Access to HE Diploma - Humanities/Social Science L3
Access to HE · Full Time · Bishop Auckland Campus
- Start Date:
- 10 September 2025
- Loans/Remissions:
- If you are aged 16 to 18 this course is free. Otherwise an Advanced Learner Loan is available.
- Level:
- Level 3
- Taught at:
- Bishop Auckland Campus
Course overview
The Access to HE Diploma – Humanities & Social Sciences 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 on a Monday and Tuesday 9.15am-3pm, and a Wednesday morning 9.15am-12pm. 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.
You must be 19 or over to apply for this course. 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
· Conservation
· Psychopathology
· Conformity and Obedience
· 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?
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!
Need to know more? Enquire about this course.