Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science)

This course requires you to follow an application process.

Course code: 25A201

This Access to Higher Education course will prepare you for study in social policy related subjects at University giving you the skills you will need for research, independent and study and time management.

when
This year long course starts on Monday15th September 2025. You will need to attend morning and afternoons on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Many students do not have to pay a course fee. Fee concessions will be discussed on application
where
CITY LEARNING QUARTER 

Old Hall Street

Wolverhampton
WV1 3AU


fees
full fee for this course £3,022.00  (

Fee concessions will be discussed on application, many students do not have to pay a course fee.

)
who

Wolverhampton Adult Education Service

enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk

Course details

<p>Do you want to go to university but don’t have the qualifications? This could be the course for you.  </p>

<p>Study for a Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma programme with Adult Education Wolverhampton and this time next year you could be at university studying for a degree.</p>

<p>The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) course is a one-year course widely recognised as an alternative and equal qualification to 3 A levels or BTEC.  Achievement will provide you with the UCAS points needed to apply for a university place.  </p>

<p>Subjects include:</p>

<ul>
<li>Sociology will introduce you to the structure and nature of diverse cultures and communities and how the media effectively communicates on a world stage</li>
<li>Social Policy will provide you with an understanding of social problems in communities and how governments develop policies to protect the most vulnerable in society</li>
<li>Criminology will explore why crime happens, who commits crime, and whether there are links to specific groups in society</li>
<li>Psychology will examine the effect of stress on the human mind and the features of the normal and abnormal functions of the brain and criminal behaviour</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Study Skills will provide you with research, numeracy, report writing, and presentation skills to survive university. You will be fully supported through the application and interview processes involved to progress to the university course of your choice </li>
</ul>

Course requirements

<p>Once you have completed your application, you will meet one of the Access Higher Education Team. A skills check will identify your current English, Maths, and digital skills so we can support you on the course. </p>

<p> You will need to have a good use of English, Maths, and digital skills to start the course but there will be an opportunity to join a class in one of these subjects if you do not already have a Level 2 qualification. </p>

<p>Attendance will be at least 3 days per week with additional attendance if you need English or Maths qualifications. </p>

Location

<p>City Learning Quarter, Old Hall Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 3AU</p>

What are the benefits of this course?

<ul>
<li>Over 90% of our students progress to university each year  </li>
<li>You will study in an adult environment with support from a dedicated Access and Student Services Team </li>
<li>All the teachers are experts in their subject, fully qualified and experienced</li>
<li>We get excellent feedback from students</li>
<li>You will meet new people, develop your networks and your confidence</li>
<li>Many students will be able to access financial support e.g., course fees, resources, travel, childcare, laptop loan</li>
<li>You will have a FREE Microsoft Office 365 account </li>
<li>You will take part in talks from a variety of local universities  </li>
<li>You will have regular visits to Wolverhampton University to tour the campus and take part in lectures </li>
<li> If you are unemployed and live in a West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) post-coded area, the course will be free </li>
<li> If not, you will be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for the course. You will not have to pay back this loan if you go on to enrol at university and successfully complete the course </li>
<li>You will get dedicated support for the UCAS application process </li>
</ul>

How will I learn?

<p>All sessions will be face-to-face. There will be lectures, tutorials, discussions and group work to give you the best experience of studying your chosen subject and prepare you for moving onto university. </p>

<p>In addition, you will learn to use Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint.  </p>

<p>Learning Support is available if you have a learning disability, let us know on your application if you require support.</p>

How will my progress be monitored and assessed?

<p>Assessment takes place throughout your study. You will deliver presentations, write essays and reports, and take part in timed tests. Assessment tasks will ensure you can complete and achieve the course requirements. </p>

<p>Regular monitoring of progress will help to identify any support you might need.  </p>

<p>There are no examinations as you will complete assignments for each unit that will be assessed by your teacher and moderated externally. </p>

<p>To achieve this qualification, you will need to achieve 60 credits in total. More information will be given at your course induction. </p>

Are there any additional costs?

<p>Many students do not have to pay a course fee.  Fee concessions will be discussed on application</p>

<p>You will need to supply your writing materials such as pens, paper, and folders but you may be able to loan a laptop and a MiFi dongle to enable you to learn at home. </p>

What qualification will I get?

<p>You will be awarded the Aim Qualification and Assessment Group Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science).</p>

What will I be able to do after this course?

<p>If you go to university and study social science, psychology or social work at degree level this course may lead to a variety of employment opportunities:</p>

<p>Social Work Assistant (£20,000 to £28,000)</p>

<p>Social Worker (£32,000 to £48,000) </p>

<p>Substances Misuse Outreach Worker (£20,000 to £35,000)</p>

<p>Probation Officer (£24,000 to £40,000)</p>

Further information

<p>For further information or careers or educational advice please contact our Student Services Team:</p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="color:#ffc000">01902 558180 | </span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><a href="mailto:enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:#ffc000"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt">enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk</span></strong></span></span></a></span></span><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="color:#ffc000"> | </span></span></span></strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><a href="http://www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="color:#ffc000"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt">www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk</span></strong></span></span></a></span></span></p>

<p>For free Course and Career Advice go to:<a href="https://www.life-pilot.co.uk/">https://www.life-pilot.co.uk/</a></p>