Access to Humanities

What is Access to Humanities?

This pathway is the ideal to progress on to a humanities and social sciences-based degree programme, such as psychology, sociology, education, media, criminology, English and history, amongst many others. The course is an intensive one-year programme aimed exclusively at adults. This diploma is a great choice for learners who are passionate about society, its make-up and investigating ways to help ensure that it runs smoothly. You will study a range of topics in psychology, sociology, criminology, education and media giving you the perfect base of knowledge to take your skills further at university on your chosen degree.

Do not worry if you have been out of education for a while, or never went to college, the course is under-pinned with study skills throughout to ensure you develop these key skills in academic writing, research and digital literacy.

Where does the course lead?

The Access to HE diploma is a full level 3 qualification and will enable you to progress on to study a degree in Education, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, or a number of other related degree choices. The diploma is seen by a number of universities as a viable entry route to study most humanities and social sciences degrees.

What will I learn?

The diploma covers five key subject disciplines

Psychology – Key aspects of psychology, developmental psychology, and psychological disorders.
Sociology – Application of sociological approaches, social inequality and crime and deviance.
Criminology – Current issues in Criminology.
Education – Teaching and Learning.
Media – Stereotyping in the media.

Alongside the specialist subject disciplines, you will be supported to develop your study skills to ensure you are well equipped to complete your assessments and thrive in an HE environment.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in a range of methods including essays, presentations, reports, and case studies. You will be required to attend college two days per week for the course, and assignments will need to be completed from home.

What are the entry requirements?

To study on this programme, you need a level 2 qualification in English and maths and be aged over 19.

Is there funding?

If you are aged under 23 and this is your first full level three, the course will be fully funded for you.

If you already have a Level 3, or aged over 23, you can take out an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the tuition fees – However, if you progress on to and complete a degree, your loan for the Access Diploma is cleared.