Level 3 Access to Higher Education (Social Science)

Level 3 Access to Higher Education (Social Science)

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  • Course Overview
  • Entry Requirements
  • Course Fees
  • Admissions

Course Overview

Access Diplomas to Higher Education are designed for learners who may not hold traditional qualifications such as A Levels, but who want to study at degree level. They are designed to give you relevant academic knowledge and skills before progression to higher education and are widely recognised by universities as alternative qualifications.

Duration of Study

The Access to HE diploma is a one-year course, starting every year in September and finishing the following June. You will typically attend timetabled lessons at college for 2 days per week and you will be expected to commit to a further recommended 10 hours of self-study at home.

Modules/What you will learn*

You will study a range of different modules designed to give you the relevant skills and knowledge required to progress onto your chosen degree course. Along with your three main modules (listed below) you will also work on your Study Techniques and have tutorial guidance for your UCAS application.

Criminology and Law

  • Measurements of crime
  • Civil and criminal courts
  • Crime and media
  • Family law (children)
  • Forensic Psychology

Psychology

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Memory
  • Personality
  • Abnormal Psychology

Sociology

  • Introduction to sociology
  • Globalisation
  • Sociology of the family
  • Understanding poverty
  • Crime and deviance
  • Sociology of education

*all modules are subject to change

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods are varied to give you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and to prepare you for the types of assessment you will undertake at higher education. These could include:

  • Essays
  • Exams
  • Newsletters
  • Presentations
  • Posters
  • Reports
  • Research Projects
  • Group-work

Qualification

To achieve this diploma, you will need to achieve a total of 60 Credits (45 graded and 15 ungraded). Grades available are Pass, Merit and Distinction. Universities sometimes ask for a certain number of credits, in certain subject areas, at these grades. It is a good idea to check with your chosen university before you start your Access course.

Will you fit in?

Access Diplomas to Higher Education students are generally aged between 19 and 60. They are men and women and are from diverse backgrounds. Some have more recent experience of study while some have not attended school since compulsory education. You will study alongside other learners who have similar progression and career aims as you.

Course Overview

Access Diplomas to Higher Education are designed for learners who may not hold traditional qualifications such as A Levels, but who want to study at degree level. They are designed to give you relevant academic knowledge and skills before progression to higher education and are widely recognised by universities as alternative qualifications.

Duration of Study

The Access to HE diploma is a one-year course, starting every year in September and finishing the following June. You will typically attend timetabled lessons at college for 2 days per week and you will be expected to commit to a further recommended 10 hours of self-study at home.

Modules/What you will learn*

You will study a range of different modules designed to give you the relevant skills and knowledge required to progress onto your chosen degree course. Along with your three main modules (listed below) you will also work on your Study Techniques and have tutorial guidance for your UCAS application.

Criminology and Law

  • Measurements of crime
  • Civil and criminal courts
  • Crime and media
  • Family law (children)
  • Forensic Psychology

Psychology

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Memory
  • Personality
  • Abnormal Psychology

Sociology

  • Introduction to sociology
  • Globalisation
  • Sociology of the family
  • Understanding poverty
  • Crime and deviance
  • Sociology of education

*all modules are subject to change

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods are varied to give you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and to prepare you for the types of assessment you will undertake at higher education. These could include:

  • Essays
  • Exams
  • Newsletters
  • Presentations
  • Posters
  • Reports
  • Research Projects
  • Group-work

Qualification

To achieve this diploma, you will need to achieve a total of 60 Credits (45 graded and 15 ungraded). Grades available are Pass, Merit and Distinction. Universities sometimes ask for a certain number of credits, in certain subject areas, at these grades. It is a good idea to check with your chosen university before you start your Access course.

Will you fit in?

Access Diplomas to Higher Education students are generally aged between 19 and 60. They are men and women and are from diverse backgrounds. Some have more recent experience of study while some have not attended school since compulsory education. You will study alongside other learners who have similar progression and career aims as you.

As the Access courses involves a good deal of academic writing, it is required that you have a good level of English before you begin. You will attend an interview with a member of the teaching team.
You will also need to hold an

  • English GCSE grade 4 (C) or Functional Skills Level 2
  • Maths GCSE grade 3 (D) or Functional Skills Level 1

If the above maths criteria cannot be met, you will be asked to complete a screening test at interview to determine the appropriate level.

For 19-23 year olds the course is free if you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification. Otherwise the following fees will apply:

  • Course fee: £3,022
  • Exam fee: £94

19+ learners may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of the course, and are advised to apply as soon as they are accepted on the course.

More information on Access to Higher Education fees and funding (PDF)

The decisions on applications for HE candidates are made by curriculum staff after interview, audition or portfolio review have taken place.

Course Summary

Length of study:
1 year

Starting:
September

Study campus:
City

Study option(s):
Full time

Course level:
Level 3

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Fees and funding

If you are aged 16-18 and applying for a full-time programme, then you will not have to pay for your course. If you are aged 19+ then there may be a fee for your course.

Why Coventry

From entry-level qualifications, through to degree-level and specialist professional courses there’s something here for students with little or no formal education right up to career high-flyers. Expect a vibrant environment where you can meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.

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Programme Ref: COV_ACHE_1880 Last updated: February 19, 2024 12:30 pm

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