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Online Unit Accreditation

Access to HE Certificate of Achievement
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Unit Accreditation courses are adaptable and flexible so you can choose how many Units to over a range of subjects

You can choose the Units you wish to study but the combination must fit within the specifications of one of our full Access to HE Diplomas.

The key difference between these courses and the DistanceLearningCentre.com Bespoke Courses is that these are fully accredited. They are most commonly studied when a university requires additional study but are not asking for a full Access to HE Diploma. This may be because you:

  • have achieved previous qualifications, such as a degree or 'A'-levels in different subject areas and need evidence of recent study in a specialist area in which you don't have previous qualifications,
  • have studied an Access to HE Diploma elsewhere and the university is asking for additional credits, or credits in a subject area which was not included in your Diploma,
  • are looking to develop your career or go for a promotion,
  • wish to use the course to test out whether a particular career change is right for you.

£99.98 a month
enrol today for just £10.00

What is it?

Unit Accreditation is studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma without the intention of completing a full Diploma. There are no Exams. Because our courses fit into your life rather than the other way around, you can decide how long you'd like to study for. There are no entry requirements for this course. You need to have a UK residential address to study this qualification.

Are they accredited?

Ascentis Logo
All our Access to HE Diplomas are fully accredited through Ascentis (our Access Validating Agency (AVA)) and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), so they are part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). This means that you can apply to Universities, Teacher Training Colleges and Nurse Training Schools using your Diploma.

How do I study?

Our Unit Accreditation courses are delivered completely online. This means that you can study when it suits you, your family, and your job. With our learning materials and your own personal tutor. Your tutor will provide detailed feedback on your learning. They will also be on hand over the phone, video calls, WhatsApp or email to support & guide you.

After the course

Our Access to HE Certificates of Achievement are suited to adding to existing qualifications to meet specific university entry requirements. We have 30 years of experience providing Access to HE Courses by distance learning, and have strong relationships with many universities. Our students have gone on to study degrees at over 140. We also help with your UCAS Application.

How do I study?

Our Unit Accreditation courses are delivered completely online. This means that you can study when it suits you, your family, and your job. With our learning materials and your own personal tutor, you will have the one-to-one support and guidance that you need to succeed when studying this course.


When can I start?

You can start when it suits you: just like studying with us, our enrolments are flexible too.


What are the entry requirements?

There are no set entry requirements for this course.

You need to have a UK residential address to study this qualification (you can be posted overseas). If you are currently resident outside the UK you need to be able to provide proof of UK residency before the end of the course. In this case, please advise us of this when you apply for the course.


Is this course accredited?

All of our Unit Accreditation courses are fully accredited by recognised awarding bodies, who are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the official regulator for Access to HE. Unit Accreditation fall within exactly the same framework as Access to HE Diplomas as they are basically classed as an Access to HE Diploma which is not fully completed. This means that they are accepted by the majority of universities and Higher Education Institutions in the UK.


How do I learn?

For every unit you study you will be given access to its tailored learning materials: because they are written by us, you can be sure that they will teach you what you need to succeed on your assessments. They are more than a textbook - they guide you through your learning and support you so that you're fully prepared for each assessment. You will complete tasks, answer questions (with model answers that you can check), and will be given all the tools needed to achieve the highest grades possible.


How am I assessed?

You are assessed through tutor-assessed coursework throughout your course, which may include exams that will take place over Skype. Our assessments have been both internally and externally verified, meaning that they have been checked to make sure they are consistent, fair and robust. Importantly, they give everybody the same opportunities to succeed. Our internal verification process is rigorous and thorough, ensuring that every tutor is marking, grading and giving formative and developmental feedback in line with our exacting standards.


When can I complete?

Just like starting, when you complete is up to you. The only deadlines that are in place are those set by yourself. If this course forms part of an application to university: to start university in September you would aim for June moderation; to start university in February/March you would aim for November moderation.


What are my future prospects?

Unit Accreditation courses open doors for every student. Whether you decide to use it to gain entry to university or not, it will improve your career prospects. You gain so much by studying the course online: it teaches you skills that will make you stand out. From organisational skills and time management, to the ability to self-direct and research independently - you will be capable of things you hadn't previously thought possible.



Unit Accreditation involves studying part of a recognised Access to HE Diploma

You are awarded an Access to HE Certificate of Achievement for the Modules you complete


What can I study?

You can choose the Units you wish to study but the combination must fit within the specifications of one of our full Access to HE Diplomas.

If you have already completed an Access to HE Diploma elsewhere, the Diploma the Units you wish to study fit within must be different from any Diploma already studied. This is because the QAA rules state that you cannot use a course such as this to try to improve your grades for a Unit already studied.

When you enrol on this course you will need to choose which of our Access to HE Diplomas you will use for the basis of your Certificate of Achievement.

If you need assistance or advice as to which one to choose, we are here to help.


The list below shows all the Units we provide within our Access to HE Diploma framework.

  • Biology
    • Introduction to Cell Biology
    • Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Skeleton and Muscles
    • Aspects of Human Physiology
    • Biomolecules and Key Biochemical Principles (Ex)
    • Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Gastro-Intestinal Systems
    • Homeostasis, Coordination and Control and the Excretory Systems
    • Human Reproductive Biology
    • Practical Investigation (Biology)
  • Business
    • Introduction to Business
    • Business and Organisation Structures
    • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Principles of Business Strategy (Ex)
    • Research Project (Business)
  • Chemistry
    • Introduction to Chemistry
    • Applied Biochemistry
    • Core Principles of Chemistry (Ex)
    • Further Organic Chemistry
    • Planning a Practical Investigation (Chemistry)
  • Childhood Studies
    • Introduction to Childhood Studies
    • Health and Wellbeing
    • Social Policy and Practice (Ex)
    • Studies in Adolescence
    • The Role of Play in Child Development
  • Criminology
    • Introduction to Criminology
    • Contemporary Issues in Criminology
    • Forensic evidence and the reliability of Evidence
    • Offender Profiling
    • Research Project (Criminology)
    • Theories and Perspectives in Criminology (Ex)
  • Developmental
    • Basic Principles in Number (Level 2)
    • Preparing to Progress
    • Writing for Academic Purposes
  • Economics
    • International Trade
  • Education Theory and Practice
    • Introduction to Education Theory and Practice
    • Practical Applications (Planning and Delivery)
    • Research Project (Education Theory and Practice)
  • English Language
    • Introduction to Text Analysis
    • Contemporary Issues in Language (Ex)
    • Language to Persuade
  • English Language and Literature
    • Introduction to Language Analysis
    • Academic Skills in English Language and Literature (Ex)
    • Independent Research Project in English Literature
    • Literary Criticism
    • Nineteenth Century Novel
    • Poetry Study
  • Finance and Accounting
    • Introduction to Accounting
    • Analysing Accounting Statements (Ex)
    • Budgets and Budgeting
    • Business Finance
    • Costing
    • Planning a Research Project (Business Finance)
  • Healthy Lifestyles
    • Fitness
  • Human Physiology
    • Aspects of Human Physiology (Ex)
    • Practical Investigation (Human Physiology)
  • Law
    • Introduction to Law Making
    • Criminal Law
    • The English Legal System (Ex)
    • The Law of Tort
  • Physics
    • Introduction to Physics
    • Medical Uses of Radioisotopes
    • Planning a Practical Investigation (Physics)
    • Principles of Physics (Ex)
    • Radiology
  • Psychology
    • Introduction to Psychology
    • Aggression
    • Approaches in Psychology
    • Child Development
    • Cognitive Development
    • Defining, Classifying and Explaining Disorders
    • Interpersonal Communication
    • Memory
    • Psychological Investigation
    • Psychological Perspectives and Behaviour (Ex)
    • Research Methods in Psychology
    • Treating Disorders
  • Social Issues in Health Care
    • Introduction to Issues in Health and Social Care
    • Health and Social Care Provision (Ex)
    • Learning Disabilities
    • Mental Health and Wellbeing
    • Mental Health Issues
    • Principles of Safeguarding in Health and Social Care
    • Social Care and the Older Person
  • Social Work
    • The Role of the Social Worker
  • Sports Coaching and Fitness
    • Exercise Health and Lifestyle
  • Sports Science
    • Introduction to Sports Science
    • Carrying Out a Practical Investigation
    • Energy Systems (Ex)
    • Nutrition for Sport
    • Sports Psychology


The most flexible fees

Easy to manage flexible instalments. Payment holidays. No tie-ins or credit agreements. Great value. If the course is not for you, pay no more. If you leave & return, fees paid previously are still covered. More details on our Fees Page.


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  • Enrolment Fee only £10.00 (you save £20.00), payable when you apply for the course.
  • Course Fee £99.98, per month or £19.78 per Credit, whichever is greater[1]. Payable from the day you start the course.
  • Awarding Body Registration Fee £140.00 paid in two parts:
    1. £40.00 payable along with your first course fee instalment,
    2. £100.00 payable on achievement of 24 credits, 1 year from the date of registration or soon before you complete your desired number of credits, whichever is sooner[2].
  • Total Fee variable depending on length of study.

[1]

[2] We will provide two weeks advanced warning when this fee becomes due although you will already have a good idea of this as you will know how many credits you have achieved.


Funding your course

  • This course is not eligible for Advanced Learner Loans.
  • This course is not eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) funding.

The majority of our students fund themselves using our easy payment options. Some secure funding through their employers and a few manage to get some help from local charities. We cannot provide advice on funding but we do have a Grants & Funding page which you may find useful.


If you are not funding your course yourself

Please ensure that you make us aware of this when you apply so that we can advise you & make any necessary arrangements with the funder to cover your course costs.


Payment methods

The normal method of payment is online with a Credit or Debit Card. We accept all major cards.

If there are genuine reasons why you cannot pay online, you will need to contact us to discuss whether there are other feasible options available such as bank transfer or Standing Order.


The support that our students receive is central to who we are and the service that we deliver.


Your tutor

Your tutor is both your personal and your subject specialist teacher. They were chosen for their expert subject knowledge and qualifications, and for their skills in supporting and motivating adults who may have been out of education for some time. They are there to guide your studies, and you will be in regular contact with them. Because they mark your assessments, they know how to help you to improve, develop and advance as you progress through the course.

Their role evolves over the course of your studies as your needs change. Initially you will speak to your tutor every week so you can get to know each other and settle into studying. As you progress through the course the support that you want from your tutor may change: one week you may want to talk about study skills, and the next about the ethics of research. Your tutor is there to make sure that your time with us is as successful and enjoyable as possible.


Additional Support

Learning Support - support if you have declared a disability. They provide advice and guidance and signpost you to help and resources which can help with your studies.

Student Support - supporting you if you are having problems with your studies. This may be due to a wide range of factors, personal, financial, confidence, changed circumstances etc. Generally, tutors will refer you to this section if they feel that you will benefit from some extra help or advice.


Student Services

Our Student Services team are here for you from your first enquiry and throughout your Diploma. From clarifying university entry requirements to finding the Diploma that is right for you, Student Services are here for everybody - past, present and prospective student alike.


Peer Support

We have a dynamic private Facebook community over 2000 students for you to join and if you want to raise points with staff this can be done via the Student Action Group.


Flexibility

We make our courses suit you and your life: if your circumstances or priorities change then your course can too. We are here to help you achieve, and so altering your target completion date, payment date, or extending your study period is always possible.


Technical Department

From accessing learning materials to uploading documents, if you need any technical support during your studies our Technical Department is there for you.


Financial Department

You can contact Finance Should you need any help or advice about fees, payment options, or there are changes to your circumstances.


DistanceLearningCentre.com Bespoke Course

If you do not require formal accreditation for the Units your are planning to study on this course, you probably need to be applying for one of our Bespoke Courses which are not formally accredited so do not attract the Awarding Body Registration Fees.

Some Universities are very familiar with the quality of what we provide, so some will accept a DistanceLearningCentre.com Certificate as provided by this course. One such example is Edinburgh Napier.

We strongly advise that you make sure you understand exactly what your university is requesting from you. And we are happy to provide you with help and advice so you can be sure you are studying the right course.


Laptop or Computer

Due to the academic nature and depth of this course you will not be able to study it entirely on a Mobile Phone or Tablet.


GCSEs

You may need GCSEs to gain entry to university. If you do not have these already, you can study them with us.


Progression Awards

You may need further Level 2 credits in English, Maths and Science (known as Progression Awards) to gain entry to university. If you do not have these already, you can study them with us.


UK ENIC Statement of Comparability

If you already hold qualifications that were studied outside the UK, your university may wish to see a Statement of Comparability to exempt you from GCSE or Level 2 credits entry requirements. You can get a statement from UK ENIC, who can be contacted through www.naric.org.uk.


To sit exams at the DistanceLearningCentre.com offices

A very small number of universities, such as the University of Nottingham, require you to sit your exams at our offices. We can arrange this for you if this is needed.


Work experience, specific skills and specialist knowledge

You should always check university's entry requirements, both compulsory and preferred, as they will often say what they expect from a candidate. This may include a work placement, specific interpersonal skills, or evidence of wide reading and existing knowledge about the degree, the career, or the industry.


Emily

The website and materials were easy to navigate and the Facebook group gave me extra reassurance and support.

The tutors were supportive, patient and most importantly motivated me to carry on when I found it tough. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing to gain an extra qualification to achieve their dream career. Emily

Yannick

The learning materials were excellent and they exceeded my expectations. I would like to thank my family and the tutors for their amazing support.

I am happy to say to have secured a place to study a Nursing Degree this September. I cannot recommend them enough. Yannick

John

The course is excellently written with information perfectly explained for those who have been out of education.

I completed mine whilst working full time, undergoing several overseas military deployments in support of the COVID pandemic. I could not have done this without them, my tutors were with me every step of the way! John

Richard

Support of tutors, & the wider student community were fundamental in enabling me to overcome adversity. The peer support of fellow students proved a wonderful resource. People of all ages & backgrounds united in their desire to study & self-develop, quick to offer help & encouragement. So I became active in supporting others through the Facebook Group. Richard

Sam

I have dyslexia. They suited all my needs. It was flexible, affordable, and the modules offered would provide me with the fundamental basics to study a Law degree.

They did more than help me get into my dream Russell Group university studying Law. The whole experience finally made me feel academically worthy. Sam

Aaliya

Tutors and staff have been fantastic in helping me achieve the grades I need, as well as any other situations I needed support with.

I applied to 2 universities and have received conditional offers from both.

I have achieved more credits than the offer requires, it wouldn't have been possible without them. Aaliya

Mehluli

I loved the flexibility that comes with the course and the outstanding tutors.

I have since been offered a place from two universities to study a BSc in Adult Nursing.

It is in this regard that I strongly recommend them without hesitation for any person who would like to reboot their career. Mehluli

Beth

I was very nervous about beginning my studies as I thought that Access to HE Diplomas were aimed at mature students, being 17 at the time of beginning my studies. But I was so wrong!

The Diploma is for anyone wanting to enter higher education. The staff, and my tutors especially, couldn't have been more accommodating and supportive. Beth

Victoria

From day one I found my tutors to be incredibly friendly, supportive and accessible. They encourage independent learning, but are always there to give guidance and answer questions of any kind.

The learning materials are brilliant; extremely thorough and logically laid out in topics and sub-topics, so you move smoothly through. Victoria

Sean

The materials were easy to follow. I received advice from others via the Facebook page & from my personal tutor, who was always so quick to answer any questions. During the modules, I developed my research methods & even my English improved. I am far more confident in finding the pros & cons of every theory. I now feel I am in a far better position & I am currently enrolled on an LLB Qualifying Law degree. Sean

Fanny

They stood out for me because of their flexibility and affordability.

Enrolling to study remotely for a science course, was overwhelmingly nerve-wracking but my tutors were very kind, supportive and helpful. Their support allowed me to excel and achieve high grades. I have now secured a place at a university. Fanny

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