ENGINEERING SCIENCE: ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION DIPLOMA

Overview

About the Course

Unlock your potential in engineering science with a diploma that provides a direct route to higher education, blending rigorous academic study with practical skills and preparing you for a future in a wide range of engineering and scientific careers.

The Engineering Science: Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification, equivalent to two or three A Levels, completed in just one year. This course is designed for adults seeking to return to study and progress to university or college. The curriculum covers essential modules in engineering science, physics, and mathematics, ensuring a strong foundation in both mechanical and electrical engineering principles, as well as the core concepts of physics and advanced mathematical techniques.

Key features include hands-on research projects, practical experiments, and a focus on developing analytical and problem-solving skills. The course also provides dedicated study skills sessions and weekly tutorials to support your academic progress and university applications. You will explore topics such as kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, circuit theory, quantum phenomena, and statistics, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Studying with us means joining a supportive academic community committed to your success. Graduates are well prepared for university-level study and a variety of careers, including CAD technician, design engineer, materials engineer, research scientist, and technical sales engineer. The course’s proven track record of successful progression makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to build a rewarding future in engineering and science.

FEES

Many students who study an Access to Higher Diploma use the government's Advanced Learner Loan initiative to fund it. This means there are no up-front fees or credit checks. Visit the government's useful pages here to find out more.

Your Course

What modules are covered?

Engineering Science

The Engineering Science course covers many of the fundamental science topics critical to the field of Engineering. Studies include the core concepts of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, plus a research-based case study. In Mechanical Engineering you will learn about the study of kinematics (Forces and Motion), the science of studying how materials behave under pressure, stress and strain (Bulk Properties of Solids and Fluid Mechanics) and the laws of Thermodynamics, including state changes, latent heat and the behaviour of ideal gases. In Electrical Engineering you will study the behaviour of a.c. and d.c. currents in circuits (including Ohm’s Law and Kirchoff’s Laws), the use of capacitors and semiconductor devices, plus electromagnetic induction (Faraday’s Law).

Physics

The study of Physics is crucial in understanding our world from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies. Physics is the basis for many sciences, including Chemistry, Astronomy, Environmental Studies, Biology and Medical Sciences. As Nobel Laureate and discoverer of the nuclear atom Ernest Rutherford famously said, “All science is either physics or stamp collecting.” The Access course covers all the fundamental topics in the field of Physics and also includes a research project comprising of two distinct tasks: planning and conducting a practical experiment in Physics. Topic areas studied in the course include: Newton’s Laws of Motion & Mechanics; Materials science; Nuclear & Particle Physics (including quantum phenomena, such as electron energy levels); the behaviour of a.c. & d.c. circuits; Radioactivity; Thermodynamics and the Ideal Gas laws. Physics is useful for students wanting to study Engineering and Natural Science.

Maths

The subject aims to provide knowledge and understanding of key concepts in mathematics needed for the study of physics and engineering. The course covers an introduction to mathematics, algebra, geometry and statistics. You will also have the opportunity to complete a research project in mathematics.

Study Skills
This part of the course focuses on developing the practical skills you will use on a higher education course; including essay writing, referencing and effective note-taking. 

Tutorial
You will receive all the help you need with university applications and study support in a weekly tutorial, which also gives you the chance to talk to your tutor about your academic progress and plans for university.

What training will be provided?

Within this course you will cover a range of disciplines such as:

Basic concepts, mechanics, conversion of work, electrical engineering, motion, changes of state, properties of materials and their relevance to products, and pressure and flow of fluids in dynamic and static cases.

Your Future

What Next?

After successfully completing the diploma you will be prepared for studying a university-level (higher education) course at university or college. 

This diploma is suitable for you if you are pursuing a career in the areas below (after graduating from a relevant higher education course):

  • CAD technician
  • Design engineer
  • Materials engineer
  • Metallurgist
  • Product/process development scientist
  • Research scientist (physical sciences)
  • Technical sales engineer

Entry Requirements

What previous qualifications and experience will I need?

This course is designed for mature students, aged 19 or over, who have had sufficient life or work experience between leaving school and starting the diploma. 

To make sure this is the right course for you, acceptance onto the diploma is based on aptitude and commitment following an interview and assessment.

You will need GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above. 

It is also strongly advised that you contact the university or teaching institution, you wish to attend after completion of this course and check what their exact GCSE requirements are for your chosen degree. Every university admission policy is different so its worth making sure you have the right course for your particular needs. 

Ask A Question

Ask a Question

Please contact us through the form below. After submitting a form we will contact you as soon as possible. We will delete your information one month after the beginning of the next academic year.

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University of Surrey
Pearson
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University of Surrey
Pearson
UK Quality Assured
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