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Level 3 Access to HE Diploma in Computer Science Course in Birmingham

Cost£3,022.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Computer Science) Course in Birmingham. Classes run at University College Birmingham, full-time over one year, with two days per week of study. The Access to HE Diploma (Computer Science) qualification is recognised by UK universities as meeting degree entry requirements, broadly equivalent to A-levels. You'll cover programming, mathematics, web design, networking, cyber security, and databases. The course is designed for adults who want to move into university-level computing study. For fees and funding, visit the University College Birmingham website.

Who this course is for

Do you have a strong interest in computing? Want to study this subject at university level, but don’t currently meet the entry requirements for a degree? Our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science) is designed to give adult learners an intensive introduction to this field, as well as boosting your study skills to prepare you for higher education.

The Access to HE Diploma is a Level 3 qualification equivalent to A-levels. It is designed for individuals who do not have traditional qualifications or a formal educational background, providing the necessary skill set to progress onto study at university and a subsequent career in a relevant field. As well as enhancing your academic skills, our one-year course lets you explore a range of areas in the field of information technology (IT), including programming and mathematics, web design, networking, cyber security, databases and systems.

By completing this Access to HE Diploma, you will be able to take your first step towards a wide variety of industry careers, from software engineer or IT technician to website content manager or database developer. You will also be ready to embark on a range of degree-level courses within the computing sector.

Entry requirements

Please refer to the University College Birmingham course page for specific entry requirements.

What you will learn

  • You'll study programming concepts and apply mathematical thinking to computing problems.
  • You'll explore web design, including how websites are built and structured.
  • You'll learn the fundamentals of networking and how computer systems communicate.
  • You'll examine cyber security principles and how organisations protect their data.
  • You'll work with databases and understand how data is stored and managed.
  • You'll develop academic study skills needed for degree-level learning, including research, writing, and critical thinking.

How you will learn

You'll study in a classroom at University College Birmingham, attending two days per week during the day. Learning is delivered through taught sessions, practical computing work, and academic assignments. Assessment is through coursework and written assignments completed throughout the year. There are no formal written exams in the traditional sense; your work is assessed continuously across the units that make up the Diploma.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. University College Birmingham will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Software developer: writes and tests code for applications and systems.
  • IT technician: supports and maintains computer hardware and networks.
  • Web designer: builds and maintains websites and digital content.
  • Database administrator: manages and organises data for organisations.
  • Cyber security analyst: monitors systems and responds to security threats.
  • Network engineer: designs and manages computer network infrastructure.
  • IT support specialist: troubleshoots technical problems for users and businesses.

What you could study next

  • BSc Computer Science: the direct next step after completing your Access to HE Diploma (Computer Science) qualification; most UK universities accept the Diploma for entry.
  • BSc Cyber Security: for those who want to specialise in digital security at degree level.
  • BSc Software Engineering: focuses on building and designing software systems professionally.
  • BSc Information Technology: a broader degree covering systems, data, and digital infrastructure.
Apply on ucb.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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