What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification is for learners with no prior learning in this area who want an introduction to some key areas of social science. It will be of relevance to learners considering further study in one of a number of related areas at level 3.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
This qualification includes two mandatory units
• Law in action: tort
• Democracy, power and participation in the UK.
Learners can then add further units from a range covering the sociology of education and the family, criminal law, community action, citizenship, equal opportunities and discrimination. They can also include a unit covering the skills required to undertake an extended project.
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
There is a Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Social Sciences. Learners should take the Certificate if they want a programme that gives them a reasonable grounding across different aspects of social science, before progressing to a Level 3 social science course (e.g. an Access to Higher Education: Humanities and Social Sciences or an A level or AS in Sociology).
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification is not designed to support progression to employment.
What are the progression options?
This qualification supports progression to Level 3 learning in the field of social sciences, including for example sociology or law.
Progression & entry requirements
There is no requirement for any specific prior learning or attainment for this qualification. It is anticipated that most learners will not have any prior experience of social science before embarking on this qualification. However, they will benefit from having English and Maths skills at level 1 or above. The qualification is available to learners aged 16 and over.
