This course is for students aged 19+ who have been out of education for at least one year. This is a full Level 3 programme (i.e. at the same level as A Levels, NVQ Level Three or a BTEC National Diploma). It is the most popular route of entry into Higher Education for adults. There are class based sessions, tutorials and independent study and research. You will build a personal portfolio of your completed assignments as you progress through the course.
For the Social Science pathway you will be studying Psychology, Sociology, Criminology and Social Welfare.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core Units:
- Psychology ..1. Psychopathology - 3 credits graded ..1. Behaviourism - 3 credits graded ..1. Prejudice and Discrimination - 6 credits graded ..1. Psychology of Criminal Investigation - 3 credits graded ..1. Treatments & Therapies - 3 credits graded
- Sociology/Social Policy ..2. Youth and Popular Culture in Britain - 3 credits graded ..2. Research Methods in Sociology - 3 credits graded ..2. Class and Stratification - 6 credits graded ..2. Crime and Deviance - 6 credits graded ..2. Sociology of Identity - 3 credits graded ..2. Ethical Issues in the Social Policy - 3 credits graded ..2. Historical Development of Social Policy - 3 credits graded
- Study skills ..3. Presentation Skills - 3 credits ungraded ..3. IT for Academic Study - 3 credits ungraded ..3. Progression Skills - 3 credits ungraded
- Introductory Academic ..4. Perspectives in Psychology - 3 credits ungraded ..4. Sociological Theory ? An Introduction - 3 credits ungraded
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
Adults who have been out of education for at least one year and aiming to go on to University to study for a Degree or equivalent.
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How is the course assessed?
The course is organised into units. Each unit carries a number of credits at Level 3. There are sixty available credits over the course.
Credits will be awarded for the successful completion of the coursework and timed assignments for each unit.
All sixty credits are required for the Access Diploma.
Most units are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
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Your Study Programme
Options will be discussed with you at your interview.
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
- The principles, purposes and different types of psychological assessments
- how to Work with people with common mental health problems
- how to respond to peoples need sensitively, with regards to individual differences.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
- Communicate using a range of methods including face-to-face, telephone, presentations and electronic mediums
- Work within your own practice boundaries and levels of competence
- Adapt to changes and Work flexibly and resiliently.
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Behaviours
What is required?
- Treat people with dignity, respecting diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences.
- Be adaptable, reliable and consistent
- Take responsibility.
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General info
You may be eligible for a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fee. Help may be available from the Student Hardship Fund towards costs of childcare, books and materials. Please contact the Student Support Team on 01604 734066 for more details.
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Entry Requirements for new students
GCSE English Language Grade C / 4 or above and GCSE Maths at grade D/3.
You must have been out of education for at least one year, having gained life-experience and now want to return to study. Universities may expect: Teaching-English & maths Grade 4 (Primary-Science at Grade 4). Psychology-Maths at Grade 4. Due to the demands of the Access course it will not be possible to take any GCSEs alongside. GCSEs required for college and/or University entrance must be taken in the year prior to enrolling for the Access course.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
