Access to Social Science

This programme aims to provide a firm foundation for study at degree level. Study skills and educational guidance form essential parts of the course.

Tutorial sessions support learners and offer guidance with the UCAS process and study skills.

The Diploma is taught by subject specialist teaching staff in a supportive environment to develop the academic skills necessary to progress onto higher education. You will have homework and assignment work set each week with strict deadlines. There is at least 20 hours of additional study at home each week. Additional support is available for students for particular difficulties/needs.

There is also:

• a Learning Support team
• Wellbeing team
• Designated study space specifically for our HE and Access to HE students

*2023-24 fees for Access to Higher Education courses are dependent on your age, circumstances and chosen course. Click here to view more information about fees. This course is eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan, which may be written off when you complete your studies into higher education at college or university. For more information click here.

You may be entitled to support towards the fee, please phone 01392 400170 or email adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk for advice.

The Access to HE Social Science course currently covers the following units:

Psychology

• Behaviourism
• Carrying Out Research in Psychology
• Conformity and Obedience
• Pro-Social and Anti-Social Behaviour
• Understanding Stress
• Abnormal Psychology
• Treatments and Therapies (optional)

Sociology

• Sociology of Education
• Sex and Gender Studies
• Research Methods in Sociology
• Crime and Deviance
• Sociology of Religion (optional)

Introductory Academic

• Sociological Theory: An introduction

Study Skills and IT

• IT for Academic Study
• Research and Referencing
• Progression Skills
• Presentation Skills

Please note these are subject to change.

All Access students will also be enrolled on a supplementary IT course, at no extra cost (Essential Digital Skills).

What can the course lead on to?
University Level courses at Exeter College:

• FdA Health and Social Care

Past students have gone on to work or study in: Teaching, Psychology, Law, Research, Linguistics, Criminology, Clinical Psychology, Sociology, English, International Relations, Politics, Anthropology, Social Work and Geography.

For the full credit breakdown for this course click here.

• GCSE English Grade C (or Grade 4) or above or IELTS score of 6.5 overall and no less than 6.5 in any other section for all International and non-speaking English students. The test should be no older than 2 years prior to the start of the programme.
• GCSE Maths Grade C/Grade 4 or above.

You can also access English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) or adult GCSE English courses at the College.

• The Digital and Data Centre – there are many spaces for adult students to study and an Access to Higher Education student computer room.
• Coffee shops – for example, in the Digital and Data Centre and the Tower building.
• Four Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)

As well as the course fees, applicants need to factor in food, travel, books, stationery and printing costs. Applications for the Bursary Fund are advisable for applicants who know that they may struggle financially.

Please be aware that there are no car parking facilities at Exeter College city centre sites, but public car parks are available across the city.