Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) - Psychology and Sociology

Overview

Overview

With an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) you can enrol on a university course in Psychology or Sociology, without traditional A-levels. Recognised across the UK as a suitable alternative to traditional qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas are accepted by the majority of universities for entrance into higher education and study.

This qualification was designed to prepare you for, and help you gain access to undergraduate study from the comfort of your own home. If you have not completed A-levels, or don’t have the right qualifications, this Diploma offers a second chance for you to achieve the university degree you want.

Not only do our Access to Higher Education Diplomas prepare you for the subject you will be studying at university, but they also familiarise you with the requirements and practices of independent study and academic writing skills. 

All you need to enrol is a passion for Social Sciences and a good internet connection. You will be able to access all course materials and tutor feedback from anywhere in the world, at any time. You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies. An Access to HE Diploma can be completed within two years. However, most students complete their course within 9-12 months.

Modules

Unit 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

Unit 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 reponding to a set, academic writing task
• Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas

Unit 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

Unit 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.

Unit 5: Understanding Crime and Deviance

On completion of this unit you will:

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

Unit 6: 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.

Unit 7:  Foundations of Social Policy

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the historical origins of social policy in the U.K.
• Understand the key influences on social policy in the 18th and 19th Centuries
• Understand changes in the political order
• Understand different types of voluntary action and role of poverty surveys

Unit 8: Sociology of the Family

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand changes in family structure.
• Understand sociological explanations of the family to include Functionalist, Marxist, feminist and interactionist views.

Unit 9: Developmental Psychology

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of early relationships in child development.
• Understand explanations of the development of individual differences

Unit 10:  Sociology of Health

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand concepts and models of health.
• Understand the social construction of health and ill health
• Understand alternative approaches to health.

Unit 11: 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.

Unit 12:  The Brain and Nervous System (Psychology)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the major sub divisions of the nervous system
• Understand the structure and function of glial cells and neurons

Unit 13:  Combating Prejudice and Discrimination

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand theoretical explanations for prejudice and discrimination.
• Understand legislative responses to discrimination and prejudice.
• Understand community initiatives in combating discrimination and prejudice.

Unit 14:  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.

Unit 15:  The Psychology of Learning

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand what is meant by learning.
• Understand what is meant by conditioning and its practical applications
• Understand Social Learning Theory and Observational Learning

Unit 16:  Sociology of Education

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of education as a socializing agency.
• Understand the roles of education in contemporary society.
• Understand the sociological explanations of labelling and the use of stereotypes
• Understand the concept of meritocracy.

Unit 17:  Abnormal Psychology

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the difficulties faced by psychologists in the definition and diagnosis of abnormal behaviour.
• Understand a psychological disorder.
• Understand possible treatments used to treat people with psychological disorders.

Unit 18: Contemporary Issues in Social Policy

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand current issues in social policy
• Understand current legislation in relation to current issues in social policy.
• Understand the economic context of a contemporary issue.

Unit 19: Social Factors in Health and Social Care

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand sociological factors influencing the relationships between patients and health professionals
• Understand the role of social motivational factors in health and ill health
• Understand the significance of social support networks in healthcare and maintenance

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 (Social Science). 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 (Social Science) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: (4000885X).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.

Developing your career

Your Access to Higher Education Diploma and the way it is delivered within our innovative learning platform is designed to give you the best possible chance of fulfilling your dream of studying at university. Higher Education Degrees confirm to any employer your intellect, motivation and ability to work independently to succeed not just in your area of specialism but also life itself. A higher education degree is a gateway qualification that will allow you to apply 1,000's of graduate programmes as well as setting you apart from those who don't have a degree.