Access to HE Diploma (Social Sciences)

This course is designed for people aged 18 or over and is perfect for anyone looking to start or change to a career in the mental health, therapy, educational, neuroscience, sociology or psychology fields or considering changing careers to work in these fields. It is also suitable for applicants who are interested in pursuing academic careers such as in humanity-based subjects.

You will study in college for 12 hours a week and complete the rest of your studies independently. If you are prepared to study hard, this is a great flexible course to fit around your lifestyle and working commitments - voluntary or paid work within related fields will strengthen your university application and is recommended.

We have a highly skilled and experienced teaching team, and this is one of the reasons we see success and progression to university rates significantly above the national average.

The course is well-established and widely accepted by universities, providing you with UCAS tariff points that are equivalent to three A Levels.

Subjects/Topics Covered

The Access to HE Diploma in Social Sciences is designed to prepare students for entry into a broad range of undergraduate programs. The subjects covered in this course typically include:

  • Psychology: You will explore the causes and treatments of a range of psychological conditions
  • Sociology: Within this you will enhance your knowledge about the impact of society on health, why people commit crime and the changing dynamics of the family in the UK.
  • Research and Referencing: students will learn about research methods used in medical and healthcare fields, including qualitative and quantitative research.
  • Study Skills: This module covers communication skills that are essential for success in the social sciences, including verbal and written communication, presentation skills, and teamwork.

Assessment Method

The Access to HE Diploma is designed to reflect the rigor and demands of undergraduate study. It includes a range of assessment methods such as essays, reports, exams, presentations, and portfolios. The assessments will be spread throughout the year, and you will receive regular feedback to help you progress and develop your skills.

Study Time

You will study in college for 12 hours a week and complete the rest of your studies independently. If you are prepared to study hard, this is a great flexible course to fit around your lifestyle and working commitments - voluntary or paid work within related fields will strengthen your university application and is recommended.

Please note that Access courses require at least one day per week of independent study and applicants must be able to commit to that.

Progression Opportunities

This course will help you progress onto a variety of degree courses, including University Centre Weston’s:

  • Criminology and Public Services BA (Hons)

  • Counselling BSc (Hons) (please note that you will need to have completed a level 2 in Counselling in addition to Access to progress to this degree)

  • Education, Society and Childhood BSc (Hons)

  • Early Years Education BA (Hons)

  • SEND and Inclusive Practice BA (Hons)

Plus a range of degrees at universities across the country, including:

  • Social Work

  • Education

  • Psychology

  • Sociology

  • Business

  • History

  • Philosophy

  • Social Policy

  • Youth Justice

  • Youth Work

Entry Requirements

GSCE English Grade 4/C is mandatory. It may be possible to study GCSE maths alongside, as this will be needed for most universities, but this is dependent on the applicant’s circumstances and will be discussed at interview. We will consider equivalent qualifications, but the applicant must check that their equivalents will be accepted for entry to their chosen university.

Please note, that if you wish to progress to UWE Bristol, they will consider accepting maths units which are studied within the Access programme as equivalent to GCSE maths. This will be discussed at interview.

Additional Support

Our dedicated team of experts is on hand to provide you with tailored advice and support to help you make the right decisions about your future career and course choices. Whether you need help developing your employability skills, exploring your options, or deciding which course to take, we're here to help you achieve your goals.

Plus, as a Microsoft College, all of our students and apprentices get FREE access to LinkedIn Learning. This is an amazing online platform that offers expert-led courses to help you develop your business, technology-related, and creative skills. At Weston College, we're dedicated to helping you achieve success in your career, whatever your goals may be. So why not take that first step today and join our adult community of learners? We can't wait to help you unlock your full potential!

Financing Your Course

At Weston College, we believe that learning should be accessible to everyone. That's why we offer a range of adult courses that could be free or significantly discounted. Apply online today and our friendly team will be in touch to see how we can ensure you can enrol and get the best price for your course.

Alex

Access to HE

Alex has shown outstanding commitment and resilience, balancing full-time work, family life, and study with exemplary attendance and strong engagement. Despite challenges, he remains highly motivated, supports peers in and outside lessons, and fosters a collaborative, positive learning environment - truly reflecting Weston College’s values and community spirit.

Access to HE Diploma (Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Professions)

This course is designed for people aged 19 or over years and is perfect for anyone looking to start a career in nursing, midwifery or any of the allied health professions, or considering changing careers to work in these fields.

A career in any nursing and midwifery-focussed profession empowers you to help people, working in a variety of positions and a wide choice of specialties.

Access to HE Diploma (Psychology)

This is an exciting new course which is designed for people aged 19 or over and is perfect for anyone looking to start a career in psychology, social sciences, educational psychology, teaching, child development, childcare, social work or the criminal justice system.

Subjects/Topics Covered

The modules in this course typically include subjects such as:

  • Psychology
  • Health and Biology
  • Education
  • Study Skills

Assessment Methods

The Access to HE Diploma is designed to reflect the rigour and demands of undergraduate study. It includes a range of assessment methods such as essays, reports, in class exams, presentations, and portfolios.

Study Time

The course is in college, face to face on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am to 4.45pm. Please note that Access courses require at least one day per week in addition to your timetabled sessions of independent study and applicants must be able to commit to that.

Progression Opportunities

Progression Opportunities

This course will help you progress onto a variety of degree courses within science pathways, including University Centre Weston’s:

  • Early Years Education BA (Hons)
  • Education, Society and Childhood, BA (Hons)
  • Education and Training Certificate
  • SEND and Inclusive Practice BA (Hons)
  • Criminology and Protective Services BSc (Hons)

Plus a range of degrees at universities across the country, including:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Criminology
  • Teaching
  • Early Years
  • Child Psychology
  • Counseling
  • Social Work
  • Youth Offending

Entry Requirements

GSCE English and maths Grade 4/C is recommended. We will consider equivalent qualifications, but the applicant must check that their equivalents will be accepted for entry to their chosen university.

Financing Your Course

At Weston College, we believe that learning should be accessible to everyone. That's why we offer a range of adult courses that could be free or significantly discounted. Apply online today and our friendly team will be in touch to see how we can ensure you can enrol and get the best price for your course. Don't let finances hold you back from pursuing your passion and advancing your career.

Access to HE Diploma (Business Management)

Take the first step towards your career in business by gaining the relevant academic subject knowledge required for higher education study.

This is an exciting new course which is designed for people aged 19 or over and is perfect for anyone looking to start a business, progress in business or work in accounting, finance, HR, marketing and management.

The course is well-established and widely accepted by universities, providing you with UCAS tariff points that are equivalent to three A Levels.

Daniel

Access to HE

Daniel’s journey through the Access to Higher Education course is inspiring. Despite joining late, he quickly excelled, balancing work, family, and studies with resilience and determination.
His positivity and kindness fostered a supportive learning environment, encouraging his peers.
Now studying Adult Nursing at UWE, Daniel’s dedication ensures he will become an exceptional nurse.

Change Direction With An Access To HE Course

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Do you feel like you have missed your chance to go to university? Maybe you didn't get the necessary grades first time around, or maybe you feel it's too late? You can still go to university, at any age, by studying an Access to HE course!

 

WHAT IS AN ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION (HE) COURSE?

Pre-Access to HE

This course is designed for people aged 19 or over and is perfect for anyone looking to start progress to university soon but is not ready to embark on the full Access to HE programmes yet.

This is a level 2 course, which will help you to develop strong academic skills, regardless of your educational achievement. It is suitable for people who:

Access to HE Diploma (Veterinary Science and Zoology)

This course is designed for people aged 19 or over and is perfect for anyone looking to start a career in the veterinary, zoology, life sciences or any animal or land based career, or considering changing careers to work in these fields.

A career in any animal-based profession empowers you to help people and/or animals, working in a variety of positions and a wide choice of specialties.

Richard

Access to HE

Richard's educational journey at Weston College serves as an inspiring story for adult learners considering significant career shifts. Motivated by a desire to enter the veterinary nursing field, Richard chose Weston College's Access to Higher Education course to acquire the necessary qualifications while balancing his work commitments.

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