Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science)

Delivered at Accrington & Rossendale College University Centre
Start Date September 2024
Duration 1 Year
Cost £3022.00

* The fees charged on your course will not rise by more than inflation during your studies but the College reserves the right to increase fees annually by not more than RPIX (Retail Prices Index excluding Mortgage Interest).

If your studies are to be funded by your employer or as part of an Apprenticeship then different rates may apply, please enquire for details.

** All fees are payable to Nelson and Colne College Group University Centre

Course overview

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a Level 3 qualification that prepares 19+ students who are returning to education or who left school without the qualifications needed to progress to university.

What will I learn

• Psychology
You will be introduced to key psychological approaches and debates that can be used to explain behavior, whilst gaining an understanding of key studies and evaluate methods of data gathering. You will plan and carry out a laboratory experiment in the field of cognitive psychology, using appropriate methodology.

• Sociology
You will learn how various agencies of socialisation (e.g. media, family, education etc.) influence personal identity. We will discuss key concepts such as norms, culture, stratification and inequality. You will apply sociological theories to a range of topics which might include: mass media, the family and personal life, education, globalisation, social class, ethnicity and gender.

• Mental Health
You will learn about models of mental health and apply these to a case study as well as investigate inequalities in the experiences of mental health and illness between different social groups. You will look at the treatment of mental illnesses from different psychological perspectives and discuss the relationship between mental health and substance abuse.

• Crime
You will learn about different explanations of the cause of crime and apply theories to a range of crimes such as: street crime, human trafficking and slavery and cybercrime. You will also discuss differences in gender and crime, and ethnicity and crime, and evaluate the usefulness of crime statistics. You will investigate different ways of offender profiling and evaluate the usefulness of offender profiles in cases.

• Academic development and study skills
Besides subject knowledge, academic research and writing skills are crucial in helping you with your assignments whilst preparing you for your future studies. This subject will help you to identify your own skills and those required to progress to a degree and/ or future employment. We will support you with your UCAS application and prepare you for interviews.

Entry requirements

  • Functional Skills Level 2 and/or Grade 4 (C) at GCSE in English & Maths

Please note, some universities require specific GCSE/ Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications and grades. It is a good idea to check with your chosen universities before beginning the Access to HE Diploma.

If you do not have any of these qualifications or are not sure, please get in touch. GCSE and/or Functional Skills Maths and English are available at the College FREE of charge for those without a grade 4 (C).

Please be aware that if your long-term goal is to work within the healthcare professions, it will be necessary to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for your place of employment. If you have a criminal conviction this may exclude you from working in some job roles. Please ensure we are made aware so appropriate advice and guidance can be given.

Progression

Students on this pathway typically progress on to degrees and other higher education programmes in the fields of social science. Popular progression routes are: therapist, social work, law, working within the civil service or human resources.

Additional Information

We encourage all our students to volunteer or work in a field that relates to your future career. This is an intense course and you need to be 100% committed to your studies.
There are no tuition fees for anybody under the age of 24 with no full level 3 qualification. If you are 19+ with a full level 3 qualification, or your are 24+ you can take out an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for the tuition fees. “Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it”. For more information: Advanced Learner Loan - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What diploma will I receive?

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science)