Level 3 Access to HE Diploma in Engineering

Further Details
Course Code
LP05251
Location
Deeside
Duration
Full Time, This is a 1 year full time course

Blended learning approach – 1 full day at college for taught sessions; other material set remotely to complete in own time / practice examples at a suitable time for you.
Department
Engineering, Manufacturing & Maintenance
Start Date
01 Sep 2025
End Date
19 Jun 2026
Course Overview
The Access to HE Diploma in Engineering is a Level 3 qualification aimed at students who have not necessarily followed the traditional qualification pathway and wish to progress onto higher level learning in Engineering, either at Cambria or at a University.

If you are a mature learner working in an Engineering environment and want to progress, then this qualification will enable you to access our Higher Education programmes much quicker than through a traditional BTEC route. You may then also be able to take advantage of our fully funded part time BEng (Hons) Degree programmes.

On the other hand, if you are looking to go onto a University to study Engineering, our Access to HE programme is widely accepted across the UK for entry onto Year 1 of many BEng programmes.

The course content is designed to give you the fundamental underpinning technical knowledge needed in Engineering to prepare you for higher level study. Subjects are broad and cover many different aspects of Engineering, but are predominantly based around Mathematics, Mechanical Science and Electrical Science. Foundation Mathematical knowledge at Level 2 is covered first, before progressing quickly onto Level 3. You will also learn about the basic skills needed to write and present work appropriately at HE level, which will culminate in you conducting a small scale investigation and write up.

Key features to studying an Access programme at Cambria:
● Our blended learning approach ensures that you can study flexibly to fit in with your job and day to day life.
● All modules are taught by Engineering lecturers, who all possess a vast amount of industrial experience and technical knowledge.
● Learn in our custom built Engineering University Centre, housing state of the art facilities and resources.
● Excellent student support, with all students having a personal tutor. We understand that returning to study can be challenging and we will support you fully to achieve your goals.
● Clear routes to progress your studies further with Cambria through our HNC and Degree programmes.
● Experienced provider of apprenticeship route with outstanding connections with engineering businesses and business leaders.

Modules

Level 2 modules
● Number (3 credits)
● Algebra and Graphs (3 credits)

Level 3 modules
● Communication Skills for Access to Higher Education (3 credits)
● Delivering Oral Presentations (3 credits)
● Equations, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus (3 credits)
● Computer Aided Design (3 credits)
● Materials Science (3 credits)
● Mechanical Science (9 credits)
● Principles of Engineering (3 credits)
● DC Circuits (3 credits)
● Electromagnetism and Capacitance (3 credits)
● Current Electricity (3 credits)
● Mechanics: Linear Motion/Forces (3 credits)
● Algebraic Techniques / Solving Equations (3 credits)
● Differentiation (3 credits)
● Integration (3 credits)
● Extended Essay (6 credits)

Link to awarding body website for further information on taught content:
https://www.agored.cymru/Qualification-Guide/203
The programme will be delivered through a combination of lectures, interactive tutorials, workshops, practical sessions and ‘Flipped Learning’ techniques. You will also be expected to learn from home at a time convenient for you and will be set work virtually to complete for the following taught session at college.

The majority of modules are assessed through a combination of written assignments with a small amount of in class tests. You will be given feedback and pointers for improvement for each examination and assignment.

The qualification is made up of 60 credits in total – 6 at Level 2 and 54 at Level 3. Each Level 3 unit is assessed at either Pass, Merit or Distinction level and an appropriate qualification level overall grade is then calculated. This grade carries an equivalent UCAS points tariff.
4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths, English Language/Welsh (1st Language) and a Science subject.

We will also accept GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in Maths and English Language/Welsh (1st Language) along with an equivalent Level 2 qualification.

At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
Following successful completion of an Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, you may wish to continue your education to degree level at a University.

If you wish to carry on with your studies at Cambria, following successful completion of the Access programme and depending on your overall result, you will be able to progress to the following courses:

48 – 60 UCAS Tariff points achieved
● Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Engineering

61 – 130 UCAS Tariff points achieved
● L4 Higher National Certificate in Electrical/Electronic Engineering*
● L4 Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering*

131 – 144 UCAS Tariff points achieved (Min. 39 credits at Distinction)
● L4-5 Foundation Degree in Aerospace Manufacture*
● L4-5 Foundation Degree in Advanced Manufacture*

*FdEng and HNC programmes are work based programmes. Hence, you should be employed in an engineering role or as an apprentice to meet the requirements for completing these qualifications if you wish to progress to them.

For students that are employed and progressing to either HNC or FdEng, you may be entitled to funding for these qualifications as part of a Higher Apprenticeship.

For employed higher level students wishing to progress to a BEng (Hons) at Cambria, you may be eligible to enrol on a Degree Apprenticeship and have your degree fully funded.

Once you have completed your Access to HE Engineering programme, some examples of potential career options in Engineering once further learning has been completed are as follows:
● Design Engineer
● Project Engineer
● Manufacturing Systems Engineer
● Lineside Manufacturing Engineering Support Engineer
● Quality Control Engineer
● Aerospace Engineer
● Marine Engineer
● Electrical Engineer
● Mechanical Engineer
Some courses may require equipment and / or uniforms to be purchased. Please see the attached equipment list for further information.
Useful downloads
Useful downloads
Kit List

Ready to begin your journey?

Our Open Days

Our Open Days are your chance to explore the College and find out about the range of courses we offer.

Coleg Cambria Bersham Road Christmas Markets
11/12/2024

15:00

Accessible Open Event – Llysfasi
28/11/2024

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Bersham Road
21/11/2024

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Northop
27/11/2024

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.

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