Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities)
Your Course at a Glance
- Get university-ready within a year
- Complete your course online
- Achieve a nationally recognised qualification
- Pursue a degree in sociology, psychology and more
- Tutor support
- No exams
About Your Diploma
For anyone keen to pursue a degree in sociology, psychology, history, or other subjects related to social sciences or humanities, gaining foundational knowledge will put you in a strong position ahead of your university studies.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities) is a Level 3 qualification that not only provides you with essential knowledge but is the equivalent of 3 A Levels. This means that if you don’t possess traditional qualifications to get into university, then an Access to Higher Education Diploma is a solid alternative.
Most universities accept this qualification as part of their entry requirements, but you should check with your chosen establishment beforehand. If successful, you will have a base of knowledge of which to build upon thanks to the diverse units you will cover while studying for your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
From forensic psychology and various sociological strands to crime and deviance and political ideologies, you will explore topics across the spectrum, making this qualification incredibly useful for aspiring professionals in the social science and humanities fields.
As well as delving into sector-specific subjects, you will also learn a range of essential study skills that will get you prepared for degree-level study. An Access to Higher Education Diploma is ideal for individuals that want to go to university and be as prepared as possible for the next chapter of their academic career.
Getting Started
To help keep you on track with your studies, you will be given an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), which will detail the submission deadlines of your assignments, creating a clear schedule for you to follow. The course is delivered entirely online, so you can learn from the comfort of your own home.
You have a level of freedom that does not come with classroom learning, and while there are deadlines to meet, you are able to fit your study time around your existing commitments. As soon as you enrol on the course, you will be given instant access to all the course materials you need.
Our student portal has everything neatly organised for you in one place, and you will benefit from the expertise of dedicated tutors and our Access Support Team.
Unlike A Levels, in which you need to study for around two years to achieve the qualifications, you can gain your Access to Higher Education Diploma in less than a year! When you enrol, you have two years to complete the course, but learndirect students take 9 months, on average, to achieve their qualification.
88%
Modules
Unit 1: 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
Unit 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: Study of a Novel
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to respond to a novel
- Understand the use of literary techniques in the novel
- Understand the contextual aspects of the novel
Unit 6: 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
Unit 7: Language and Gender
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the features of male and female speech
- Understand theories and approaches applied to speech
Unit 8: Psychobiology of Stress
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand common physiological and psychological responses to stress
- Understand the relationship between stress and illness
- Understand methods used to reduce stress
Unit 9: 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 10: Film Adaptations of Literary Texts
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the techniques used in translating a section of written narrative into film
- Be able to produce an outline storyboard and script
- Understand the opportunities presented in text for film adaptation
- Understand the relative signification processes of written and film texts
Unit 11: 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 of unemployment, housing and health problems during the period 1918-1939
- Understand developments in family life and leisure opportunities
Unit 12: Language and Social Media
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how language is used in communication by social media
- Understand the impact of social media on language
Unit 13: Mental Health and Illness
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the difficulties in defining normality and abnormality
- Understand a psychological disorder
- Understand treatments used to treat people with psychological disorders
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: Shakespearean Plays
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the techniques of characterisation used by Shakespeare
- Understand Shakespearean themes and methods
- Understand the importance of dramatic conventions in Shakespeare’s drama
Unit 16: Forensic Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the roles of the Forensic Psychologist
- Understand how psychologists have contributed to jury behaviour and eyewitness memory
- Understand offender profiling
- Be able to apply an offender profiling technique
Unit 17: Introduction to Political Ideologies
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand what is meant by a political ideology
- Understand the different types of political ideologies
- Understand the value of political ideologies
Unit 18: Sociology of the Family
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand changes in family structure
- Understand sociological explanations of the family e.g. Functionalist, Marxist, feminist, interactionist and postmodern views
Unit 19: Criminal Justice & Social Policy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand models of crime prevention
- Understand theories of crime control
- Understand criminal justice theories as informed by different political perspectives
Entry Requirements
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, journal article, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, 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 to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and 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.
Open College Network West Midlands
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and Humanities) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: (40008873). 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.
Career
With the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and Humanities) under your belt, you will be in a strong position to study a degree related to these fields. If you are unsure of what avenue you want to take in terms of your career, then the diploma is a great option as it covers a wide range of topics.
During your studies, it may become clearer in your mind which path you want to go down. There are a wide range of subjects you could go on to study at degree level, including:
- Politics
- Criminology
- Sociology
- International Studies
- Law
- Psychology
- History
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Depending on the career path you choose to take, you may require further training and qualifications to achieve your end goal. For example, if you want to progress into teaching, you will need to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through approved Teacher training programmes.
Moreover, if your ambition is to work in psychology, then you may need to gain qualifications in addition to your degree. For example, to become a Forensic Psychologist, a postgraduate qualification is required. Whatever avenue you go down, an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and Humanities) will get you prepared for a career in this field.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities)
Your Course at a Glance
- Get university-ready within a year
- Complete your course online
- Achieve a nationally recognised qualification
- Pursue a degree in sociology, psychology and more
- Tutor support
- No exams
About Your Diploma
For anyone keen to pursue a degree in sociology, psychology, history, or other subjects related to social sciences or humanities, gaining foundational knowledge will put you in a strong position ahead of your university studies.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science and Humanities) is a Level 3 qualification that not only provides you with essential knowledge but is the equivalent of 3 A Levels. This means that if you don’t possess traditional qualifications to get into university, then an Access to Higher Education Diploma is a solid alternative.
Most universities accept this qualification as part of their entry requirements, but you should check with your chosen establishment beforehand. If successful, you will have a base of knowledge of which to build upon thanks to the diverse units you will cover while studying for your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
From forensic psychology and various sociological strands to crime and deviance and political ideologies, you will explore topics across the spectrum, making this qualification incredibly useful for aspiring professionals in the social science and humanities fields.
As well as delving into sector-specific subjects, you will also learn a range of essential study skills that will get you prepared for degree-level study. An Access to Higher Education Diploma is ideal for individuals that want to go to university and be as prepared as possible for the next chapter of their academic career.
Getting Started
To help keep you on track with your studies, you will be given an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), which will detail the submission deadlines of your assignments, creating a clear schedule for you to follow. The course is delivered entirely online, so you can learn from the comfort of your own home.
You have a level of freedom that does not come with classroom learning, and while there are deadlines to meet, you are able to fit your study time around your existing commitments. As soon as you enrol on the course, you will be given instant access to all the course materials you need.
Our student portal has everything neatly organised for you in one place, and you will benefit from the expertise of dedicated tutors and our Access Support Team.
Unlike A Levels, in which you need to study for around two years to achieve the qualifications, you can gain your Access to Higher Education Diploma in less than a year! When you enrol, you have two years to complete the course, but learndirect students take 9 months, on average, to achieve their qualification.
Modules
Unit 1: 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
Unit 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: Study of a Novel
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to respond to a novel
- Understand the use of literary techniques in the novel
- Understand the contextual aspects of the novel
Unit 6: 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
Unit 7: Language and Gender
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the features of male and female speech
- Understand theories and approaches applied to speech
Unit 8: Psychobiology of Stress
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand common physiological and psychological responses to stress
- Understand the relationship between stress and illness
- Understand methods used to reduce stress
Unit 9: 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 10: Film Adaptations of Literary Texts
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the techniques used in translating a section of written narrative into film
- Be able to produce an outline storyboard and script
- Understand the opportunities presented in text for film adaptation
- Understand the relative signification processes of written and film texts
Unit 11: 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 of unemployment, housing and health problems during the period 1918-1939
- Understand developments in family life and leisure opportunities
Unit 12: Language and Social Media
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how language is used in communication by social media
- Understand the impact of social media on language
Unit 13: Mental Health and Illness
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the difficulties in defining normality and abnormality
- Understand a psychological disorder
- Understand treatments used to treat people with psychological disorders
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: Shakespearean Plays
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the techniques of characterisation used by Shakespeare
- Understand Shakespearean themes and methods
- Understand the importance of dramatic conventions in Shakespeare’s drama
Unit 16: Forensic Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the roles of the Forensic Psychologist
- Understand how psychologists have contributed to jury behaviour and eyewitness memory
- Understand offender profiling
- Be able to apply an offender profiling technique
Unit 17: Introduction to Political Ideologies
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand what is meant by a political ideology
- Understand the different types of political ideologies
- Understand the value of political ideologies
Unit 18: Sociology of the Family
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand changes in family structure
- Understand sociological explanations of the family e.g. Functionalist, Marxist, feminist, interactionist and postmodern views
Unit 19: Criminal Justice & Social Policy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand models of crime prevention
- Understand theories of crime control
- Understand criminal justice theories as informed by different political perspectives
Entry Requirements
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, journal article, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), research report, 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.
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 to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and 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 (Social Sciences and Humanities) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: (40008873). 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.
Career
With the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and Humanities) under your belt, you will be in a strong position to study a degree related to these fields. If you are unsure of what avenue you want to take in terms of your career, then the diploma is a great option as it covers a wide range of topics.
During your studies, it may become clearer in your mind which path you want to go down. There are a wide range of subjects you could go on to study at degree level, including:
- Politics
- Criminology
- Sociology
- International Studies
- Law
- Psychology
- History
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Depending on the career path you choose to take, you may require further training and qualifications to achieve your end goal. For example, if you want to progress into teaching, you will need to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through approved Teacher training programmes.
Moreover, if your ambition is to work in psychology, then you may need to gain qualifications in addition to your degree. For example, to become a Forensic Psychologist, a postgraduate qualification is required. Whatever avenue you go down, an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and Humanities) will get you prepared for a career in this field.
88%
learning
learning hours
