Engineering - Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma

If you would like to study Engineering at university but left school without the qualifications you need, then this Access to HE course could be for you. Each year, over 20,000 Access to HE students apply for a degree course at a UK university; if you go on to complete a relevant degree at university, your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off by Student Finance England.

This course will help you get the qualifications you need to study engineering, or a related course, at university. Engineering is a very broad term and opportunities are available in a variety of sectors including aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, motorsport engineering and software engineering.

Transferable skills include evidence-based decision-making and problem-solving skills, which can be applied to jobs outside of the sector, including in finance and banking.

You will also have a personal tutor who will support you during the year and who will advise you on your applications to higher education institutions.

Topics covered can include:

• Alt voltage and currents
• Basic Electronic Skills and Measurements
• Electrical Circuit Theory
• Engineering Materials
• Manual and Machine Tools
• Calculus
• Trigonometry
• Programming fundamentals
• Motion energy forces
• Spreadsheets
• Intro to CAD 
• Practical scientific project 
• Algebra

You will need:

• To be aged 19 or older
• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above (A* - C), including GCSE English, GCSE Science (Double Award) at grade 4 and GCSE Maths at grade 5 or above

Any applicants who do not meet the maths criteria may be asked to complete an assessment to determine their suitability for the course.

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

This course is assessed through coursework assignments, tests and examinations throughout the course, which are set and marked by your teachers and externally moderated by OCN London.

Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on several set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and tests.

Adults - Access to Higher Education

If you will be aged 19 to 23 prior to the start date of your course, and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for a Level 3 entitlement, in which case your study with us will be free. Otherwise, you will have to pay the fees yourself or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Once you have completed your Access to HE course, you can progress to a Higher Education degree at a university or college.

You should check requirements for specific degree courses - different Higher Education institutions may have different entry requirements for similar courses.

Daniella Plummer is an experienced educator with a strong background in teaching and a passion for the sciences. Joining City and Islington College in 2022, She began her teaching career at West Herts College, where she soon progressed to become a manager of science at Harrow College.

Daniella holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Hertfordshire, providing her with a solid academic foundation in the sciences. Her expertise in molecular biology and genetics enables her to offer a comprehensive understanding of these subjects, which she effectively imparts to her students.

With her extensive experience teaching biology, chemistry, and physics, Daniella has successfully guided students from GCSE to A Level, as well as adults pursuing access courses. Her ability to engage students with her enthusiastic and innovative teaching methods has resulted in outstanding academic achievements. As the Curriculum Manager for the Applied Science Department, Daniella brings her exceptional organisational and leadership skills to the role. She ensures that the department's programs are well-structured, innovative, and aligned with the latest educational standards.

Imran has been teaching at the Centre for Applied Science at CANDI for over 10 years. He has taught Physics and Maths on a range of BTEC and Access courses in that time. 

Recently, he has taught Access to Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Engineering and Health and Human Sciences courses. He has a BSc in Physics from Imperial College London and works as an external moderator for OCN London. Imran is passionate about his subjects and loves it when his learners begin to enjoy his subjects too.

Ian started his career working as an Electrical Design Engineer for several defence contractors in the field of Electrical Electronic warfare. He holds a BSc in Physics and Electronics an MSc in Physics and High Frequency Electronics Engineering an MSc in Information Systems and IT, a PGCE in Further and Higher Education and has a qualified teacher learning and skills status.

Ian began his educational career at Newbury College teaching students from employers such as Vodafone and other tech companies. Ian has 30 years of experience in the Electrical field and has taught at several colleges primarily the subjects Mathematics, Electrical, Electronics, and Physics across all course types A level, BTEC and University at all levels. 

Ian’s current duties as a teacher include delivering and managing the City University Foundation Degree in Biomedical and Electrical/Electronic Engineering.

Jesna is an accomplished engineering lecturer who joined City and Islington College in 2022. With her vast knowledge and expertise in the field, she has become a valuable asset to the college's engineering department.

She holds a Masters Degree in Data Science, a field that combines her passion for computer science and engineering with her keen interest in data analysis and interpretation. Her deep understanding of data science techniques and methodologies allows her to effectively teach and inspire students to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

She believes in providing students with a comprehensive and practical education that prepares them for the challenges of the real world. In her last year in CANDI, she taught on two different qualifications: BTEC and Access to Engineering, covering ten units in her expertise. 

Apart from her role as a lecturer, Jesna actively engages in research projects, contributing to the advancements in data science and computer engineering. She is a firm believer in the importance of staying up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies and encourages her students to do the same.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.