Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
The Access to Higher Education (Computing) course provides foundational skills and knowledge to prepare adult learners to progress into a range of local and national HE courses from Level 4 through to full Bachelors programmes. The course aims to ensure that students have the fundamental skills across a range of topics to be successful in their next steps, and in the world of work. Students might also progress into Higher Apprenticeships such as the Level 4 Cybersecurity Apprenticeship.
A strong focus on programming, cyber security and machine learning/AI will ensure that students progressing from the programme have a grounding in key concepts for a range of technical roles post study.
Course delivery will utilise specialist facilities in the college’s Digitech Factory to provide students with experience of study in an environment designed in collaboration with the tech sector.
Entry Requirements
You need to have achieved, or be working towards, GCSE English language and maths at grade 4 or above.
How You Will Be Assessed
Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and examinations.
You will be supported throughout the course by a personal tutor who will also give you guidance in applying for Higher Education courses. You will study a core of communications, research and study skills. You will be awarded credits on completion of each units with a pass, merit or distinction grade. All credits are awarded are awarded at Level 3 which broadly equates to A Level study
Course Progression
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Computing is widely recognised by UK universities. If you are planning to study a degree course at a specific university, it would be useful to contact them to check that the course you have chosen is in an appropriate subject area and is recognised by the university or college. Please be aware that university entry criteria can change at any time.
Access students can progress onto one of two Higher National Diplomas - HND Digital Technologies for England - Cyber Security, and HND Digital Technologies for England - Software Development and Programming, offered by City College Norwich. The Access to HE course will also allow you to pursue a Higher National Certificate (Level 4), Higher National Diploma (Level 5), Foundation Degree (Level 5) or a Bachelor degree at other Higher Education providers.
Where Your Course Can Take You
The course will prepare students to enter a variety of roles both in the digital sector, and in the economy more widely.
Fees
Please contact the Advice Shop for information on fees and financial support which may be available. We recommend you also check our Finance pages for further information including student travel offers.
