Careers start here.

Your Study Options

  • Your alternative to university Your Alternative to university is right here
  • he web banner 2
  • he web banner 01

About the course

On this course you will learn a range of practical and technical skills, develop your knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of civil engineering and receive a thorough overview of the built environment. If you aspire to be a Quantity Surveyor, Architect or Project Manager this is an ideal course for you. You will study a number of topics essential to a career in the civil engineering sector, including construction technology and design, engineering maths, sustainability, computer aided design (CAD) and health and safety.

Beyond industry-specific learning, the Level 3 Access to HE Diploma will equip you with educational skills and study tools to support your progression to Higher Education and university. These skills include report writing, research, essay writing, communication skills, word processing and examination techniques.

Applications open soon

Duration

Full-time (2 days a week for one year) or Part Time (1 day a week for 2 years) 9:30am to 3pm

*The department recognises that a large number of students have care or parental responsibilities and makes allowances to ensure these demands can continue to be met by learners.

Entry requirements

Maths and English at Grade 4 or C or above

How much does it cost?

The cost of this course is £3,384

You may be entitled to an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs of your Access course. 

Student Finance England, who are responsible for student loans will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances for your Access to HE course as soon as you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay your Advanced Learner Loan if you progress to higher education and complete your degree programme.

You may be eligible to a Harlow College 19+ bursary to support with travel costs, childcare and course materials. 

Contact Us or call 01279 868100 to get the most up-to-date info on fees and the financial support that may be available.

Awarding body

CAVA

Why study?

What is an Access to Higher Education course?

An Access to Higher Education course is a 1 year pre-university course that prepares adults for study at university. This course is ideal if you have been out of education for a while, planning a career change or upskill in your current job. A typical Access course is 2-3 days a week, 9.30am-3pm and are taken by students of all ages and backgrounds.

Educational visits will you go on:

  • University Fairs
  • Net Zero Live
  • Local industry projects e.g Burnt Mill rebuild, Harlow Gilston Garden Town
  • Renewable Energy Centre

Ppractical things will you get up to in each module:

  • CAD design work
  • Undertaking external condition surveys
  • Practical measuring exercises
  • Site visits

Companies we have strong links with:

Bowmer & Kirland, Hill Group, Willmot Dixon

Where will this course take me?

Possible careers:

  1. Quantitative surveyor
  2. Building surveyor
  3. Project Manager
  4. Architect
  5. Town Planner

Core modules

Core HE Skills 1 – Research

Core HE Skills 2 – Presentation and Reflection

Core Engineering Maths – Algebra and Trigonometry

Core Engineering Maths – Statistics and Calculus

Optional modules

Critical Thinking and Communication

Materials Science

Construction Technology & Design

Research Project

Tendering and Estimating in Construction

Engineering Drawing CAD 2

Health and Safety in the Construction Industry

The Built Environment Industry

Sustainability in the Construction Industry

Applications of Structural and Mechanical Principles

Engineering Drawing CAD 1

How will I be assessed?

Reports, Essays, Presentations, Project Work, Portfolio work, Assessments, Exams.

Will I have to provide anything?

Safety equipment, calculator and textbook.