Course overview
This Access to Higher Education course will prepare you for study at degree level by improving study skills in addition to studying Social Science in detail. You will develop your essay writing, researching and presentation skills.
As part of the course, you will undertake a research project on a topic of your choice with the aim of developing your independent learning skills.
Modules
Modules for this diploma may include:
- Introduction to Sociology
- Research skills
- Approaches to Psychology
- Sociology of Health
- Sociology of the Family
- Social inequality
- Social psychology
- Atypical development/behaviour
- Cognitive psychology
How will I be taught and assessed?
Each unit is assessed differently, including a range of assessment methods such as essays, portfolios, structured questions and exams.
Entry requirements
- You must be aged 19 or over at registration
- You must have English Language GCSE grade C/4 or above or Level 2 Functional Skills English. It is desirable to also have GCSE/L2 Maths but if not, then a commitment to study it alongside Access (on a separate evening) is required as most universities require both English and Maths.
- Unfortunately, if you have neither Maths or English, we are unable to enrol you onto the Access course at this time. However, you could study GCSE English and Maths (potentially for free) at the College first, before going on to the Access course.
Why study at USP College?
- You will be taught by subject experts with many years of experience in both teaching the social sciences and in supporting and teaching adults returning to education
- A friendly, supportive environment where students are challenged and engaged
- Excellent pass rates and progression rates to university
- Centre of good practice for the qualification board in many areas including the progress of students from starting points and for being a ‘keen and dedicated’ team who are ‘fantastic, reflective teachers.’ They always act ‘for the good of the learners,’ who get a ‘fantastic learning experience at USP.'
Additional Costs
- You will need to purchase stationery e.g. pens, paper, folders, plastic wallets
- Although there is no single text that covers all units, purchasing any used version of an A-Level/Level 3 textbook for Psychology and for Sociology would be advantageous.
What could I do next?
You could go on to study for a degree in Social Work, Social Sciences or Humanities. You could also go on to study the Foundation Degree in Early Years or the Health Promotion & Social Care BSc at the College.
The Diploma allows learners to undertake studies related to sociology and psychology. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills that will enable progression to a range of degree-level programmes including a focus on sociology/social policy and psychology and psychosocial topics. Many learners join these types of degrees after following A-Level study, so the Diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A-Level studies.
I was working in the retail sector but wanted to change my career to social work.
The teachers were very helpful and supportive and placed a lot of emphasis on promoting a high standard of education.
The course taught me to work with autonomy while using different sources towards writing on an academic level, this along with the emphasis on using accurate referencing, enabled me to continue to write at higher levels with ease.
I'm now studying a BA (Hons) degree in Social Work at Anglia Ruskin University Chelmsford Campus.
†If you are aged 19-24 and have not completed a Level 3 course already, you may be eligible to study for FREE! Subject to funding, call 01268 882 618 for more information. Alternatively, you could be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund the cost of your course.
Access to HE FAQs
Not sure whether an Access to Higher Education course is right for you? We answer the most common questions.