Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities)
Embark on an Access to HE Diploma (Social Science and Humanities) and you could be one step closer to achieving an undergraduate degree. This specific qualification offers a balance of sociological, historical, political and psychological units and helps to prepare students for the academic demands of an undergraduate degree. Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities) is particularly suitable for students with a critical mind and a keen interest in how society functions.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities) has been designed especially for those who want to attend university, but do not currently hold the qualifications needed to meet the entry requirements. An Access to HE Diploma will help students to develop their confidence, hone their writing and research skills and allow them to ease themselves back into education.
Another benefit of studying with us is that students don’t have to wait until September to enrol on a course and start studying. We know time is precious and we don’t want to waste it. You can begin studying as soon as you enrol; whether it is September or any other time of the year. Furthermore, you don’t have time-consuming classes to attend. Your entire Access to HE Diploma can be completed from the comfort of your own home. All you will need is access to the internet.
How does my Access to Higher Education Diploma work?
We pride ourselves on offering a student-led experience. This means that your Access to HE Diploma will work around you. Once you have enrolled, you will be provided with access to your online learning materials as well as all the information you need to get started.
This flexibility is great for learners with busy work and family lives. However, some people initially worry about the independence and lack of structure. We know this can be daunting, which is why students can get in touch with their tutors. A team of qualified and experienced tutors are there to provide you with guidance and support, as well as marking your assignments. Our student support team are also available to help you with any concerns or worries that you may have about your course.
How long it takes you to complete your diploma really depends upon how much time you are able to dedicate to your studies. The programme is designed to give you the flexibility to study at times that are suitable for you, and to fit your studies around your other commitments. You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies. An Access to HE Diploma can be completed within two years. However, most students complete their course within 9-12 months.
How will my Access to HE Diploma be assessed?
Your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities) combines a number of educational units. For each unit, you will be required to complete an assignment. Assignments are essential to your progress throughout this course. This assignment will display how far you have understood the content. All assignments will be marked by a tutor and returned to you, along with feedback. Once all assignments have been completed and marked, we will be able to award you with a number of credits. In order to achieve the Access to HE Diploma you must earn 60 credits altogether. You should be aware that 45 of these credits are taken from graded units which are concerned with academic subject areas. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded units which are included to help you to develop your study skills. The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
What happens after the Access to HE Diploma?
By the end of your time with studying with us, you should feel ready and raring to pursue degree level study. If you work hard, your Access to HE Diploma could be your entrance ticket to the university of your choice. In fact, many universities across the UK are especially enthusiastic about admitting students holding this type of qualification. This is because many Access to HE Diploma students have greater life experience and unwavering dedication.
Once you have completed your degree programme, you will have a vast choice of careers or progression opportunities. Social Sciences and Humanities are relevant in almost every professional field. You could end up working in one of these jobs:
- Teaching
- Management
- Charity work
- Social and Youth Work
- Local Government
- Public Services
- Human Resources
Qualification: Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities)
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: (4000/887/3). This course has also been assigned 60 credits.
Requirements for Entry
Learners must have GCSE in both English and Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) or be working towards these qualifications. They also need to aspire to study a Social Science and Humanities related degree at university.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas are widely accepted as an alternative to 'A Levels' for University entry and have a proven track record of helping students to secure a place on their chosen degree.
Learners should, however, be aware that Universities each apply their own entry requirements, and these vary broadly depending on the reputation and popularity of the university and of the degree programme that relates to your area of interest.
These variable admission criteria may include but are not limited to:
- Achievement of a certain amount of Access to HE Diploma units at Merit or distinction.
- Successful completion of a face-to-face interview at the University.
- Successful completion of literacy and numeracy assessments by the University.
- Completion of specific unpaid work experience or a previous job role.
- Prior attainment of GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above, or equivalent such as Functions Skills at Level 2.
It is vitally important that each student investigates the entry requirements of a range of universities that they could practically attend to determine if the Access to HE Diploma, and units included in the course, will meet university entry requirements.
Students should complete this exercise as early as possible so that they can plan for which establishment they will be applying to, and start to work towards it.
Whilst we have the fullest confidence that the Access to Higher Education Diplomas are compliant and perfectly sufficient to form part of a University application, Stonebridge Associated Colleges will not be able to accept any liability for the inability of any Access to Higher Education student to secure an offer from a Higher Education establishment due to the variables involved.
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.
Unit 1: Preparing To Study
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how study is organised and planned
- Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
- Understand a range of constraints upon study
- Understand the importance of assessment feedback.
Unit 2: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas
Unit 3: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan, draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 4: Introduction to Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of research in psychology.
- Understand the main approaches in psychology.
- Understand ethical issues in psychological research.
Unit 5: Understanding Crime and Deviance
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand explanations of crime and deviance.
- Understand theories of crime and deviance.
- Understand perceptions of crime and deviance.
Unit 6: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand research in an area of cognitive psychology.
- Understand how the findings of research into cognitive processes can be applied to real-life issues.
Unit 7: Industrial Change in Britain 1700-1850
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the pattern of industry and urban society c1700-1760.
- Understand the causes and nature of industrial change in Britain c1760-1850.
- Understand the impact of industrial change on British social, economic and political life by 1850.
Unit 8: Political Parties
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the role of political parties in the British Political System.
- Understand the difference between a single party, dominant party, two-party and multi-party system.
- Understand the development, policies and structure of the Labour Party.
- Understand the development, policies and structure of the Conservative Party.
- Understand the development, policies and structure of the Liberal Democrats and the Minor Parties.
Unit 9: Sociology of Education
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of education as a socialising agency.
- Understand the roles of education in contemporary society.
- Understand the sociological explanations of labelling and the use of stereotypes.
- Understand the concept of meritocracy.
Unit 10: Imperialism in the Late 19th Century
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of economics in late 19th century imperialism.
- Understand the Political importance of late 19th century imperialism.
- Understand the effect of late 19th century imperialism on the continent of Africa.
Unit 11: The Brain and Nervous System (psychology)
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the major sub divisions of the nervous system.
- Understand the structure and function of glial cells and neurons.
Unit 12: Sociology of Mass Media
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the patterns of ownership and control of the mass media.
- Understand the role of the mass media.
- Understand the process of selection and presentation of the news.
- Understand how media stereotypes are presented.
Unit 13: Social Change in Britain 1914-1939
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the impact of World War 1 on British society.
- Understand the social consequences of unemployment, housing and health problems during the period 1918 – 1939.
- Understand developments in family life, and leisure opportunities.
Unit 14: Abnormal Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the difficulties faced by psychologists in the definition and diagnosis of abnormal behaviour.
- Understand a psychological disorder.
- Understand possible treatments used to treat people with psychological disorders.
Unit 15: Sociology of the Family
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand changes in family structure.
- Understand sociological explanations of the family to include Functionalist, Marxist, feminist and interactionist views.
Unit 16: Understanding Drama
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how an author creates character.
- Understand the structure of plot within a drama.
- Understand the part played by language in dramatic effect.
- Understand how a play transfers from page to stage.
Unit 17: Public Health during the 18th and 19th Centuries
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the nature of urban development and public health during the 18th Century.
- Understand the causes and effects of public health problems in the 19th Century.
- Understand the nature and impact of attempts to address public health problems in the 19th Century.
Unit 18: Political Representation - Prime Ministers, Ministers and Civil Servants
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand what is meant by ‘Cabinet Government’.
- Understand the extent to which Britain has moved to a system of ‘Prime Ministerial Government’.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of Ministers.
- Understand the role of Civil Servants and their channels of influence.
- Understand how the position of the Civil Service has changed over the past 20 years.
What’s Included:
- All study materials
- Study Guide
- Full tutor and Admin support
- The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £96)
