Any application for a full-time course submitted after 16 June will be treated as a late application.
Science
Access to HE Diploma (Humanities and Social Sciences)
- Course Type: Access to HE
What can this course lead to?
Examples of HE programmes that students progress to include:
- Criminology and probation
- Social work, sociology and social policy
- Education and teaching
- Psychology and counselling
- Policing, law and politics
- History, archaeology, and anthropology
- English language and literature
- Media and journalism
- Languages
- Business management
- Games design
Who is it for?
The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma (Humanities and Social Science) is specifically for motivated individuals aged 19 and over who have the ambition to study a degree, progress in their current career, or simply build knowledge and new skills.
The Access to HE Diploma is a QAA-recognised Level 3 qualification accepted by most UK universities nationwide as a standard entry qualification for undergraduate degree courses. If you lack relevant Level 3 qualifications and wish to study at University, an Access to Higher Education Diploma is a fantastic solution to help you achieve your goals.
The Diploma is validated by the Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA). To find out more about CAVA, please visit www.cava.ac.uk.
What is covered?
The Humanities and Social Sciences course is very broad and combines social science subject units (psychology and sociology) with humanities (English and history), which are all covered in the first term. Additional study units include study skills and critical thinking to help you make the most of your time on the course and to become an effective undergraduate at university.
During the second term, you complete a dissertation unit where you will conduct your own individual research project around a topic that interests you. In addition, you will select from a range of optional units to tailor the course to your progression needs and interests. These optional units could include additional psychology, sociology, English or history, but also new topics such as criminology, politics and law, counselling, journalism and media or philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GCSE English grade A*/9 – C/4
GCSE Maths grade A*/9 – C/4
Foreign equivalents and Functional Skills Level 2 can be considered on a case by case basis.
If you do not hold the relevant qualifications, you may wish to consider the full-time preAccess course (https://www.peterborough.ac.uk/courses/pre-access-science-and-social-science-2/) or first undertake part-time GCSEs in English/maths/science.
You will be assessed in a variety of ways including:
- Examinations
- Coursework such as essays and posters
- Presentations
- During assessment you will be checked for your knowledge and understanding of a topic, your subject-specific skills, and transferable skills.
You may be required to pay tuition fees depending on your individual circumstances. Please contact the Information Centre on 03458728722, email info@peterborough.ac.uk, or visit us at our Park Crescent Campus for more details.
You may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover for tuition fees, information about eligibility can be found at https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.
You should obtain a scientific calculator. Laboratory coats are provided, but you may wish to purchase your own. For most students there is a small charge to apply to University using the UCAS system. You will need access to a computer device to complete assignment work, and having a smartphone will enable you to access learning materials and course announcements easily.
There is no work experience placement included on this course.
It is strongly recommended that you start the course with existing work experience (in a relevant industry, or in a role which will give you transferable skills). Having this experience will strengthen applications for University or employment. This is particularly important for those applying for competitive positions such as psychology or social work.
You will complete your university application alongside your studies and may need to attend open days/interviews during or outside of your normal course days.
This course includes face-to-face delivery. You will be in college for up to 3 days per week, and college hours are compressed to accommodate students with caring responsibilities (9:15 – 14:45).
Attendance for lectures is mandatory, and there will also be an aspect of eLearning as part of the course to prepare you for future studies and work.
Timetables are confirmed during the enrolment process in August, but we may be able to give advice on this earlier if you require more notice to arrange work shifts/childcare.
Start date: 01/09/2025
Course Code
PAC3HU5AF$
Duration
1 Year Full-time
Fees
£3022.00
Full-time courses are fully funded for 16 to 18-year-olds. For age 19+, various funding options are available.
Company Logo
info@peterborough.ac.uk
0345 872 8722
Peterborough College
Park Crescent Peterborough PE1 4DZ
Part of the Inspire Education Group © 2025 All rights reserved.
Website by Itineris