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

Overview

Under the broad umbrella of Social Science, the fundamental focus is on human relationships and the way they interact with society.  A continuing issue is making certain that each and every community has access to the healthcare they need.

If you want to take a further look at today’s health issues and the impact society and social factors have on healthcare, you can do so with the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health). This qualification is a flexible substitute to A-levels for students interested in pursuing a Social Science or a Health related degree.

You can progress to undergraduate study at university once you have successfully finished your Access to HE Diploma. A degree in Social Science or a Health related course will prepare you for a range of different career paths. 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.

Check your new qualification is right for you

We strongly recommend that you contact the university you wish to attend and check that the entry requirements for the degree course you aspire to can be met by this qualification. University admissions policies differ so it’s worth making sure you have the right course for your particular needs.

How does the course work? 

You’ll learn online 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. 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.
 
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. You will also have access to our qualified and experienced team of tutors who will support and guide you through your course.

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: The History of the National Health Service

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the background to and the founding principles of the National Health Service
• Understand how political reforms have shaped the National Health Service

Unit 7:  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 8: 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 9: Approaches to Health

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand different definitions of health and ill health
• Understand different explanatory models of health and ill health
• Understand contrasting sociological perspectives on health.
• Understand the different ways in which people respond to illness

Unit 10: 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 11: 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 12: The Roles and Responsibilities of Health Care Professionals

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the changes to the roles and responsibilities of a chosen healthcare professional
• Understand the role of professional/regulatory bodies for a healthcare professional, for example HCPC and Nursing and Midwifery Council
• Understand the current multidisciplinary approach to healthcare

Unit 13: Poverty and Health

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand approaches to poverty and health 
• Understand approaches to the social distribution of health chances

Unit 14:  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 15: Inequalities in Health and Illness

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of social, economic and environmental changes on the nature of morbidity and mortality in the UK
• Understand the relationship between theories of health and welfare inequalities and health policies

Unit 16: 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

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: Equality and Diversity within Healthcare

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand equality and diversity within healthcare
• Understand the rights of the individual in a healthcare setting.
• Understand the impact of equality and diversity legislation on healthcare provision

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 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.

Qualifications

Open College Network West Midlands

On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Health) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: (40008861).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.