When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes (course free to 16-18 year olds)
  • Course Code K24SHEL02A
  • Suitable For This course is free for 16-18s

What you will learn

The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a Level 3 qualification which prepares people without traditional qualifications for study at university in Engineering and related physical science-based course The qualification gives you the relevant academic subject knowledge needed for higher education study and the opportunity to develop study skills to help you to succeed. You will also develop your practical skills, making use of the state-of-the-art science laboratories at our North Kensington Centre. The qualification is well established and widely accepted by universities, qualifying for UCAS tariff points that are comparable to the tariff points for three A-Levels. The number of Tariff points for the Access to HE Diploma varies between 48 and 144 points, dependent on your grade profile. The Access to HE Diploma (Engineering) is an ideal course for adults (anyone aged 19+) with a keen interest in the study of engineering in Higher Education. The course is suitable for students with a wide range of previous educational or career experiences who now wish to pursue further study in engineering.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • The Engineered World, Health and Safety in Engineering, Engineering Materials, Electrical and Mechanical Science for Engineering, Investigating an Engineered Product, Mathematics for Engineering, Electronic Circuit Desing, Engineering Design

On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the following qualification: BTEC First Extended Certificate in Engineering [EDEXCEL]

Class format and activities

The course is made up of a variety of units that include both practical and assignment-based assessments. There are two externally assessed units that deal with The Engineered World and Interpreting and Using Engineering Information. The approach for the internally assessed units provides opportunities to explore beyond these principles into vocationally linked activities and enables you to receive feedback on your progress throughout the course. Assessment may include written assignments, presentations, observation of practical work and reports. Each unit studied will use one or more of these assessment methods. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at Grade 3 or above including English and maths. A Level 1 qualification in an appropriate subject area will be considered if accompanied by a good reference for attitude, behaviour, attendance and punctuality.

What you need to know before you enrol

The course runs from the beginning of September to the end of June and your timetable will normally be over three days a week. Classes will be held in person at our North Kensington Centre. If you are under 19 years of age and do not have a Grade 4 in either/or maths and English, you will be required to retake these alongside your vocational course.

What you need

You should arrive to your lessons prepared to learn with pens, pencils and a writing pad. You should also invest in a ruler, and a scientific calculator. All other resources and materials you need will be provided. In the event of teaching moving online, you will need a computer with internet access for online lessons on a daily basis.

What you can do next

On successful completion of the course you will be able to progress on to the BTEC L3 in Engineering or to an apprenticeship in Engineering. You may also be able to move into employment in the field.