Key Facts
New suite of Access to HE Diplomas for August 2024
Our brand new suite of Access to HE Diplomas is available for delivery from 1st August 2024.
Access to HE Diploma (Social Sciences) Overview
Changes to Access to HE confirmed by QAA: Diploma Specification and Grading Scheme
Qualification Summary
The Diploma allows learners to undertake study related to social sciences. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree level programmes including a focus on sociology and psychology which underpin most social science degrees. Many learners join social science degrees after following A level study in these two subjects so the Diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A level studies.
Learners will complete mandatory units which cover an introduction to sociology, psychology and criminology, but then they will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units covering sociology and social policy and have the opportunity to investigate specific aspects of psychology or criminology.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills.
Learners who have followed these routes may need to develop their skills in specific areas as well as learning more about subjects in which they have an interest. If the learner has gone straight into employment, they may not have studied at Level 3 and so this Access to HE Diploma will help them to build on existing skills and provide a good grounding for further academic study.
Why choose this qualification?
This Diploma allows learners to undertake study related to social sciences. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree level programmes including a focus on sociology and psychology which underpin most social science degrees. Many learners join social science degrees after following A level study in these two subjects so the diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A level studies.
Learners will complete mandatory units which cover an introduction to sociology, psychology and criminology, but then they will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units covering sociology and social policy and have the opportunity to investigate specific aspects of psychology or criminology.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills.
Learners who have followed these routes may need to develop their skills in specific areas as well as learning more about subjects in which they have an interest. If the learner has gone straight into employment, they may not have studied at Level 3 and so this Access Diploma will help them to build on existing skills and provide a good grounding for further academic study.