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Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Engineering)

Level 1 Diploma

Course Location

College

Trafford College

Location

Stretford Campus

Further Details

Age

University level

Department

Access to Higher Education

Course Start Date

Monday 14th September 2026

Course Duration

Full-time, 1 Year

Course Time

09:15:00 - 15:00:00

Course Fee

£ 3988.00
You may be eligible for support with your tuition fees - please visit the college website - funding and finance page for further information

Course Code

TFP-AH3D-1200

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Course Overview

Turn your interest in how things work into a pathway towards university and an exciting career in engineering, physics or technology. From designing sustainable infrastructure and advanced electronics to developing future transport and innovative materials, engineers use mathematics, science and creativity to solve real-world problems.

This Access to HE Diploma is designed for students who want to develop the advanced knowledge, practical understanding and academic confidence needed to progress to an engineering- or physics-related degree.

This is a QAA-compliant Access to HE course that prepares mature students for university-level study in physics and engineering-related fields. The course comprises 60 credits: 45 credits from graded units and 15 credits from ungraded units.

The course runs for one academic year, over three days a week for 32 weeks. There are 13 hours of lessons each week, consisting of 12 hours of taught lessons and one hour of tutorial support. Students will also need to allow at least 12 hours per week for private study and assignment completion.

Approximate times: 9.20am-3pm (exact times to be confirmed)

Course Requirements

GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above are required before enrolling on the Access Diploma. Please note that some degree courses may also require GCSE Science at grade C/4 or above. For this course, preference will be given to applicants offering GCSE Science or an acceptable equivalent.

Functional Skills English at Level 2 may be accepted instead of GCSE English on a case-by-case basis.

For this diploma, Functional Skills Mathematics at Level 2 is not accepted instead of GCSE Mathematics due to the advanced science and mathematical content of the course.

Students who do not meet these entry requirements can apply for the Level 2 Pre-Access course, including GCSEs in English and/or Mathematics, to prepare for the Access to Higher Education Diploma.

What you will Learn

The course includes units in Mathematics worth 15 credits and Physics and Electronics worth 30 credits. All units are delivered at an advanced level, building upon the skills and knowledge gained from GCSE-level studies in Mathematics and Science.

The course includes 45 credits from graded units, with titles such as Algebra, Dynamics and Statics, Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Induction, and Electronic Components.

There are also 15 credits from ungraded units focusing on the development of transferable skills, such as presentation skills and the use of spreadsheets.

Assessment

Assessment methods include essays, practical reports, case studies, open- or closed-book examinations, and verbal, visual or IT-based presentations. Modules may include an element of time-constrained assessment that will contribute towards the final module grade.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be awarded an Access to Higher Education Diploma from Open Awards.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the course, students can progress to a range of engineering and science courses in higher education.

Potential degree subjects include mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, materials engineering, aeronautical engineering, civil engineering and physics.

Career Options

Potential career options include chartered engineer, research scientist and computer-aided design technologist, as well as a wide range of technical and engineering-related roles.

Mandatory Units

There are no mandatory units

Contact Details

For further information please contact T: 0161 886 7070 or E: info@trafford.ac.uk

Extra Costs Involved

Exam Validation Body

Hours Per Week

How Long To Complete

Programme Structure

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Disclaimer

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.

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