Access to HE Diploma (Humanities/Social Science)

Course overview

The Access to HE Diploma (Humanities and Social Science) is a Level 3 course that can get you ready for university if you don’t have the right qualifications.

Our learners progress to degrees in subjects such as Sociology & Criminology, Psychology, History, Politics, Social Work, Education and more.

The course will run two days a week, September-June. You will also be required to complete research and work on assignments independently.

In less than one year this means that you can achieve everything you need to move on to university.

Learner Success Story

I have just finished my 3 years at University of Sunderland, gaining a Bachelor of Arts (Classification): First Class Honours in English Literature. I am now in the process of applying for my PCET at Sunderland, with an aim to possibly teach in women's prison, or work with Hope Xchange in Sunderland, working with job centre candidates doing functional skills, and literacy skills.

I can also now quite proudly say that I am awesome!

- Fiona

Course requirements

There is an interview for the Humanities & Social Sciences course and some screening tests.

It is desirable that you have a Level 2 in Maths and English - this can be Functional Skills or GCSE grade 4/C or higher. If you have not achieved Maths or English, you will need to study these alongside your course. Some courses at HE require these qualification as an entry requirement.

Our Pre-Access to HE course can help you build on your study skills if you don’t feel ready for Level 3 studies.

Although the Access to Higher Education courses are most suitable for ages 19+, they may also be available for 16- 18 learners with funding.

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees, and you may qualify for support with your course costs e.g. stationery and meals. You will also get free support with childcare.

What will I do?

You will study a range of units including:

Criminology

The Causes of Crime

Sociology of Welfare and Poverty

Sociology of Identity

Mental Health & Illness

Controversial Issues in Psychology

Early Social Development

Appreciation of a Novel

Language and Gender

Black Civil Rights in the USA

The Suffrage Movement

History Project

Your assessment will be in a variety of formats including essays, reports, presentations, academic posters, podcasts, brochures, etc.

You will also learn:

Academic skills such as analysis, evaluation and justification.

Reading information and selecting key information, facts and ideas

Referencing

Research using academic sources

Writing in a range of different formats

What will it give me?

You will attain a Level 3 Diploma in Humanities & Social Sciences on this programme, which will enable you to apply for university.

All Level 3 units are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction which will inform your UCAS points for HE. You will gain a total of 45 graded credits and 15 ungraded.

Materials needed

A laptop computer is recommended, but the College also has dedicated IT facilities for degree students and adults.

What can I do when I finish?

If you are interested in studying a course tailored for Policing, Criminology or Social Work, please get in touch as this course will also be available subject to interest.

Once you finish the Access to HE course in Humanities & Social Sciences, you can go on to study a Bachelor’s degree at university. This might include Sociology, Criminology, Psychology, English, History, Social Work, Counselling, Forensic Psychology and many more.

Career paths include:

Social Work

Law

Politics / Economics

English & Creative Writing

Sociology / Criminology

Psychology

Primary Education Studies

History / Social Science Studies.

Educational Studies

Social Policy

Youthwork

What next?

If you would like to apply, please click the "Apply Now" section below and follow the steps. Thank you!