Access to Applied Computing (Information & Computer Systems, Software Development & Computer Design)

L3 Level 3
Full Time
3 September 2025 — 14 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

An Access course is an intense learning opportunity, aimed at adults who wish to study at university but don't necessarily have the qualifications to apply. An Access course would suit mature students with significant work and life experiences who have been out of formal education for 3 or more years. An Access Level 3 course is specifically designed to prepare students for study at university level.

This course would suit learners looking to pursue a career in computing or business who wish to study one of the following university degrees (NB this list is not exhaustive)

  • Cyber Security
  • Computer Sciences
  • Software Engineering
  • Web Developer
  • Systems Development Officer
  • Business Analyst
  • Computer Science with Security and Forensics
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Electronic and Information Engineering

What you will study

This course will cover subjects in:

  • Information Systems
  • Software Development
  • Computer Systems
  • Network architecture

Entry requirements

3 or more years out of formal education. GCSE Maths C+ (Please be aware that some universities require GCSE English and Maths C+ grade at application stage, and in some instances GCSE Science). Numeracy skills at Level 2 and Literacy skills at strong Level 2/preferably Level 3 – assessed at interview. Students will need to have basic IT skills, and be able to use Microsoft Office apps, such as Teams, Word and PowerPoint for academic research and assignments. Clear, well researched exit pathways, knowledge of university courses and their entry requirements. Students should research and make sure that they meet the qualification entry requirements for their chosen universities. You will need to provide evidence of your qualifications before enrolling.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

14 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

16 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

ACCC3F10
L3

Qualification

Access to Digital Technologies

More...

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Career prospects & further study

From this course you can progress on to Higher Education. Examples of these courses are:

  • BSc Computing
  • BSc IT Management for Business
  • FD Computer Games, Art and Design

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE