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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science)

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science)

£1,199.00 GBP
£1,199.00 GBP
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If you’re interested in social sciences but lack the traditional qualifications for university, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences) is the perfect stepping stone. This nationally recognised Level 3 qualification provides the essential knowledge and skills to progress into higher education or a related career.

Why Choose This Course?

  • Fast-track your way to university – Equivalent to A Levels, accepted by many universities.
  • Gain valuable skills – Learn to assess credibility, present arguments, and conduct independent research.
  • Engaging social science topics – Covering human rights, discrimination, social identity, and language in media.
  • Flexible learning at your own pace – Complete in as little as 9 months.
  • No exams – coursework-based assessment – Achieve your diploma through written assignments.

Expert one-to-one tutor support – Get personalised guidance from experienced educators.

 

Study Now, Pay Later

We offer Buy Now, Pay Later (12 months interest-free) payment plans, making high-quality education more accessible than ever. Plus, enrolling in an Access to HE course may help you reduce council tax payments (T&Cs apply).

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With Cambridge Online Education – established in 2002 – you’ll receive top-tier online education that prepares you for university and beyond. The diploma is accredited by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). 

Course Outline

The Social Science Diploma offers a deep dive into the study of society, human behaviour, and social systems. With a focus on subjects like sociology, psychology, and social welfare, students will develop critical thinking and research skills that are invaluable in understanding complex social issues. This diploma provides the perfect foundation for those wishing to pursue higher education in fields such as sociology, psychology, criminology, or social work. Graduates will also be well-prepared for careers in education, public policy, social research, or community development. By studying social issues like inequality, crime, and identity, students can play an active role in advocating for change and improving society, making this diploma both intellectually enriching and professionally rewarding.

Modules

To complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science), you’ll need to achieve:

  • 45 graded credits at Level 3 in academic subject areas
  • 15 ungraded credits at either Level 2 or Level 3, focusing on essential skills for success

Skills for Learning & Core Units

Sociology & Social Science

Psychology & Additional Studies

  • Research Topic – Conduct an independent study in a chosen social science area

This course is designed to develop your analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, preparing you for university or a career in social sciences. By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in key subjects and a clear pathway to higher education!

Want to know more about each module? Just click on the module titles above to explore detailed course information. Happy learning!

Enrolment Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for students applying for the Cambridge Online Education Access to H.E. Diplomas. Tutors are nevertheless, required to ensure that learners admitted onto the Diploma possess the necessary skills and personal qualities to cope with the demands of the course.

Assessments

All Access to HE Diplomas require the achievement of 60 credits. 45 of the 60 credits must be graded at Level 3 (pass, merit or distinction). Such credits will arise from the Academic Subject Content Modules. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded and can be achieved at either Level 2 or Level 3. Students may only be registered against units with a maximum combined total credit value of 60. In terms of the length of time required for a learner to complete their diploma, for all Access to HE Diplomas the notional learning hours are 600. Notional learning hours comprise all learning that may be relevant to the achievement of the learning outcomes including directed and private study, practical and project work, assignments and assessment time. The assessment methods used for each unit of your course will be detailed in the Programme Handbook. Your tutor will provide you with formative feedback and provisional grades. Your grades will be then evaluated by the Examination Board. Final grades will be released to students after the External Moderation Visit.

Qualification

On successful completion of the course, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science), at level 3 awarded by the Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group. Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group 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.

Careers

Any qualification that has a connection with human relationships is always one with a lot of career options including: 

 

  • Media and mass communication
  • Public relations
  • Human Resource Management
  • Social Policy
  • Social Worker
  • Carehome Director
  • Counselling
  • Sociologist
  • Psychologist
  • Child Psychologist
  • Counsellor
  • Therapist
  • Analyst
  • Behaviourist
  • Academic
  • Teacher
  • Lecturer
  • Tutor

    •  

    It all depends on your interests, but no matter what you choose, you are up for a career that will cultivate your creativity, strengthen your communication skills, and develop your problem solving and critical thinking skills. As different universities have different entry requirements, you are strongly advised to check these requirements with your chosen tertiary education provider. You can contact our career advisers for further guidance and support in that matter.

     

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    FAQ Social Sciences

    University

    Will I be able to apply to university with this Access Course?

    Yes, our students get accepted to universities across the UK.

    Which university courses can I apply to?

    All courses related to social science, humanities, social work etc. Here are examples of some courses: journalism, politics, international relations, law, history, sociology and many others.

    Will I be able to cope once at the university?

    Yes, we will teach you how to write at an academic level, how to do independent research, how to reference your work etc. By the end of the course you will be able to manage academically when at uni.

    Have Access Courses Online students been offered university places for 2023?

    Yes!

    University of Exeter: politics, Philosophy and Economics

    University of Manchester: Politics, Philosophy and Economics

    SOAS University: Politics, Philosophy and Economics

    UCAS

    Will you help me with my UCAS application?

    Yes, we will help you with the application and your personal statement.

    What are Credits and Units?

    Each Access to Higher Education course comprises of smaller specific thematic Units. Each unit has an allocated level and credit value. Some Units are graded and some units are ungraded. All Access to HE Diplomas require the achievement of 60 credits. 45 of the 60 credits must be graded at Level 3 (pass, merit or distinction). Such credits will arise from the Academic Subject Content Modules. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded and can be achieved at either Level 2 or Level 3. Students may only be registered against units with a maximum combined total credit value of 60.

    How do the Access credits convert to UCAS points?

    This predominantly depends on the grades (pass, merit or distinction) you will get on the Level 3 graded units.

    For more information see: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/entry-requirements/ucas-tariff-points#what-are-ucas-tariff-points

    Which Course is for me?

    Which Access social science course should I choose?

    It depends on what do you want to do after. If you see yourself working as a counselor, social worker, HR personnel or psychologist, then go for social science. If your passion is e.g. journalism, media, philosophy, law, international relations, then social science and humanities will be a better choice for you.

    Can I complete the course while working?

    Yes, all our students work part-time or full-time. Our main goal is to support working students and help them in their goal of getting the qualifications they need to be able to go to university.

    Will I cope?

    How long it will take me to complete the course?

    Access to HE Diplomas can be studied full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years). Our qualifications allow learners to fit their studies around their home and work commitments.

    Will I be able to complete the course in one year?

    You will be able to do that if you follow the study plan and meet the deadlines.

    What if I fall behind?

    Much of the course is working one on one with your tutor. The deadlines, tutorials etc. will be arranged and, if needed, adjusted according to your schedule. So even if you fall behind, we will come up with a ‘rescue’ plan.

    Can I complete the course while working?

    Yes, all our students work part-time or full-time. Our main goal is to support working students and help them in their goal of getting the qualifications they need to be able to go to university.

    My last couple of years in school weren’t great, I am scared that I will not manage academically.

    You should not worry about it. We understand it and we have policies and practices in place to help you. You will have plenty of one-on-one support from your tutor, and in no time, you will become a fully independent learner.

    Does my location matter?

    No. The entire course is provided online. But you must be a UK resident

    How will I attend?

    A live lesson will take place every week online. This lesson will be recorded. If you can’t attend our live lessons, you will be able to watch the recordings. To allow for flexible study, attendance is not monitored interms of live lesson attendance. Learners are expected to participate through submission of assignments and regular communication. Discussion of progress will determine that learners are following their agreed study plan and, therefore, the pace of study.

    Tutoring

    Who are the tutors?

    Each course has a dedicated tutor. Our tutors are qualified subject professionals with extensive work experience in their respective fields. Their biographies are available on our website. You can also read their content in our blog.

    Are you accredited?

    All our courses are accredited. On successful completion of the course, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 awarded by the Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group which is Cambridge Online Education's awarding body. Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group 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.

    Who can I contact if I have questions?

    You can contact our support team and have a chat with a Social Sciences tutor:

    dr.elerian@chsonline.org.uk

    jemma.graham@accesscoursesonline.com

    Tel: +44 (0) 1223 637029

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