Access to Higher Education
Your route into Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security or Artificial Intelligence without A-Levels. Study 100% online at your own pace, no exams, flexible start dates, dedicated tutor support.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computing) is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification designed to prepare adult learners for university study in computer science, software engineering, cyber security and related digital disciplines. Awarded by Skills & Education Group Access (QAA-recognised), it is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and accepted by universities across the UK as an A-Level equivalent.
Computing graduates are among the most sought-after professionals in the modern economy. From developing applications and securing networks to building artificial intelligence systems, the demand for qualified computer science professionals continues to outpace supply. This diploma gives you the theoretical grounding in mathematics, programming and systems architecture that degree programmes expect, alongside the academic writing and research skills essential for university success.
The course is delivered entirely online through a dedicated learning platform. You study at your own pace, with no fixed timetable or lecture times. A personal tutor guides you through every unit, returning detailed written feedback on each assignment within five working days. Most learners complete the diploma in 9–12 months, though you have up to 24 months to finish.
Assessment is 100% coursework and portfolio based across all 16 units. There are no exams — you submit written assignments, database projects, programming exercises and analytical reports online, and your final grade directly determines the UCAS points you earn.
This Access to Higher Education Diploma is one of more than 20 Access pathways we offer. For the full picture, including how Access to HE compares with A-levels and which universities accept it, read our complete guide to Access to HE Diplomas. You may also be interested in the Access to HE Diploma (Engineering) or the Access to HE Diploma (Business). Not sure which pathway fits your degree? Start with what is Access to HE.
The diploma comprises 16 units totalling 60 credits — 45 from graded subject units spanning mathematics, programming, cyber security and web technologies, plus 15 ungraded credits in academic writing and study skills. Each unit ends with an assignment marked and returned by your personal tutor.
Introduces the conventions of academic writing, covering how to structure arguments, develop ideas from a plan and present work appropriately for different audiences and purposes. Learners practise applying scholarly writing principles to their own assignments throughout the course.
Develops a toolkit of reading strategies for engaging with technical and academic texts, together with effective methods for recording and organising information from multiple sources. Understanding how language functions in relation to purpose and context is a central focus.
Builds practical digital skills in word processing, spreadsheet manipulation and presentation software, and explores how data from different applications can be combined into cohesive documents. This unit provides an essential foundation for the more advanced computing units that follow.
Examines the hardware and software building blocks of modern computing, from input and output devices to storage technologies and data communications. Learners gain an understanding of how the individual components of a system work together to process and transmit digital information.
Covers the rules of indices, surds and algebraic expressions, and introduces function notation as a foundation for computational thinking and algorithm design. Learners solve a variety of problems that demonstrate the mathematical underpinning of modern programming and data structures.
Explores core cyber security concepts including current threat landscapes, attack methodologies and the defence mechanisms organisations deploy to protect digital assets. Learners evaluate real-world scenarios and develop a critical understanding of security risk management.
Introduces relational database design, covering terminology, structural organisation and the manipulation of data to produce meaningful output. Learners build and test a working database with appropriate user interfaces, applying good practice at every stage of the development cycle.
Develops the mathematical techniques of differentiation and integration, applying them to coordinate geometry of straight lines and a range of practical problem types. These skills underpin fields such as machine learning, graphics rendering and scientific computing.
Provides a conceptual grounding in artificial intelligence, tracing the principles of machine learning from supervised algorithms through to the neural network architectures that power deep learning systems. Learners assess the capabilities and limitations of AI in contemporary applications.
Examines the principles governing the responsible use of generative AI tools in academic and professional contexts, with particular attention to academic integrity, bias and data privacy. Learners evaluate specific tools against ethical frameworks and safe-use guidelines.
Introduces the software development lifecycle, from understanding programming language features and writing code to meet a specification, through to testing, debugging and documenting finished programs. Good practice in design, commenting and version control is emphasised throughout.
Extends mathematical knowledge through logarithms, trigonometric methods and the study of sequences and series, all of which have direct applications in algorithm analysis, cryptography and signal processing. Learners work through structured problem sets to build fluency and confidence.
Builds programming competence through the design and implementation of programs of increasing complexity, using both basic and advanced constructs of a high-level language. Learners handle data structures, correct faults methodically and demonstrate that finished programs meet their specifications.
Extends the calculus techniques introduced earlier, covering differentiation of composite and implicit functions and applying these methods to optimisation and curve-sketching problems. The skills developed here are particularly relevant for study in computational mathematics and AI.
Covers the constituent elements of a web page, the markup and styling languages used in its production, and the process of designing, building and publishing a live site. Learners gain practical skills directly applicable to front-end development and UX design.
Develops advanced trigonometric skills including arc length, sector area and the use of both simple and complex identities to solve problems. These mathematical techniques support further study in graphics, signal processing and engineering computing.
This diploma is designed for adult learners aged 19 and over. Formal academic qualifications are helpful but not always required — we assess each application individually.
Our enrolment advisers assess each application individually. We look at your life experience, motivation, and readiness to study — not just your qualifications.
Speak to our team — we're here to help you find the right course and funding option.
Call 01202 006 464You must achieve 60 credits in total to complete the diploma — 45 from graded subject units and 15 from ungraded skills units. Assessment is 100% coursework based across all 16 units, with no exams.
All assessment is portfolio and coursework based — no exams
A range of methods used: programming exercises, database projects, written analysis, academic essays, case studies and presentations
Assignments are submitted online through the learning platform
Your personal tutor provides detailed written feedback within 5 working days
You can resubmit work if your first attempt doesn’t meet the required standard
Grades awarded: Pass, Merit or Distinction — each corresponding to different UCAS point levels
An Access to HE Diploma in Computing opens the door to some of the UK’s most in-demand and well-rewarded careers. With your Level 3 diploma you can progress to a computing degree, and from there into a wide range of technical and managerial roles across every industry sector.
£32,000 – £65,000typical salary range
Design, build and maintain software applications across web, mobile and enterprise platforms, working in agile teams to deliver solutions that meet business and user needs.
£30,000 – £55,000typical salary range
Collect, clean and interpret large datasets to generate insights that guide business decisions, using tools such as SQL, Python and data visualisation software.
£35,000 – £65,000typical salary range
Monitor systems for security threats, investigate incidents and implement controls to protect organisational networks and data against malicious activity.
£40,000 – £70,000typical salary range
Plan, coordinate and deliver technology projects on time and within budget, liaising between technical teams and business stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
£28,000 – £55,000typical salary range
Build and maintain websites and web applications, working across front-end and back-end technologies to create fast, accessible and visually compelling user experiences.
£50,000 – £75,000typical salary range
Design the high-level structure of complex software or IT systems, making key decisions about technology stacks, integration patterns and scalability to meet long-term organisational needs.
Graduates of this course go on to universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions. Enrol today and start your journey.
All plans include the same full course content, dedicated tutor, and your awarding body certification.
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Yes — the Access to HE Diploma is a nationally regulated Level 3 qualification approved by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), and it is the standard pathway mature learners use to access university. Online delivery does not affect recognition; the award is identical whether studied online or in a classroom. Individual universities set their own grade conditions, so confirm the specific entry requirements with your chosen Computer Science or Software Engineering admissions team before you enrol.
Each university sets its own conditions, but most Computer Science degree programmes ask for around 96–120 UCAS points, which corresponds broadly to a Pass or Merit profile across your units. More competitive programmes, particularly at Russell Group universities, often specify a higher proportion of Merit and Distinction credits. Once you have a conditional offer, our enrolment team can help you plan your grades.
You need to be aged 19 or over, UK resident with a UK postcode, and hold Level 2 English and Maths — GCSE grade 4/C, Functional Skills Level 2, or working towards them alongside the diploma. No prior computing experience is required. Every application is reviewed individually — if you are unsure whether you are ready, our admissions team can assess your suitability before you commit.
The typical completion time is 9–12 months, based on around 10–15 hours of study per week. Because the course is self-paced and fully online, you can complete in less time or spread your studies over up to 24 months. There are no fixed term dates; you can start at any point in the year.
No. The Access to HE Diploma is 100% coursework and portfolio assessed across all 16 units. You submit programming exercises, database projects, essays and analytical reports online and receive detailed feedback from your tutor. There are no timed examinations at any point. Units are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction — these grades determine your UCAS points total.
You can earn up to 144 UCAS points — equivalent to three A-Levels at top grades. The exact number depends on your grades across the graded units: a Pass profile earns approximately 96–120 points; Merit earns 120–132 points; Distinction earns up to 144 points. Most Computer Science degrees require around 96–120 UCAS points, so a Merit profile or above opens the widest range of choices.
No prior coding knowledge is required. The diploma introduces programming from the ground up, beginning with core logic and constructs before progressing to building complete programs. The mathematical units also build from foundational algebra, so you do not need A-Level Maths to begin. Curiosity and a willingness to problem-solve are the most important starting points.
Most graduates progress to degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology or Web Development. Some universities will also accept the diploma for entry into Electronic Engineering or Mathematics with Computing programmes. Always check your target university’s specific entry requirements with our enrolment team before enrolling.
The Access to HE Diploma can be paid in full upfront with a pay-in-full discount, or you can spread the cost interest-free with a flexible monthly payment plan. There is no Student Finance scheme for Access to HE through learndirect — you pay learndirect directly, with no credit checks. Once you progress to your full undergraduate degree at a UK university, you can apply for the standard Student Finance package (tuition fee loan and maintenance loan) in the normal way. Our enrolment advisers will walk you through the payment options and confirm the right plan for your circumstances.
Yes — the course is built specifically for adult learners with existing commitments. Everything is delivered online with no fixed lecture times or attendance requirements. You access materials and submit assignments whenever it suits you — evenings, early mornings or weekends. Many learners complete this programme while working full time in IT support or related roles.
I’d been working in IT support for three years but couldn’t get onto a degree without A-Levels. This diploma changed everything. The maths units were challenging but the tutor feedback was brilliant — clear, detailed and encouraging. I’m now on a Computer Science degree and loving it.
Rajan M.
Access to HE (Computing)
I started from scratch with no coding background. By the time I finished the Programming Constructs and Software Development units I could write working programs and actually understood why they worked. I got a Merit profile and secured a place on a Cyber Security degree.
Siobhan T.
Access to HE (Computing)
Studying online while working shifts as a warehouse supervisor felt daunting at first, but the flexibility made it possible. I did the maths units at weekends and the programming at night. Finished in 10 months with a Distinction in six units. Now I’m a first-year Software Engineering student.
Dave C.
Access to HE (Computing)
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