Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health) - Health Studies Pathway

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health) - Health Studies Pathway

This Course at a Glance

• Progress towards a Social Science or Health-related career
• Explore the relationship between health and society
• Get to university without A Levels
• Completion possible in 9-12 months
• 100% online
• No exams

About Your Diploma

Understanding human behaviours and relationships within a societal structure can lead to a range of exciting and meaningful careers. There are many factors that are involved in making a society function, and one of those is healthcare. The link between humans and health is extensive, and you can explore this further through academic study.

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health) – Health Studies Pathway course is designed to not only provide you with essential knowledge about various types of healthcare, but also to explain their relationship to society.

Having foundational knowledge of this topic will put you in a strong position when beginning your studies at university. Essentially, Access to Higher Education Diplomas are designed to prepare you for degree-level study.

By achieving this nationally recognised qualification, you will receive the equivalent of 3 A Levels, with most universities accepting them as part of their entry requirements. Please note that you should check with your chosen establishment before applying.

This online course is ideal for anyone who wants to take a further look at today’s health issues and the impact society and social factors have on healthcare. This qualification is a flexible substitute to A Levels for students interested in pursuing a Social Science or a Health-related degree.

A significant number of students go on to work in a social care or health settings, in roles such as Community Support Worker, Youth Worker, and Health Adviser. By pursuing a career in this field, you can effectively make a difference in the private, public, or voluntary sector.

Getting Started

When you enrol, you will be issued with an Individual Learning Plan that details the submission deadlines for your assignments to help you stay on track. With the benefit of online study, you can learn from home, fitting in assignments around family life or a full-time job and taking the initial step towards an exciting new career.

As there are no term dates, you can sign up and get started at any point throughout the year. An Access to Higher Education Diploma can be completed within two years. However, most students complete their course within 9 months.

With easy-to-understand course materials, you can make the most of the interactive content we provide. Our innovative online learning environment is a hub of information.

Modules

Unit 1: The creation and development of the National Health Service

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the creation and evolving nature of National Health Service in the UK.
• Understand how funding reforms have impacted on the National Health Service in recent years.

Unit 2: Models, Research and Application of Cognitive Psychology

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand contrasting psychological perspectives and research evidence in one area of cognition.
• Be able to apply psychological research to real life.

Unit 3: Modern Social Policy in Context

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the current issues in social policy today.
• Understand how legislation can affect social policy.
• Be able to analyse social policy in the context of economics.

Unit 4: Working as a Healthcare Professional

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the impact of change on the roles and responsibilities of a chosen health care professional.
• Understand the role of professional/regulatory bodies in the health care sector.
• Understand the multidisciplinary approach in the health care sector.

Unit 5: Defining, Measuring and Explaining Poverty

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand different definitions of poverty.
• Understand poverty measurement methods.
• Understand the extent of poverty in the UK today.
• Understand different sociological explanations of poverty.

Unit 6: The Impact of Dementia

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand dementia’s impact on the brain and the challenges of diagnosis.
• Understand risks, signs, symptoms, and prevalence of different types of dementia.
• Understand the medical model and the social model of dementia.
• Understand the impact of dementia on people.

Unit 7: Introduction to Abnormality and Psychological Disorders

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the challenge of defining and diagnosing mental illness.
• Understand a range of explanations for a chosen psychological disorder.
• Understand the treatment of one psychological disorder.

Unit 8: Concepts of Health and ill Health

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand a range of concepts and models of health.
• Understand societal influences on definitions of health and ill health and links to social inequality.
• Understand alternative approaches to healthcare.

Unit 9: The Classification, Use and Misuse of Drugs and Medicines

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the reasons for using recreational drugs.
• Understand how medicines and controlled drugs are legally classified.
• Understand the individual and societal implications of drug use.

Unit 10: Biological and Psychological Approaches to Stress

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand potential physiological and psychological stress responses.
• Understand research into the link between stress and illness.
• Understand an example of psychological and biological stress reduction strategies.

Unit 11: Models and Perspectives on Health and illness

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand contrasting definitions of health and ill health.
• Understand two models of health and ill health.
• Understand two sociological perspectives on health.
• Understand illness responses.

Unit 12: Health Promotion Campaigns and Activities

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the influence of health promotion campaigns.
• Be able to create an outline and rationale for an effective health promotion activity.

Unit 13: Family Structure and Changes

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand changes in family.
• Understand a range of sociological explanations of the family.

Unit 14: Promoting Equality, Diversity and Rights of individuals in Healthcare Settings

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the methods of promotion of equality and diversity within healthcare and give an example of why this is important.
• Understand the importance of respecting the rights of the individual in a healthcare setting.
• Understand equality and diversity legislation related to the healthcare sector.

Unit 15: Planning and Writing an Assignment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task.
• Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style.
• Understand different reading strategies.
• Be able to take effective notes.
• Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment.

Unit 16: Writing and Studying Academic Texts

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write academically and with relevance.
• Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work.
• Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism.

Unit 17: Resilience, Stress and Managing Emotions

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand resilience and mental wellbeing including threats and strategies.
• Understand the management of emotions and feelings and the impact of stress.

Unit 18: Exploring an Introduction to Psychological Research and Approaches

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand scientific research methods in the field of psychology.
• Understand different psychological approaches to explaining behaviour.
• Understand ethical issues connected with psychological research.

Unit 19: Exploring Theories of Crime and Deviancy

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able explain of crime and deviance from a range of viewpoints.
• Understand the social structural theoretical basis of crime and deviance.
• Understand the media’s influence on perceptions of crime or deviance.

Entry Requirements

To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode.

You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

University Entry Criteria

It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.

Minimum age restriction

Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.

Assessment requirements

A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic report, essay, case study analysis, academic poster, journal article, experiment, portfolio, academic poster, presentation (video and audio recording), developing promotional activity, academic writing skills tasks

Exams required

There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.

Is Membership Required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Additional requirements

Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health).

Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.

As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.

Skills & Education Group Access

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health) – Health Studies Pathway, (QAA ref = 40014733), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.

Developing Your Career

Once you have obtained your nationally recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health) – Health Studies pathway, you can apply to your chosen university if they accept the qualification as part of their entry requirements.

As well as gaining in-depth knowledge about the effects of health on societal structure, you will be able to use this to pursue a rewarding career. Social Science covers a broad spectrum and while this particular course focuses on health studies, you still have plenty of options to consider in terms of career paths.

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma is designed to get you ready for university, so once you have achieved your qualification, you could study one of the following degrees:

• Social Science
• Social Work
• Occupational Health & Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Psychology, Cognitive & Clinical Neuroscience

With regards to career options, you could delve into the psychology field or physical health, depending on your ambitions. Depending on the degree you achieve, you could target the following job roles:

• Family Support Worker
• Care Manager
• Counselling
• Forensic Psychology

Further Qualifications and Prospects

If you want to enhance your career prospects in this sector, you could study a masters in Health in Social Science or a related subject. With this additional academic knowledge, you could pursue various professional areas, including:

• Health Services Management
• Health and Social Care
• Policy and Research
• Health Education

Frequently Asked Questions