This is a popular nationally recognised Access to HE course designed for students who are planning to continue with their career related studies into Higher Education in a wide range of IT, Computing and Business disciplines. We work in close partnership with local universities and many students use this Access to HE course as a route into a full degree.

What the course leads to

What courses can I do after this? 

The Bournemouth and Poole College offers a selection of progression routes, including the HNC in Computing or FdSc leading to BSc in Computer Generated Imagery.

The Access course is a recommended qualification recognised by all universities (please refer to the individual university prospectus for requirements).

What do I need to apply

To do this course you should have... 

Applicants are encouraged from anyone with a desire to work in Computing and IT.  Adults enrolling on an Access to HE course have made a conscious decision to return to education, bringing a commitment and wider life experience to their studies.  Our Access course is designed to reflect this with applicants demonstrating clear commitment, maturity and motivation. The course is intended for adults (19+) who do not have traditional sixth-form or vocational qualifications, allowing them to prepare for and gain entry to degrees and other Higher Education programmes.

Learners are admitted to the programme by application form and formal interview, with a further guidance interview where appropriate. Where necessary, evidence of your determination to succeed may be requested. 

Applicants must have achieved GCSE at grade A* to C (grade 4 or above in the newly reformed GCSE grading) or Level 2 equivalent in English and Maths before the course starts.  The College does offer Functional Skills intensive courses and exam entry for English and Maths.  For those with English as a second or other language, either IELTS 5.5 or successful completion of The College language assessment is required.

We will offer you the opportunity to check your level in these subjects prior to/at interview and support you in identifying how you can improve these skills if necessary.

What about work experience? 

International entry requirements 

If you are not from an English Language speaking country, you will need to have a minimum of UKVI IELTS 6.0. We accept a wide range of academic qualifications awarded overseas and use the UK NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) guidelines for international comparisons. For tuition and accommodation fees please visit www.thecollege.co.uk/international/courses/tuition-fees and our International Operations team can offer you advice and guidance before and during your studies.

Course costs

Course Code Start Date Costs 19-23 (with concessions) Costs 19+ (no concessions)
BP00706 04/09/2024 £120.00 £3022.00
There is an Advanced Learner Loan available for this course.

* Please note fees are subject to change.

International Fees 

For tuition and accommodation fees please visit www.thecollege.co.uk/international/courses/tuition-fees and our International Operations team can offer you advice and guidance before and during your studies.

Course content

Course Content 

Subjects studied may include:

  • HE Study Skill
  • Maths
  • Understanding E-Commerce
  • Computer Science Basics
  • Introduction to Computer Programming
  • Introduction to Web Technologies
  • Introduction to Systems Analysis
  • Computer Networks
  • Databases
  • Introduction to Object Oriented Programming.

More info

Start Day/Time 

September 2023 Approximately 12 hours per week + 10-15 hours private study time per week

Duration 

1 Year

Attendance 

Full-time

Level 

Level 3

Qualification Name 

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Awarding Body 

CAVA (Cambridge Access Validating Agency)

Curriculum Area 

Creative and Digital Industries - Digital & Computing

More about the course 

Venue: Lansdowne.

Contacts:
The College Helpline: 01202 205205
E-mail: enquiries@thecollege.co.uk
Access Co-ordinator: 001202 205468
 

Funding:
Depending on your age and circumstances you may be entitled to receive significent financial help and/or benefits, and in some cases you may be able to attend the course at no cost to you. For more information please visit   thecollege.co.uk/adult-skills/advanced-learner-loan or call 01202 205660.

There is an online guide that explains qualification levels. You can find it at: thecollege.co.uk/adult-skills/guide-qualifications

Academic Year 

2024/25

Duration 

1 Year

Attendance 

Full-time

Level 

Level 3

Qualification Name 

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Awarding Body 

CAVA (Cambridge Access Validating Agency)