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
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 12th December
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 12th December
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
Getting Started
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.
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.
Skills & Education Group Access
On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering), (QAA ref = 40014253), 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.
- 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
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Mining
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Robotics
- Software
- Civil Engineering
Further Qualifications and Prospects
- MSc Biomedical Engineering
- MSc Mechanical Engineering
- MSc Systems Engineering
- MSc Product Design and Manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 12th December
- SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 12th December
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
Getting Started
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.
Qualifications
Skills & Education Group Access
On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering), (QAA ref = 40014253), 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.
- 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
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Mining
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Robotics
- Software
- Civil Engineering
Further Qualifications and Prospects
- MSc Biomedical Engineering
- MSc Mechanical Engineering
- MSc Systems Engineering
- MSc Product Design and Manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
learning
learning hours

