ACCSOCFT

This course has a Distance Learning option – please select at application 

The Access to HE Diploma Social Science is a one-year, full time, level 3 course, which has been designed for people who want to study either social science subject at university.

Sociology and psychology will give you the opportunity to sample a range of different topics to help you decide your preferred field of study and prepare you for university.

There are a wide range of courses that you can study on completion of this Access diploma. It may help to consider the type of job you would like to do in the future to help you select a degree

• Sociology
• Psychology
• Criminology
• Counselling
• Youth Work
• Education

The degree you choose following the Access to HE Diploma will determine the type of job you could do in the future. Possible jobs

• Clinical psychologist
• Counselling psychologist
• Educational psychologist
• Forensic psychologist
• Further education teacher
• Health psychologist
• High intensity therapist
• Occupational psychologist
• Advice worker
• Community development worker
• Further education teacher
• Higher education lecturer
• International aid/development worker
• Policy officer
• Social researcher
• Youth worker

Psychology Units

• Introduction to Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Mental Health and Illness

Sociology Units

• Introduction to Sociology
• Sociology of Education
• Sociology of the Family
• Understanding Poverty

Criminology Units

• Situational Aspects of Crime
• Forensic Psychology

Social Work Units

• Safeguarding

There are a range of strategies used to assess each unit on the social work diploma, these vary and could come in the form of a presentation, a professional discussion, essay, podcast, academic poster, report or video. Each assessment will be marked and graded by your lecturer and then returned to you along with useful feedback and tips for improvement.

You require a GCSE grade C/ 4 in English Language or an equivalent qualification, such as L2 Functional Skills English.

It is desirable to have GCSE grade C/ 4 in Maths or an equivalent qualification, such as L2 Functional Skills Maths as well. If not, you can study this alongside your Access Diploma, as you will need it for your Degree qualification.

You will need access to notebooks and stationery.

Course timetable to be confirmed

September 2025