Access to Higher Education: Computing Level 3

3

Level
Level 3
Duration
1 year
Start Date
September 2027
Venue
City College Norwich campus
CCN Course Code
A0662

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 you have the fundamental skills across a range of topics to be successful in your next steps, and in the world of work.

A strong focus on programming, cyber security and machine learning/AI will ensure that when you progress from the programme you have a grounding in key concepts for a range of technical roles post study. You will also develop your study skills, including research and critical thinking.

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.

The course is delivered over three days, at the Ipswich Road campus. You will study 16 hours per week on campus, but it is expected that you engage in independent study alongside this. As the course equates broadly to three A Levels, the course is quite fast-paced.

Entry Requirements

You need to have achieved, or be working towards, GCSE English language and maths at grade 4 or above.
Computing/Programming experience is not required, but digital proficiency is necessary.

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, logs, 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. CAVA are our awarding body, and you will be awarded credits on completion of each unit, with a pass, merit or distinction grade. All credits 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.