Access to HE Diploma (Humanities)

You will need 4 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths, or a Level 2 equivalent.

Please be aware students will be considered on a case-by-case basis if the entry requirements are not met by the course leader and curriculum manager. If the entry requirements are not met, students have the opportunity to study the Progression Award to Access and then progress to Access.

On this course you will receive 60 credits, which are then converted into UCAS points. Your UCAS points will depend on the grades received in graded units; the higher grades generate more UCAS points. Whilst on the course, there is a dedicated tutor who can support students with calculating their UCAS credits throughout the academic year as and when needed.

Our Access to HE Diploma in Humanities blends diverse teaching methods and thoughtful assessment to empower you for success in the dynamic world of HE. Through this program, you will gain a thorough understanding of core concepts, theories, and frameworks—essential knowledge for your future career in the various fields, such as teaching, social work, journalism, counselling and many more.
On the course, students will experience learning through seminars and workshops exploring core concepts, theories, and frameworks in various fields. Learning is delivered by staff who are not only specialists in their subject knowledge, but are also specialists in teaching Access for adults and have industry experience.
Sessions are interactive and delivered by skilled professionals. All students will have the opportunity to gain support through small groups and one-to-one discussions with lecturers and access to digital learning materials, including video tutorials, interactive simulations, and e-books.
Units will be assessed throughout the year with ongoing feedback on coursework and projects to help students improve and learn continuously. Assessment methods are varied and include, portfolios, projects, essays, presentations, TCT's and reports to name a few to prepare students with the skills needed for HE studies in the different degrees.

English and Maths are important life skills that will help you to achieve your best in your studies and progress to your dream career. If you have not already achieved grade 9-4 in GCSE Maths and/or English, we will support you to improve your skills before you start the Access Diploma.

There are no placements on the course.

Whilst on the course there will be several visits to the college from different universities to assist in students in making choices for their level 4 studies. Students are also supported to attend university open days.

Humanities offers students the choice of when and where they study. During enrolment students will be asked to choose one of the following options:

Option 1:
Tuesday 5pm - 9pm
Wednesday 9:30 am -2:30pm

Option 2:
Wednesday 9:30 am -2:30pm
Thursday 5pm - 9pm

When studying, you will be expected to spend time outside of lessons working on coursework and studying. You will also have access to study areas in college to support your learning and development.

The Access to HE Diploma in Humanities offers a robust curriculum that explores key subjects, providing students with a strong foundation in the humanities. Our thoughtfully crafted course aims to prepare you for further education and a successful career in various humanities fields. The aim of the Humanities pathway is to enable students to progress to Level 4 study in a varied range of subject areas, either internally at Sunderland College or at a university of their choice. As part of this course, students study a range of developmental units including Study skills before exploring History, Sociology and Psychology. While at Sunderland College students are supported with their UCAS university application for Level 4 studies from tutors, lecturers and programme leaders.

Completion of the units make up 15 ungraded credits and 45 graded credits.
Graded level 3 subjects include;

• Psychological Perspectives
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Safeguarding Children and Social Work
• Social Work and Adults with Learning Disabilities
• Sociological Theory
• Social Stratification and Inequality
• Health Promotion
• Poverty in Contemporary Britian
• Feminism in the Household
• Sociolinguists
• Child Language Acquistion
• Regional History
• Hitlers Persecution of the Jews
• Liverpool and the Atlantic Slave Trade

Ungraded units include;
• Personal Development Study Skills
• Public Health
• Post World War II British Prime Ministers
• Social Perspectives in Mental Health
• Politics and Society

Whilst on the Access course students are also provided with a tutor and wellbeing coach. This allows for dedicated support with your UCAS applications including writing of personal statements, available universities and interview assistance if needed. You will also provide dedicated one-to-one support in pastoral care. The wellbeing coach will also be able to assist with your academic writing development.