborough campus |
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Bedford College |
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.
Course information
You must be aged 19 or over to apply and will need to have English Language and maths GCSE at grade 4 (GCSE Grade C) or above or equivalent Level 2 qualifications. Applicants may be accepted on the Access Diploma with one of these, subject to a successful interview and entry test to show you are working at level 2. You will have to gain the other level 2 during the same year to progress to university. If your first language is not English will need an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher.
You will also need to have good IT skills as all of your assignments will be carried out using either Word, Excel or PowerPoint. You can undertake IT Skills classes at our Learning Centres.
It is very important to research the entry criteria of the universities you would like to apply to. You will need a minimum of GCSE English and maths, in addition to your Access qualification, for entry onto degree-level courses. We currently offer GCSE and Functional Skills part-time courses, which you may be able to enrol on alongside your Access course to gain these qualifications. Many university courses can be very competitive and it’s important to understand and fulfil the entry requirements prior to applying.
During the course you will study the following units:
- Computer Architecture
- Impact of IT Systems on Society
- IT System Security
- Computer Networks and Data Communications
- Operating Systems and Systems Tools
- Data Representation for IT
- Systems Analysis and Design Methodology
- Designing and building an IT software solution
- Designing and Building a Multi-Page Website
Core Units
- Study Skills
- English
- Maths
- Research Project
NB Units are subject to change.
You will develop self confidence in your ability to learn and develop the necessary academic skills such as essay writing and research skills to prepare you for university.
You will be invited to progression events to higher education at college and at local universities.
You will be regularly assessed through written, practical and oral assignments, project work and exams. To enable you to be successful on the course you will need to be able to use IT to produce essays, reports, presentations and statistical data.
You will gain:
- Access to Higher Education Diploma in Computing
This course is designed for progression to higher education and we offer two different university level courses at college, one in Computing & Systems Development and the other in IT Networking & Security. Both of these routes have direct progression to a final top-up year at university. Other routes may be available to you at universities locally and nationally.
You will be required to attend College for two days a week. The proposed times of the College day will 9.15am to 4.45pm. You will also be expected to study for approximately 15 hours a week outside of College some of which will be online learning. You may need to purchase books relating to the course.
Please declare if you have English and maths GCSEs and/or Functional Skills qualifications – this information is required (note: you will need to provide evidence prior to enrolment). Once we’ve processed your application you will be contacted by email.
Pay by instalments
The College offers an instalment plan for Further Education and Higher Education courses to students where the total amount payable at the point of enrolment is £200 or more. Within the scheme there is an ability to pay up to 6 instalments, depending on the length of the courses and the final payment must be paid at least a month before the end of the course.
If you are aged 19 or over, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help you pay the tuition fees for this course. Alternatively, you can pay by instalments to help make the cost more affordable. Find out more about your payment options here
If you complete one of our Access to Higher Education courses and use an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for your tuition fee, the Student Loans Company will write off the balance on the Advanced Learner Loan if you then go on to complete an undergraduate course.
Additional Learning Support
If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.
Any questions?
If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.
Accessibility
We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.
Additional formats
Course information sheets are also available in large print and audio formats. Call us on 01234 291000 to order your copy.