Access to Higher Education Diploma – 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.

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:

• A Learning Support Team
• Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)
• Future Steps Team
• Adult Advice Team
• Designated study space specifically for our Higher Education and Access to Higher Education students

Funding
Funding and Advanced Learner Loans are available for this course. Click here to view Funding Options A and C.
A bursary may also be available. For further information on your funding options, please phone 01392 400170 or email adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk for advice.

Course Structure
The Access to Higher Education Social Science course currently covers the following units:

Psychology

• Behaviourism
• Pro-Social and Anti-Social Behaviour
• Psychopathology
• Treatments and Therapies
• Memory Processes
• Understanding Stress

Sociology

• Sociology of Education
• Understanding Crime and Deviance
• Measurements of Crime
• Sex and Gender Studies
• Sociology of Religion

Introductory Academic and Study Skills

• Sociological Theory: An introduction
• Academic Study Techniques
• Producing a Written Assignment
• Presentation skills

Please note these are subject to change.

Students may also be enrolled on a supplementary IT course, at no extra cost. Essential Digital Skills has been designed to enhance and polish IT skills for use in the real world and is vital for university and future careers.

Progression routes: Past students have gone on to work or study in: Teaching, Psychology, Law, Research, Policing, Linguistics, Criminology, Crime and Security Science, Clinical Psychology, Sociology, International Relations, Psychology with Criminology, Occupational Therapy, Politics, Anthropology, Religion and Theology and Social Work.

• 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.
• 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.