Course Directory > Access to Higher Education > Access to Higher Education Diploma - Social Sciences *

Access to Higher Education Diploma - Social Sciences *

Course level: 
3
Qualification type: 
Diploma
Subject area: 
Access to Higher Education
Awarding body: 
Laser Awards

What is the Access to Higher Education Diploma?

This course is designed to provide students over 19 with an entry qualification to University or other Higher Education courses.

It is aimed at those who have been out of learning for some time and wish to change direction in their lives through academic study. It is necessary to have a good general educational grounding. If you feel you never achieved your potential this may be the ideal course for you.

Before you can enrol you will need to complete an application form stating what qualifications you have already achieved, you will then be asked to attend an informal interview which will entail a short written task.  You will need to produce your certificates at the interview.

Students should  have already gained Maths, Science and English GCSE at grade C or Adult Literacy and Numeracy qualifications at Level 2 or an IELTS score of 6.5 and a Numeracy qualification.

An interview is required before you can enrol on this course.

Course topics

You will study four subject modules; on the Social Sciences pathway these are dependent on recruitment and could include:

  • Communication Studies
  • Psychology
  • Social Biology
  • Sociology
  • Environmental Studies

Teaching and learning

The lesson style has emphasis on student participation. You will be involved in discussions, seminars and individual and group research. There will be video and practical sessions and you will be expected to prepare assignments. Guidance will be given on each task you undertake. There will also be lessons on study skills, IT and statistics. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you in your studies and progression.

Time management is essential in completing the assessment tasks and you should allow for five hours a week study time per subject outside of class. You will be given deadlines and expected to keep to these, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Assessment details

Assessment is by continuous coursework and short examinations.

Progression

Most students, who successfully complete the course, enter Higher Education to follow degree courses. Students have progressed on to Teacher Training, Social Work, Law, Psychology and  English degrees.

Students who will be seeking progression to vocational courses such as Social Work and Teaching will need to ensure they have the appropriate work experience to back up the course.

Costs included

£900 tuition fee.

Registration fee.

Extra costs

Books approximately £100, USB Flash Drive, A4 file, writing materials and file paper.

Notes

Unless your tutor informs you otherwise, classes will not be held on College closure days. Details regarding these dates can be found in the Adult Student Handbook http://www.altoncollege.ac.uk/adult-education/adult-student-handbook or on the General Information page http://www.altoncollege.ac.uk/adult-education/general-information 

This leaflet is available in other formats on request

  • Adult Education Course: