Course overview

If you're thinking about going to university but need a way to get there, our Access to Higher Education courses are designed to help adults take that next step. You'll develop the skills and confidence needed for degree-level study, all within a supportive and flexible learning environment. An Access course gives you the points you need for university - it's the equivalent of 3 A Levels. If you are aged between 19 and 23 and don't have a full Level 3 qualification, you will be able to study Access for free! 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 Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, English Literature and History. 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 Youth Work

What next?

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