Level 3 Access to HE Computing

Course Content

A one year course designed to equip over19s with the skills, confidence and academic qualification to enable them to progress to university. As a learner on this qualification you will be offered a coherent, integrated and supported year of study through which you will gain the knowledge, awareness, skills and confidence necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Aims:

• To provide HE progression opportunities for adults who, because of social educational or individual circumstances, do not have the necessary qualifications;
• To give learners a general introduction to the basic concepts, methods, and key areas of knowledge within the core disciplines taken and offer a coherent and stimulating framework within which they can broaden their intellectual outlook and make connections between subject areas;
• To help learners to develop and consolidate the various skills required to enable them to cope successfully with the demands of undergraduate study and to become independent, self-directed learners;
• To establish a positive and supportive learning environment within which learners can build their confidence through successful learning and the sharing of their experience.

The course is 12 hours a week class contact time over 3 days; At least 20 hours per week self-directed study; 32 weeks.

Course Outcomes

Gaining the fundamentals in Computing through studying subjects such as:

• Maths
• Programming
• Networking
• Research Skills
• Gain an Access certificate in computing allowing HE progression and improved employment opportunities

Completion of the course will lead to students progressing to university to undertake a foundation degree or a degree in computing.

Progression

Most learners will progress to High Education study in areas related to computing. These may include some of the following areas of degree level study:

• Software engineering
• Information systems
• Network management
• Other professional qualifications

Entry Requirements

GCSE English and maths grade C or NARIC equivalent Basic IT skills are essential and therefore learners will be required to complete and inital IT test Complete iniitial assessments in English and maths and a short piece of writing at the interview session to assess suitability for the course

Assessment

Assessment consists of:

• Formal written examinations
• Oral presentations
• Formal essays
• Written reports
• Assignments
• Exams
• At any one time you will be working on at least 3/4 different assignments all due at the same time.

Equipment

Basic stationery. It would be beneficial to students to have access to a computer at home and the appropriate software can be downloaded as student versions when starting the course.