Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering)
This Course at a Glance
First steps towards a career in engineering
Average completion time 9-12 months
Achieve the equivalent of 3 A Levels
Fast route to university
100% online learning
No Exams
About Your Diploma
If you want to make a crucial contribution to the fabric of our industries, then engineering opens up a realm of opportunities. It is a skill that is always in demand as almost every industry, from electronics to defence, requires the expertise of a professional engineer.
By studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering), you will be able to pursue engineering at degree level. Learning these crucial skills will allow you to apply your understanding to design, build, and solve problems.
If you don’t already possess A Levels, an Access to Higher Education Diploma is the best route to university as one Diploma is equivalent to 3 A Levels. Before embarking on degree-level study, you can gain a foundational knowledge that will prepare you for the next step.
During your nationally recognised course, you will delve into the elements required to understand the fundamentals of engineering, including atomic structure, chemical change, mechanical science, and mechanical engineering.
Mathematical skills are essential in engineering, so you should already be strong with numbers when you embark on this course. You will explore the mathematical principles that engineers use on a daily basis to perform their mechanical duties. Every element of your study is designed to kick-start your career in engineering.
Please note that while most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas, you should check with your chosen establishment before applying.
Getting Started
You have two years to complete an Access to Higher Education Diploma, but on average, learndirect students take around 9 months to secure their qualifications. This is because you have the flexibility to study at your own pace, although you will have assignment deadlines.
To help keep you on track, you will be issued with an Individual Learning Plan. This will set out your deadlines and allow you to track your progress. With the course being 100% online, you won’t be confined to in-person classroom study.
As long as you have a computer/laptop and stable internet connection, you can study the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering).
Modules
Unit 1: Arrangement and Trends in the Periodic Table
On completion of this unit you will:
Understand the arrangement of elements in the periodic table
Understand the periodicity of period 3 of the periodic table
Understand ionisation energies in relation to period 3
Understand the oxidation and reduction effects of reactions
Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals
Unit 2: Hydrocarbons, Alkenes and Alkanes
On completion of this unit you will:
Understand the impact of organic compounds
Understand alkane structure and reactions
Understand alkene structure and reactions
Unit 3: Molarity and Chemical Change
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to calculate solution concentrations
Understand enthalpy change
Be able to analyse data to determine reaction order
Understand chemical equilibrium
Unit 4: Algebraic and Trigonometric Techniques in Engineering
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to apply algebraic techniques in engineering applications
Be able to use matrix algebra to solve simple technical problems
Be able to perform trigonometric functions to calculate basic and inverse ratios and plot equations
Be able to prove trigonometric identities and apply rules to solve engineering problems
Be able to use Pascal’s triangle and binomial theorem to expand mathematical expressions and solve engineering problems
Unit 5: Energy and Motion in Mechanical Science
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to perform linear and angular motion calculations
Be able to perform calculations on the effect of forces on materials
Be able to solve problems related to friction
Be able to perform heat energy and transfer calculations
Be able to perform torque related calculations
Unit 6: Calculus for Scientists
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to use differentiation
Know how to perform integration
Be able to solve problems involving differentiation and integration
Unit 7: Mathematic Principles Applied to Engineering
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to assess complex expressions and solve engineering problems using the laws of logarithms and indices
Be able to use algebraic techniques to solve problems
Be able to solve engineering problems using a range of mathematical techniques
Unit 8: Principles of Mechanical Engineering
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to perform vector calculations
Be able to perform vector resolution calculations
Understand uniformly accelerated motion
Be able perform projectile motion calculations
Be able to use Newton’s Laws of Motion
Be able to perform calculations involving the principles of momentum and conservation
Understand the concepts of energy, work, and power
Understand the components of internal energy
Be able to perform calculations related to the ideal gas laws
Understand the basic principles of kinetic theory of gases
Unit 9: Trigonometric Functions, Ratios and Rules
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to use trigonometric functions and ratios
Be able to solve equations and problems by employing trigonometric rules
Be able to construct proofs by applying trigonometric rules
Be able to illustrate trigonometric functions graphically
Unit 10: Engineering Calculus
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to use differentiation techniques applied to engineering
Be able to use calculus to solve engineering problems
Be able to apply integration techniques
Unit 11: Exploring Using Algebra
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to use series
Be able to perform logarithmic calculations
Be able to solve problems involving surds
Be able to solve algebraic equations
Unit 12: Exploring the Structure of the Atom
On completion of this unit you will:
Understand the properties of protons, electrons, and neutrons
Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom/isotope
Understand s, p, and d orbitals
Understand the relationship between ionisation energies and reactivity
Understand how ionisation energy data is reflected in the periodic table
Unit 13: Learning and Study Skills
On completion of this unit you will:
Know how to plan and organise study activity
Understand the application of learning theories relating to personal learning
Be able to create a range of strategies to address the factors which may impact upon study
Understand the value of assessment feedback
Unit 14: Planning and Writing an Assignment
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task
Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style
Understand different reading strategies
Be able to take effective notes
Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 15: Writing and Studying Academic Texts
On completion of this unit you will:
Be able to write academically and with relevance
Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work
Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma. You also need to have a UK address to enrol.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: work book, essay, formula sheet, portfolio, series of questions, worksheet, academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course.
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.
Assessment
A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering).
Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units that focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you improve your academic writing and study skills.
As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to conduct.
If you are a creative critical thinker who has expert attention to detail and can communicate effectively, a career in engineering could be perfect for you. Not only will you be able to apply your best traits, but you could also play a pivotal role in the development of the country’s core industries.
Engineering experts are always in demand, and with an engineering degree, you can branch into specific roles. An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering) is the best way to begin your journey towards a career in engineering. This is because you will gain a recognised qualification that most universities accept, as well as a strong foundational knowledge of the subject.
This course is ideal preparation for one of the following bachelor’s degrees:
BSc (Hons) Engineering
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering Management
BSc (Hons) Computer Engineering
BSc (Hons) Applied Engineering
BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering
BSc (Hons) Chemical Engineering
BSc (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
BSc (Hons) Electrical Engineering
These specialised courses can lead you towards a type of engineering that you want to pursue. Your degree is designed to prepare you for the working world, and once you have obtained your degree, you can apply for jobs related to your chosen field. The subjects above could potentially lead to jobs in the following sectors:
Aerospace
Construction
Mining
Agriculture
Architecture
Robotics
Software
Civil Engineering
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Once you have obtained a Bachelor’s degree, you will be in a strong position to apply for job roles within your chosen field. To progress towards a leadership role in your career, you should consider a Master’s degree that specialises within a certain field, such as the following:
MSc Biomedical Engineering
MSc Mechanical Engineering
MSc Systems Engineering
MSc Product Design and Manufacturing
If your ultimate goal is to pursue a leadership role in engineering, then this is your best route. Beginning your learning journey with an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering) will get you on your way to achieving your desired career.
Qualifications
Skills & Education Group Access
On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing), (QAA ref = 40014356), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.
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