Access to Higher Education Diploma - (Computer Science) (September 2025 start)

This level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Computer Science) course is designed for people aged 19 or older who are considering a career withing the digital field and wish to gain a Higher Education qualification such as an HNC, HND or Bachelor's degree. You may have an interest in computing, IT or digital, or have enjoyed an entry level role in this area in the past, but would like to gain a higher qualification to progress within the current job market.

The course is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and is designed to prepare learners without traditional qualifications for entry into Higher Education (HE). The Diploma provides an opportunity for learners to acquire and develop knowledge and skills needed to progress to higher education study and enables learners to develop social and emotional skills such as communication and confidence.

This course is available on a full-time and is taught in-person at our Yeovil College campus.

The full-time course is studied over 1 academic year, and students are typically timetabled for two days per week.

Learners who complete and achieve the Access to HE Diploma (Computer Science) can progress onto Higher Education courses including the HNC and HND in computing, leading onto the BSc (Hons) top-up degree in computing. All of which are offered by Yeovil College. Additionally, learners can progress onto higher level apprenticeships within computing.

The course will cover a number of technical computing subjects including computer systems, programming concepts, databases, computer technologies, website development, networking, cyber security and workplace experience.

Additionally, there will be sessions covering study skills such as report writing, ethics of artificial intelligence, professional email use, presentations and team working.

Teaching and learning is designed to support all students to achieve. There are a mixture of practical and theory-based sessions, and you will have the chance to put the theory you learn into practice in the workshop.

As an adult learner at Yeovil College you will be able to access a range of support and services, including our dedicated Learning Resource Centre, a wealth of resources from our team of expert careers advisors, and a range of wellbeing support.

Depending on prior learning or financial situation, you may be entitled to a fully funded course, please contact our friendly iZone team via 01935423921 or email izone@yeovil.ac.uk.

Some learners, depending on financial situation, may be entitled to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan. To find out more, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly iZone team via 01935423921 or email izone@yeovil.ac.uk.

This course requires a good level of written English, so we ask for applicants to hold either a GCSE in English at grade C / 4, or an equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2).

Please note that progression onto some higher education programmes will require GCSE Maths and English passes and Functional Skills level 2 Maths and English may not be accepted. Please check the individual university entry requirements for more information.

If you don't yet hold your GCSE English (or equivalent), you can look through our website or contact our friendly iZone team to find out more about the GCSE and Functional Skills courses we offer.