Access to Higher Education: Engineering

Summary: The course aims to give both knowledge and skills necessary to embark on higher level study in engineering








Course description: The Access to Higher Education Diploma, validated by CAVA, is a qualification which prepares students aged 19 years and over, without relevant qualifications for study at degree level. 
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Engineering aims to give both the confidence and skills necessary to embark on a new career direction. This one year full time course assists students toward a move into the engineering sector (Mechanical or Electronic/Mechatronic), by providing appropriate knowledge and skills.
It is widely recognised by UK universities and colleges however we advise that if you are hoping to go on to do a degree course at a specific university, it would be useful to contact them to check that the Diploma you have chosen is in an appropriate subject area and is recognised by the university.
The aim of the course is to:

Provide a vocational electrical and mechanical engineering programme

Provide a broad-based educational experience enabling students to pursue higher education routes (HND or Degree)
Units studied within this course include:

HE Study Skills

Research Project

Introduction to Engineering Mathematics

Applied Electrical & Mechanical Science for Engineering

Electrical/Electronic Principles

Mechanical Principles

Selecting and Using Programmable Controllers or Engineering Drawing / CAD

Materials Science

Further Mathematics for Engineering.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is widely recognised by UK universities however we advise that if you are hoping to go on to do a degree course at a specific university, it would be useful to contact them to check that the Diploma you have chosen is in an appropriate subject area and is recognised by the university.









Entry requirements: This course is suitable for students aged 19 or over.
All applicants must have evidence of achievement in English and Mathematics at GCSE grade C or above. Please note that we are not able to accept Adult Numeracy, Adult Literacy, Key Skills or Functional Skills in lieu of GCSEs.
Selection is by interview to discuss your suitability for the course and whether the course is right for you. As part of this process you will to complete on-line assessments and submit a short piece of writing to check you are at the right level to start the course. Advice can be given about alternative ways forward if necessary.
For acceptance on the Access programme you will need to convince us that you have the determination to succeed and will be able to cope with the work.
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading), the required minimum is:

IELTS (SELT): 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)

Or GCSE English A*-C
International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the International Students webpage. 









Assessment: You will be supported throughout the course by a personal tutor who will also give you guidance in applying for Higher Education courses. All students 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.
Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and tests.









Academic progression: Once you have successfully completed your Access course, you can progress onto a degree programme at City College Norwich such as:

HND Mechanical Engineering

HND Electrical Engineering
You can also progress to a Higher Education courses at other universities. You must check requirements for specific degree courses as different institutions may have different entry requirements.









Career progression: Students may pursue a number of engineering disciplines including general engineering, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering.









Costs: 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.