One Award Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma: Social Sciences

This is a 60 credit diploma course. 15 credits are from ungraded units and 45 credits are from graded units. Graded units are assessed at pass, merit and distinction (See unit/modules for breakdown of units).

This course aims to develop the skills and knowledge required for undergraduate courses in the Social Sciences. Students will develop their academic writing skills and build a strong foundational knowledge in Psychology, Sociology, Criminology and Social Policy.

This course is designed for busy adult learners with other commitments. Delivery of the course is a mixture of class-based activities and online learning so you will attend college two days per week. In-class activities will involve lectures, group work, peer learning and project-based tasks. You will also have access to online course materials via Google Classroom, which can be accessed via your laptop, tablet and mobile phone.

You will study ungraded units such as:

• Access Project: 6 credits
• Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Study in Higher Education: 3 credits
• Academic Skills for Access to HE: 6 credits

In addition, you will study these specialist topics (Graded at pass, merit and distinction):

• Sociology: 9 credits
• Psychology: 9 credits
• Psychology - Development in Childhood and Adolescence: 9 credits
• Social policy: 9 credits
• The Sociology of Crime and Deviance: 9 credits

This course will give you the underpinning knowledge required for degree level study in specialist topics such as sociology, psychology, criminology and social policy.In addition, you will improve your academic skills such as academic writing, researching, critical thinking and information literacy skills.

You will also develop skills valued by employers. These include teamwork, data analysis, time management and problem-solving skills. By the end of the course, you will also be proficient at using a range of word processing and spreadsheet software including Microsoft Office and G Suite. For example, you will be able to use spreadsheets to analyse data.

You will be assessed via range coursework including essays, exams, reports, academic posters, presentations and booklets.

GCSEs in English and maths and English at grade 4 or above. Equivalent qualifications may be considered. Additional requirements include a successful interview and demonstration of appropriate sector care values.