Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering)

With the Access to HE Diploma (Engineering) you will:

• Understand the key principles of engineering
• Learn about the science of mechanics
• Prepare for higher education level study
• Gain access to a wide range of engineering related degrees
• Get to university without A-Levels.

About your Diploma

Engineering has become one of the most in demand skill sets in the world. Engineers are integral to dozens of industries from aerospace and defence to electronics.

Engineers are challenged to solve problems and create innovations that benefit everyone. As an engineer you will apply your scientific understanding of the natural world to innovate, design, and build things to solve problems and achieve practical goals.

That could mean developing an aircraft wing that reduces drag or designing a more fuel-efficient engine.

An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Engineering) provides you with the opportunity to learn about a range of subjects within engineering in order to prepare you for higher education.

During your studies you will learn about atomic structure, mechanics and mechanical sciences as well as the mathematical principles that underpin them.

Thanks to a comprehensive course offering, you will have the foundational knowledge you need to study engineering at undergraduate level.

Access to HE Diplomas are accepted by most UK universities as a recognised alternative to A-levels. The courses have also been designed specifically to prepare you for the challenges of university life.

Getting started

Stonebridge Associated Colleges is a leading distance learning provider. We are dedicated to providing you with a flexible, student-centred approach to learning. That is why all our courses are online.

There are no classes to attend or timetables to stick to. You get to study when it suits you, allowing you to fit your studies around existing commitments.

To gain access to course materials all you need to do is login to our student portal. So, you can start learning from the moment you enrol with us.

You will be given a dedicated tutor to support you in your studies. They will be on hand to answer questions, provide clarification and mark your assignments. Every assignment will be returned with detailed feedback so you can improve throughout your studies.

You can also complete your course in as little as six months if you wish. On average, learners take 8 to 9 months to complete their Access to Higher Education Diploma (the maximum time permitted is two years).

Pursuing your career

Access to HE Diplomas are the launchpad into a full time or part time university degree. Access courses are accepted by over 140 universities but be sure to check your chosen institute will accept the qualification.

Unit 1: Preparing to Study

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how study is organised and planned
• Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
• Understand a range of constraints upon study
• Understand the importance of assessment feedback.

Unit 2: Academic Writing Skills

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
• Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
• Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas.

Unit 3:  Preparing a Written Assignment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to use key information sources
• Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
• Understand a range of reading strategies
• Understand note-making methods
• Understand how to plan, draft and produce a written assignment.

Unit 4: Atomic Structure

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand protons, neutrons and electrons in terms of their relative charges and masses
• Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom given its Atomic number and Mass number, including some isotopes
• Understand the number and relative energies of the s, p and d orbitals for the principle quantum numbers and know the shapes of s, p and d orbitals
• Understand how ionisation energies of elements relate to reactivity
• Understand the position of elements within the Periodic Table from ionisation energy data.

Unit 5: Algebraic Methods

On completion of this unit you will:

• Apply series
• Apply mathematical operations on logarithms
• Apply mathematical operations on surds
• Apply algebraic methods.

Unit 6: Periodic Table

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the periodic table
• Understand periodicity in the elements of period 3
• Understand ionisation energy
• Understand oxidation and reduction
• Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals
• Understand the group 7 elements.

Unit 7: Mechanics

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand vectors and be able to do vector addition calculations
• Understand and be able to do vector resolution calculations
• Understand the nature of uniformly accelerated motion and be able to do motion calculations
• Be able to do projectile motion calculations
• Understand and be able to use Newtons Laws of Motion
• Understand and be able to do calculations involving the principles of momentum and its conservation
• Understand the concepts of energy, work and power in physics, and be able to do work/force calculations
• Understand internal energy
• Understand and apply the ideal gas laws
• Understand the simple kinetic theory of gases and be able to do related calculations.

Unit 8: Trigonometry

On completion of this unit you will:

• Apply the trigonometrical functions
• Apply trigonometry
• Understand the principles of trigonometric graphs.

Unit 9: Hydrocarbons

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of organic compounds
• Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkanes
• Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkenes.

Unit 10: Calculus
On completion of this unit you will:

• Apply differentiation
• Apply integration
• Apply differentiation and integration to solve problems.

Unit 11: Engineering Mathematics – Principles

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to evaluate complex expressions involving indices, perform a range of arithmetic operations on a scientific calculator, and solve engineering problems using the laws of logarithms and indices
• Be able to apply algebraic techniques to solve simple simultaneous equations, evaluate and transpose complex formulae and plot and determine/sketch linear and non-linear relationships
• Be able to solve engineering problems using a range of geometrical and trigonometrical techniques.

Unit 12: Engineering Mathematics – Algebraic & Trigonometric Techniques
On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to apply algebraic techniques to form and solve quadratic equations for engineering applications
• Be able to use matrix algebra to solve linear equations, simple matrices; and relate matrices to simple technical problems
• Be able to use trigonometric functions to determine basic and inverse rations and plot equations
• Be able to prove trigonometric identities and recognise, select and apply rules to solve engineering problems
• Be able to apply Pascal’s triangle and binomial theorem to expand mathematical expressions and solve engineering problems.

Unit 13: Chemical Change

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know how to measure the concentrations of solutions
• Understand energy changes during chemical reactions
• Understand factors influencing rates of chemical reactions
• Understand the concept of chemical equilibrium.

Unit 14: Engineering Mathematics - Calculus

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to apply differentiation techniques to find the rates of change for various functions, differentiate functions, and define and use functions in engineering applications
• Be able to use calculus to solve a range of engineering problems
• Be able to apply integration techniques to determine indefinite and definite integrals of functions, and areas under curves.

Unit 15: Mechanical Science - Energy and Motion

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to do calculations involving linear and angular motion
• Be able to do calculations involving the effect of forces on materials
• Be able to do calculations and problems involving friction
• Be able to do calculations and problems involving heat energy and transfer.

A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to HE Diploma (Engineering). Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on academic content. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you advance your study skills.

As part of your programme you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.