Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science)

This Access to HE Diploma in Social Science will include units in sociology, psychology and law, integrating theory, policy and applied learning. This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of crime, society and social justice, examining how behaviour is shaped, how institutions respond, and how policy and public services work to support individuals and communities.

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

Although you only need to attend College part time, you’re expected to dedicate up to 20 hours per week to self-study, making it equivalent to a full-time commitment.

Additional support is available for students for particular difficulties/needs.

There is also:

• Learning Support Team
• Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)
• Adult Advice Team
• Careers Team
• Designated study spaces specifically for our HE and Access to HE students

Course Structure

The programme consists of compulsory core units and subject options. The Access to Higher Education (Social Science) course comprises of 3 main subjects (Psychology, Sociology and Law).

Psychology

Units could include:

• Behaviourism
• Treatments and Therapies
• Pro-Social and Anti-Social Behaviour
• The Psychology of Criminal Investigation
• Social Psychology

Please note: units are subject to change.

Sociology

Units could include:

• Crime and Deviance
• Measurements of Crime
• Social Welfare

Please note: units are subject to change.

Law

Units could include:

• The Courts and Justice
• Restorative Justice
• Criminal Law and Procedures
• Access to Justice

Please note: units are subject to change.

The diploma also includes compulsory Study Skills

• Producing a Written Assignment
• Presentation Skills
• Academic Study Techniques
• Mental Health and Wellbeing

Please note: units are subject to change.

Next steps

The pathway is designed for anyone interested in progressing to university study in social sciences. Study skills and educational guidance form essential parts of the course. It provides an excellent foundation for degrees in areas such as criminology, sociology, psychology (please check university entry requirements), politics, anthropology, law and related subjects, and supports progression into careers across the public services, security, education, social policy and wider community sectors.

• You will need a grade 4(C) or above in GCSE English and GCSE Maths. Please note, from 2017 a grade C in English and Maths is equivalent to a grade 4(C) 
• A high level of motivation to be an independent student with a willingness for self study. 
• The commitment to studying a full time, challenging course. 
• Evidence of recent study is desirable. 
• A clear idea of the university level programme that you wish to apply for 

Please note that some universities will also require you to have GCSE Maths grade C or grade 4 or above before applying; this will mean you will need to complete this before starting the Access Diploma. Please check this before applying to the Access Diploma. 

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

• The Tower Building on Hele Road Site – 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.
• Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)

Funding Availability 

Level 3 Entitlement: If this is your first full Level 3 qualification and you are aged 19-23, you may be eligible to fee remission. We can help assess your eligibility as you enrol.

Advanced Learner Loan: If you are aged 19+ and studying a Level 3 to Level 6 qualification, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for course fees. Click here to learn more about the Advanced Learner Loan, and how you can cover the costs of your course.

Additional Costs

As well as the course fees, applicants need to factor in food, travel, books, stationery and printing costs. There will also be UCAS fees when applying for university.

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.