Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work)

Do you want a career that improves the lives of vulnerable people? Do you have the drive and resilience to make a stand for what is right? Do you currently fall short of the entry requirements for a degree in social work? If you answered yes to all of these questions, an Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) could be the next step for you. Social work is a challenging and fulfilling profession which is in need of meticulous, dedicated workers. If you think you could make it as a social worker, studying with Stonebridge is guaranteed way to make it happen.

The qualification we offer has been designed especially to prepare students for the demands of undergraduate study in a social work field. Stonebridge’s Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work) provides students with a foundation of knowledge in a number of important areas. Students can expect to study units in social work theory and practice, psychology and sociology. They will also develop their core study skills by completing units in academic writing and independent research.

Our Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) is a distance learning course. Learning in this way allows you to develop your organisational abilities and become independent thinkers. These qualities will be essential whilst studying towards your degree and even more important when you begin your career in social work. Distance learning also allows you the flexibility you need to succeed. You can study from home, online, at a time that is convenient for you. What’s more is that there are no set classes you must attend. At Stonebridge we believe that student-led learning is the key to success.

How does my Access to HE Diploma work?

Once you have enrolled on your Access to HE Diploma (Social Work), the rest of the process is pretty straightforward. We supply all of our aspiring social workers with all the relevant information and useful study tips. As well as this, you will have unlimited access to our online course materials and the constant help and support of our expert tutors. Our tutors are contactable via phone, email and our online platform, PEARL, and will be there to guide you through study methods and help you if things ever get tough.

Distance learning offers students a great deal of flexibility. This means that our social work students can study where and when they choose. While this type of learning is beneficial for most students, it does take an amount of self-discipline on the student’s behalf. All of our distance learners should make sure they are finding time to get the work done and meeting targets.

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?

The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). For each unit you study in your course, you will be required to complete an assessment. These assessments will be marked and graded by one of our tutors, who will also provide useful feedback to help you improve next time. You will then be awarded a number of credits. In order to achieve the Access to HE Diploma you must achieve 60 credits in total. Of these 60 credits, 45 will be drawn from graded units which are concerned with academic subject content. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded units which are included to help you to refine and build on your study skills.

What happens after the Access to HE Diploma?

After successfully completing your Access to HE Diploma (Social Work), you should be feeling ready to begin studying at an undergraduate level. If you do decide however, that you don’t want to continue studying, your Level 3 qualification will certainly broaden your career prospects.

Those who do go on to complete a HCPC accredited degree course will be eligible to register as qualified social workers. Once that’s done, individuals can begin working to support a variety of people including the elderly, teenagers, young offenders, families, refugees or asylum seekers. Social workers are needed in lots of different sectors. Once you graduate you could be working for:

• An NHS Trust
• A local authority
• The voluntary sector
• Private sector

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: 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 6:  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 7:  Social Factors in Health Care

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand sociological factors influencing the relationships between patients and health professionals.
• Understand the role of social motivational factors in health and ill health.
• Understand the significance of social support networks in health care and maintenance.

Unit 8: Poverty & Health

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand definitions of and explanations for poverty and health.
• Understand approaches to poverty and health.
• Understand the approaches to the social distribution of health chances.

Unit 9: Sociology of Health

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand concepts and models of health.
• Understand the social construction of health and ill health.
• Understand alternative approaches to health.

Unit 10: 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. 
• Understand the nature and extent of changes within the family, with reference to gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships. 
• Understand changing patterns of marriage, divorce, separation and child rearing. 

Unit 11:  Introduction to Social Work

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the historical development of social work.
• Understand the roles and tasks of social workers.
• Understand the legal basis of social work.
• Understand how social work services are organised in the statutory, voluntary and independent sector.
• Understand the main purposes and values of social work.

Unit 12:  Morals and Ethics in Social Work

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand ethics and ethical issues in social work practice.
• Understand moral dilemmas and social work practice.

Unit 13:  Anti-Oppressive Practice

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the legal framework which identifies rights and responsibilities in relation to equal opportunities.
• Understand how individuals can be affected by oppression.
• Understand society’s and own stereotypes.
• Understand the use of positive action incountering oppression.

Unit 14: Combating Prejudice & Discrimination

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand theoretical explanations for prejudice and discrimination.
• Understand legislative responses to discrimination and prejudice.
• Understand community initiatives in

Unit 15:  Personal Social Services

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the development of social care in Britain and the importance of legislation since 1945.
• Understand the varying nature of social work provision for children and adults.
• Understand the role of the independent sector in the provision of welfare.
• Understand the welfare requirements of various groups.

Unit 16:  Contemporary Issues in Social Policy

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand current issues in social policy. 
• Understand current legislation in relation to current issues in social policy. 
• Understand the economic context of a contemporary issue. 

Unit 17:  Foundations of Social Policy 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the historical origins of social policy in the U.K.
•  Understand the key influences on social policy in the 18th and 19th Centuries. 
• Understand changes in the political order. 
• Understand different types of voluntary action and role of poverty surveys. 

Unit 18: 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 19: 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 20: 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.

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 £96.00).