Program Overview

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education)

Overview

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) is a one-year Level 3 course designed for mature students (19+ years old) who wish to pursue a career in education. The course prepares students for the rigors of Level 4 study and beyond, providing a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills required for successful applicants.

What You Will Study

The course is divided into three core subjects: Initial Teacher Education (ITE), Education Studies, and Education in Context.

Initial Teacher Education (ITE)

This subject focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching and learning. Units include:

• Classroom activities: Introduction to lesson planning, creating resources, and delivering a session.
• The teaching experience: Investigating the roles and components of a teacher, including legislation, behavior management, and assessment strategies.
• Education including SEN: Examining the concept of inclusion and education for all, including models of disability and supportive infrastructures.
• Memory: Exploring how information is accessed, stored, and encoded for learners.
• Multi-agency working: Examining the roles and responsibilities of key practitioners in a learning environment.
• Planning and delivering a micro-teach: Revisiting ideas addressed throughout the year, with a focus on planning, differentiation, assessment, and delivery.

Education Studies

This subject examines the theoretical underpinnings of teaching and learning. Units include:

• Research methods in Psychology: Exploring how educational frameworks are underpinned by key ideas in psychology.
• Early Social Development: Investigating key developmental theories and stages of a child's development.
• Learning theories and theorists: Examining the work of key theorists and their contributions to education practice.
• Comparative Education: Exploring education systems around the world.
• Teaching and Learning English: Investigating strategies and techniques for teaching English to learners.

Education in Context

This subject broadens students' knowledge by looking at education from a variety of perspectives: philosophical, sociological, and linguistic. Units include:

• Introduction to Philosophy: Gaining an overview of philosophy and its relevance to education.
• Sociology of Education: Examining the role and purpose of education in society.
• Agencies of Social Control: Discussing the role of schools and other educational institutions in regulating behavior.
• Language Acquisition: The Development of Speech: Exploring how human beings acquire language and the ability to communicate through speech.
• Language Acquisition: The Development of Literacy: Examining how individuals acquire the ability to read and write.

How You Will Learn

A diverse range of teaching and learning activities are used across each subject. Sessions are interactive and work to include student participation and student-led tasks. You will learn differently in each taught session, with some sessions utilizing group-work, others focusing on independent research and investigation.

How You Are Assessed

You will be assessed through a range of different assessments, including essay writing, presentations, writing, and academic posters. Assessments are explained within each unit, and support is offered to scaffold your progress throughout the course.

Careers

Studying an Education or Teaching degree can allow you to pursue a range of related careers, including:

• Early Years Teacher
• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• Further Education Lecturer
• Special Educational Needs Teacher
• English as a Foreign Language Teacher
• Learning Mentor
• Play Therapist
• Youth Worker
• Community Education

Entry Requirements

You will need to be 19 years of age or above on 31 August 2025. You will need GCSE A-C/9-4 English and ideally Science. If you have GCSE Maths D/3 or Functional Skills 2 Maths, you can retake GCSE Maths alongside the course.

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply. Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early to secure your place and beat the rush.