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 promises to prepare students for the academic demands of student life. This course is particularly suitable for students with a critical mind and a keen interest in how society functions.

Courses like the Access to HE Diploma (Social Science and Humanities) have been designed especially for individuals who want to attend university, but do not currently hold the qualifications needed to meet the entry requirements. The course 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 Stonebridge 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. If you choose us, you can begin studying as soon as you enrol; whether it is September or any other time of the year. Furthermore, when you study with us, you don’t have time-consuming classes to attend. Your entire qualification 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?

At Stonebridge, 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, we will provide you with access to our online course materials and supply you with 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. At Stonebridge, we know this can be daunting, which is why students can get in touch with our tutors. Our experienced tutors will be contactable via phone, our online platform, PEARL and email and will be able to help you with assessments, timetabling and any worries or anxieties concerning your studies. Students will also be able to talk among each other using our unique online platform.

How long it takes you to complete your course really depends upon how much time you are able to dedicate to your studies. The programmes are designed to give you the flexibility to study at times that are suitable for you, and to fit your studies around your other commitments. The maximum time you have to complete your Diploma is outlined in your Individual Learning Plan (ILP). The minimum time you can complete your course is six months, on average learners complete their course within 8 to 9 months.

How will my Access to HE Diploma be assessed?

Your Access to HE Diploma (Social Science and Humanities) combines a number of educational units. For each unit, you will be required to complete an assignment. This assignment will display to us how far you have understood the content. All assessments will be marked by a tutor and returned to you, along with some useful feedback. Once all assessments 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 content. 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 Stonebridge, you should feel ready and raring to pursue university 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

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 concepts and debates in responding to a set, academic writing task.
• Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas.
• Understand the role of reference, allusion and paraphrase to avoid plagiarism.

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: Independent Research

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to plan a piece of research on an approved subject area.
• Be able to collect research material from different sources
• Be able to use data to substantiate an argument
• Be able to record sources of information
• Be able to present research findings

Unit 5: The Origins of The Welfare State

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand what is meant by the term social welfare.
• Know the purpose of the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act and its effects on society.
• Explain and discuss early twentieth century Liberal Reforms and their effect on society.
• Recognise the significance of the Beveridge Report.
• Recognise the social problems which the Welfare State attempted to address.

Unit 6: Progressing to Higher Education

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand potential next steps in education.
• Understand key sources of information relevant to HE application.
• Understand personal HE opportunities.
• Understand the financial implications of further study.
• Know how to apply for a course

Unit 7: 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 8: Prime Ministers, Ministers & 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.

Unit 9: Britain & Europe

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand why the EEC was established and why Britain’s attitude towards it changed.
• Understand the development of the political parties’ views on Europe.
• Understand how the structures of the EU work.
• Understand the impact of EU membership on British politics and the future prospects for the EU.

Unit 10: 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 11: The Brain & Nervous System   

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: 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 13:  Introduction To Sociology

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the sociological approach and its distinction from common sense and other social sciences.
• Understand basic concepts in sociological explanation.
• Understand contrasting sociological perspectives.
• Understand concepts and perspectives relating to a specific social institution.

Unit 14:  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 15:  Understanding Crime & Deviance

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand explanations of crime and deviance.
• Know theories of crime and deviance.
• Understand perceptions of crime and deviance.

Unit 16:  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 17: 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 18: Introduction to Political Ideologies

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand what is meant by a political ideology.
• Understand the functions of political ideologies.
• Understand the different types of political ideologies.
• Understand the value of political ideologies.

Unit 19: 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 during the period 1918 – 1939.
• Understand the nature and consequences of housing and health problems during the
• period 1918 – 1939.
• Understand developments in family life, leisure opportunities and living standards.

Unit 20:  Public Health during the 18th & 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.

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)