Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities & Social Science)

Fees will be confirmed on application or via our website. In many instances, funding such as the Advanced Learner Loan may be available to cover the cost of the course. Successful completion of the Access to HE Diploma and your subsequent HE course currently means you do not have to pay this loan back.

While it is not required, some students choose to obtain additional books to assist their studies.

This course is designed for a diverse group of individuals, including those looking to return to education with the goal of attending university, as well as those seeking a change in their career path. It also caters to individuals who have achieved GCSE passes in maths and English but require a Level 3 qualification to progress to higher education. Furthermore, the course is suitable for people interested in pursuing higher-level apprenticeships who need a Level 3 qualification to secure a place and for those who have taken time out from their education to raise children and are now looking to re-enter the academic or professional sphere.

Progression opportunities

Learners who complete and achieve the Access to HE Diploma could progress onto Higher Education courses including bachelor’s Degrees, Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/HND) and Higher Degree Apprenticeships. The Access to HE Diploma could also support entry into employment areas where evidence of study and achievement at level 3 is required.

This qualification aims to prepare students for progression into higher education subjects, including, but not limited to:

• anthropology
• criminology
• education studies
• English
• geography and environmental science
• history
• media
• philosophy
• psychology
• politics
• sociology
• social policy

GCSE English grade C/4+ (Other Level 2 English qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis.)

*GCSE maths or L2 Functional Skills may be studied alongside the part-time course.

A commitment to study,

This Level 3 Access to HE Diploma is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and is designed to prepare learners without traditional qualifications for entry into Higher Education (HE).

The diploma provides an opportunity for learners to acquire and develop knowledge and skills needed to progress to higher education study and enables learners to develop social and emotional skills such as communication and confidence.

Units include:

History

Historical Sources, Plantation Slavery, Dictators in the 20th Century, Post War Consensus.

Literature

Literature and Cultural Identity, Study of a Novel, Appreciation of a Play, How the Poet Works.

Psychology

Behaviourism, Mental Illness.

Sociology/Social Policy

Social Divisions, Social Welfare in the UK, Understanding Poverty, Ethical Issues in Social Policy.

*Academic Writing Skills and Health and Wellbeing.

The assessment techniques are varied throughout the programme and include essays, presentations, posters, and practical experiments. Modules are broken down into units and you are assessed at the end of each unit of study.

If you are completing an additional course such as GCSE maths, external examinations are required.

Guidance is offered at advice events, interview and induction to ensure students are choosing the best pathway to meet the requirements for their intended university course.

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button.  You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as GCSE maths via a separate application.  If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.