Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities)

Overview

• Sample different areas of study including history, politics and criminology
• Ideal for individuals with a critical mind
• Gives you the flexibility to choose the degree that’s right for you
• Complete this Access to Higher Education Diploma in as little as 6 months
• Allows access to a wide range of education-related degrees
• Get to university without A-Levels

About the Diploma

Broaden your horizons by studying our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities).

Humanities as a subject covers a wide range of topics. Taking a broad look at society humanities encapsulates crime and deviance, politics, psychology, social change and more beyond.

Studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities) provides you with a solid understanding of all of these areas of human society.

The breadth of subject matter covered in the diploma gives you the flexibility to choose the degree that suits your skills and interests. This opens a host of employment opportunities in the long-term.

Accepted by most UK universities, Access to Higher Education Diplomas are a recognised alternative to A-levels. The courses have also been designed specifically to prepare you for the challenges of academic study.

Commencing Studies

learndirect is a distance learning college so there are no physical classes to attend. This allows you to fit your Access to HE Diploma around your work and homelife commitments.

Upon enrolment on to the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities), you will be provided with all the learning materials via our online portal.

This will allow you to start your learning at a time that suits you. There is no set start date and you have up to two years to gain your diploma.

If you’re in a rush, the course can be completed in as little as 6 months. Although the average is 8-9 months.

Our dedicated tutors will support you every step of the way and address any questions you may have. You will also receive feedback on your progress and guidance on your assessments, study plans and anything else that may help you achieve your full potential on your learning journey.

Modules

Module 1: Preparing To Study

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how study is organised and planned
• Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
• Understand a range of constraints upon study
• Understand the importance of assessment feedback.

Module 2: Academic Writing Skills 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task 
• Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task 
• Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas   

Module 3: Preparing a Written Assignment   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to use key information sources.
• Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced.
• Understand a range of reading strategies.
• Understand note-making methods.
• Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment.

Module 4: Introduction to Psychology   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of research in psychology
• Understand the main approaches in psychology
• Understand ethical issues in psychological research

Module 5:  Understanding Crime & Deviance

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand explanations of crime and deviance
• Understanding theories of crime and deviance
• Understand perceptions of crime and deviance

Module 6: Social change in Britain 1914-1939

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the impact of World War 1 on British society.
• Understand the social consequences unemployment, housing and health problems during the period 1918-1939.
• Understand the nature and consequences of housing and health problems during the
• period 1918 – 1939.
• Understand developments in family life and leisure opportunities.

Module 7: Understanding Drama

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how an author creates character
• Understand the structure of plot within a drama
• Understand the part played by language in dramatic effect
• Understand how a play transfers from page to stage

Module 8: Political parties

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the role of political parties in the British Political System
• Understand the difference between a single party, dominant party, two-party and multi-party system
• Understand the development, policies and structure of the Labour Party
• Understand the development, policies and structure of the Conservative Party
• Understand the development, policies and structure of the Liberal Democrats and the Minor Parties

Module 9:  Sociology of Mass Media

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the patterns of ownership and control of the mass media.
• Understand the role of the mass media.
• Understand the process of selection and presentation of the news.
• Understand how media stereotypes are presented.

Module 10:  Industrial change in Britain 1700-1850

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the pattern of industry and urban society c1700-1760
• Understand the causes and nature of industrial change in Britain c1760-1850
• Understand the impact of industrial change on British social, economic and political life by 1850

Module 11:  Language, Communication and Communities

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand devices used in oral and written texts
• Understand factors influencing language
• Understand the process and effects of community on language

Module 12: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand research in an area of cognitive psychology
• Understand how the findings of research into cognitive processes can be applied to real-life issues.

Module 13: Study of a Novel

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know how to respond to a novel
• Know how to demonstrate skills in the analysis of novel writing
• Understand the contextual aspects of the novel

Module 14:  Public Health During the 18th & 19th Centuries

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the nature of urban development and public health during the 18th Century
• Understand the causes and effects of public health problems in the 19th Century
• Understand the nature and impact of attempts to address public health problems in the 19th Century

Module 15: Political Representation – Prime Ministers, Ministers & Civil Servants

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand what is meant by ‘Cabinet Government’
• Understand the extent to which Britain has moved to a system of ‘Prime Ministerial Government’
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of Ministers
• Understand the role of Civil Servants and their channels of influence
• Understand how the position of the Civil Service has changed over the past 20 years

Module 16:  Language Acquisition

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the stages of development on children's language
• Understanding the contrasting views on language acquisition

Module 17: The origins of the welfare state

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand what is meant by the term welfare state
• Know the purpose of the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act and its effects on society
• Explain and discuss early twentieth century Liberal Reforms and their effect on society
• Recognise the significance of the Beveridge Report
• Recognise the social problems which the Welfare State attempted to address

Module 18:  Short Story

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the narrative elements of the story
• Understand textual features and language
• Understand the influence of social and historical factors on the text

Module 19: Imperialism in the late 19th century

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of economics in late 19th century imperialism
• Understand the Political importance of late 19th century imperialism
• Understand the effect of late 19th century imperialism on the continent of Africa

Requirements

Anyone wishing to continue their education with an Access to Higher Education Diploma, it is necessary they have a GCSE Grade A-C in maths and English (or Functional Skills Level 2 or new GCSE Grade 4-9) with a desire to continue a related degree at university. If you do not hold these qualifications then you must be working towards them whilst completing your Access to HE Diploma.

Our Access to Higher Education Diplomas fulfil entry criteria for a broad range of university degrees and can be used in conjunction with the standard UCAS application process. In short, Access to HE Diplomas have a track record of helping learners get to the university and degree of their choice. Learners must bear in mind each university has their own set of admission criteria and places are subject to demand. Varying admission criteria can include but are not limited to the following:

 1. Number of credits to be attained at merit or distinction level.

2. Successfully passing a face-to-face interview at the University.

3. Passing a University’s proprietary literacy and numeracy assessments.

4. Completion of specified work placements or work experience.

5. GCSE Grade A – C in maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills).

Learners must undertake their own research to ensure their Diploma gives them the best possible chance of gaining entry to their university of choice. It is not possible for learndirect to accept any liability if any Access to Higher Education Diploma student fails to secure an offer from a higher education institution.

Assessment

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 HE Diploma (Humanities). 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.

Qualifications

Open College Network West Midlands

On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Humanities) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: 40008824).This course has also been assigned 60 credits.

Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.

Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.

Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.

Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.

Developing your career

Your Access to HE Diploma will serve as the foundation of your university education, leading to exciting new career opportunities.

The learndirect team will do all we can to support you in your studies to give you the very best chance of success.

The course fully prepares you for the university application process and the transition from home study to undergraduate-level education including the option to gain a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Upon completion of your degree you will have the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities. Or you have the opportunity to go on to further study such as a Master’s or PGCE.