AccessCoursesOnline
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities and Social Science)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities and Social Science)
Couldn't load pickup availability
- Description
If you're interested in marketing and social sciences but lack the traditional qualifications to enter university, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities & Social Science) is your perfect route. This nationally recognised Level 3 qualification will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to kick-start your marketing career or progress to university in just one year.
Why Choose This Course?
Our 100% online course is flexible and designed for adults balancing study with work and family commitments. Whether you’re interested in advertising, public relations, digital marketing, or market research, this diploma provides a strong foundation to help you thrive in the industry.
- Get on the fast track to university – Equivalent to A Levels, this course is accepted by many universities.
- Gain essential marketing skills – Learn about branding, social media, PR, event management, and SEO.
- Develop analytical and research abilities – Assess sources, present arguments, and write compelling content.
- Flexible learning at your own pace – Complete in as little as 9 months.
- No exams – assessment through coursework – Achieve your diploma through end-of-unit 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).
Start Your Creative Journey Today
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
Course Outline
Our Access to Humanities and Social Sciences is designed to provide learners with a strong foundation in key social science disciplines. This online course is ideal for those looking to pursue higher education and careers in fields such as sociology, criminology, politics, social work, media studies, and history. Throughout the course, you will explore a diverse range of topics that offer valuable insights into society, culture, and historical events. You’ll examine the Sociology of Identity, Crime and Deviance, and the role of the Mass Media, gaining a deeper understanding of how individuals and communities are shaped by social structures and institutions. Additionally, you’ll explore Social Welfare in the UK, analysing policies and their impact on different groups within society. For those interested in history and politics, you will study the Weimar Republic and the Rise of Nazism, Political Representation in the UK, and the dynamics of dictatorship in the twentieth century, allowing you to critically evaluate key historical turning points and their lasting effects on the modern world. This diploma also equips learners with essential research skills through a dedicated Research Topic unit, preparing you for the demands of higher education. Upon completion, you’ll be well-prepared to progress into degrees and careers in sociology, criminology, social research, political science, history, journalism, law enforcement, social work, and beyond. Whether you aspire to work in policy-making, education, or community development, this course provides the knowledge and academic foundation to take the next step in your career.
Modules
Modules
To complete your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science & Humanities), 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 study skills
Skills for Learning & Core Units
- Academic Study Techniques – Develop key skills to succeed in higher education
- Developing Critical Thinking – Learn how to assess arguments and evidence effectively
- Progressing to Higher Education – Guidance on taking the next step toward university
- Independent Research – Conduct academic research with confidence
Sociology & Media
- Sociology of Identity – Explore how identity is shaped by society
- Sociology of Mass Media – Understand the role of media in shaping public opinion
- Understanding Crime & Deviance – Examine theories of crime and its impact on society
- Globalisation – Study the effects of global interconnectedness
- Social Welfare in the UK – Learn about the structure of welfare systems
History & Politics
- Cause & Consequence in History – Understand historical events and their impacts
- Hitler’s Germany – Study the political and social aspects of Nazi rule
- Dictatorship in the Twentieth Century – Explore different authoritarian regimes
- Political Representation – Learn about the role of Prime Ministers, Ministers & Civil Servants
Additional Studies
- Research Topic – Investigate an area of interest in-depth
This course is designed to equip you with analytical, research, and academic writing skills, preparing you for university study in a wide range of social science and humanities fields.
Curious to learn more about each module? Simply click on the module title to access detailed information and get a sneak peek into what you’ll be studying. We’re excited to support you on your journey to higher education!
Enrolment Requirements
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
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
Qualification
On successful completion of the course, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities), 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
Careers
Any qualification that has a connection with human relationships is always one with a lot of career options including:
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.
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
Free Lesson Sample - Literary Theory
Meet your expert friendly tutor
