Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science)

The Access to HE Diploma is a full Level 3 qualification designed to prepare learners without traditional qualifications for entry into Higher Education (HE). The Diploma provides opportunity for learners to acquire and develop knowledge and skills needed to progress to higher education study and also enables learners to develop social and emotional skills such as communication and confidence.

Learners who complete and achieve the Access to HE Diploma could progress onto Higher Education courses including Bachelor Degrees, Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/HND) and Higher Degree Apprenticeships. The Access to HE Diploma could also support access into employment areas where evidence of study and achievement at level 3 is required.

*IMPORTANT NOTICE* AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group is not a training provider and is unable to provide careers advice on specific courses or qualifications.

Learners who are currently studying / or have completed an AIM Qualification should contact their training provider with queries or be directed to the Learner’s Page for further information.

To achieve the Access to HE Diploma (Computer Science) learners must achieve:

• 45 credits which must be graded, academic subject content at Level 3 only.
• 15 credits which must be either at Level 2 or Level 3 ungraded.

Please download the Unit Listing for the full list of units available and to access the specifications.

Centres are encouraged to consider using a variety of assessment methods in order to prepare the learner for study at a higher level in their relevant subject area. These include essay writing, presentations, practical, academic displays, discussions, reflection, role play, research projects and field work.

Tutors:

To offer this qualification, centres must ensure that tutors hold or are working towards:

• Hold a qualification in the subject area and at the level above they are delivering.
• Hold or be working towards a relevant teaching or assessor qualification. The AVA recommends PGCE, Level 5 Diploma in Teaching and Learning or DTTLS. Please note it must be the minority of the staff who are working towards this qualification and not the majority.

Internal Quality Assurer (IQA):

Centres must also ensure that they have in place an Internal Quality Assurance person who:

• Holds or is working towards a Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices or its equivalent.
• Has substantial experience of working in or assessing qualifications in the Access to HE Diploma qualifications.
• Is familiar with the assessment requirements of the Access to HE Diploma.

Centres will be expected to apply their internal processes to the internal moderation of assessment briefs and assessed work. Each Centre will be allocated a Curriculum Area Moderator to each curriculum area delivered within the Diploma who will carry out moderation twice a year. A Centre Reviewer will also be allocated to each Centre and will be responsible for the overview of management, resourcing, internal quality assurances and processes and polices.