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Course Start Date: September (Tuesday and Thursday Evenings)An Access to Higher Education Diploma is the ideal way for adult students (aged 19+) without traditional A Levels or Level 3 qualifications to qualify for entry to a degree or other Higher Education course. An Access to Higher Education Diploma leads to a qualification at Level 3 (equivalent to A Level) and are intensive courses that allow you to study part-time, whilst still working or meeting other commitments. Universities and other Higher Education providers fully recognise our Access Diplomas as sufficient to meet the entry criteria for various degree courses.The Humanities and Social Sciences pathway is our broadest Diploma and offers a diverse curriculum that explores the key disciplines of Sociology, English Language, History, Politics, Psychology, Criminology, Social Work and Philosophy. By delving into these subjects, you’ll develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills that are highly valued in various fields. Whether your goal is to pursue a career in academia, journalism, law, psychology or social work, this diploma will provide you with a strong foundation for your next steps.Due to the diverse nature of these subjects, the course offers two groups. Students in Group A will explore the complexities of social structures, the power of language, the historical context of human events, and the philosophical questions that shape our world. Group B students will focus on sociological perspectives, the impacts of politics, how psychology works and exploring criminological theories.
All applicants are required to possess a minimum of grade 4/C in GCSE English (or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills in English) and at least one other qualification at Level 2 (Pre-Access Level 2, FS/GCSE Maths, English Literature or any Level 2 in the field of Health or Care are accepted as some examples). Students are also required to carry out their own research into the specific entry requirements for their chosen university courses prior to application. HSDC offers Level 2 Pre-Access, Maths and English courses (including GCSEs), at various levels for potential Access students who do not hold the required qualifications. To enrol on this Adult Learning course you must be aged 18 years or over.
The course is taught by experienced subject experts and includes a blend of theoretical and practical elements. Students can expect to delve into core subjects like Sociology, English Language, History, Politics, Psychology, Criminology, Social Work and Philosophy.Access classes take the form of two sessions per week for 35 weeks. Attendance will be required for two evenings a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) between 5.30pm and 9.30pm. In the early weeks of the course students will be taught study skills to introduce and develop essay writing and academic skills to help them complete assessments; they will also receive advice and support in the process of completing the application to university. In addition to the contact hours, students will be required to complete independent work each week. The following units are studied:Group A ? Introduction to Sociology ? The Sociology of Education ? The Sociology of Family ? Social Research Methods ? Politics and the State of Nature Debate ? The Individual in History ? Historical Controversy ? Historical Concepts – Significance and Perspective ? History – Conflict and Combat ? Analysis of a Selected Philosopher ? Philosophical Truth ? Ancient Greek Philosophy ? Arguments for the Existence of God ? Independent Academic Study (Humanities and Social Sciences) Group B ? Introduction to Sociology ? The Sociology of Education ? The Sociology of Family ? Social Research Methods ? Politics and the State of Nature Debate ? Introduction to Criminology ? Crime and Social Exclusion ? Introduction to Social Work ? Criminological Psychology ? Introduction to Psychology ? Psychology and Mental Health ? Theories of Crime and Deviance ? Independent Academic Study (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Teaching and learning strategies will be varied to appeal to the learning needs and preferences of a wide range of students. Methods may include: discussion, group tasks, pair activities, lectures, independent research tasks, reading and summarising, multimedia content supported by Moodle and Google Classroom.
Assessment is made through the completion of assignment based activities, essays, course work, independent study and research, practical work and class based tests. In order to achieve an overall pass, students must achieve 60 credits, of which at least 45 are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
The progression routes from Group A could include, but are not limited to, degrees in history, English language and literature, social work, teaching, law, public services, business studies, international relations, film studies, media, linguistics, culture, journalism, philosophy, theology, creative writing, art history, fine art, events management, archaeology, education and communication studies.The progression routes from Group B could include, but are not limited to, degrees in social work, psychology, criminology, sociology, criminal justice, teaching, public services, social policy, counselling, education, childhood and youth studies, health and social care, etc.
