Adult

Start Date: Level: Course Location: Course Type:
September Level 3 Bede Campus Access to Higher Education Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Are you passionate about exploring the depths of human culture, thought, and history? Our Access to HE Diploma in Humanities is your gateway to a fulfilling academic and professional journey. Whether you aspire to be a historian, a philosopher, a writer, or a social scientist, our program provides you with the critical thinking skills and broad knowledge base essential for success in university and beyond. Embark on this enlightening path with us and let your curiosity shape the future.

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.

Study level Cost Additional fees
19+ Please enquire There are no additional costs to the course. You may find the demands of the course easier if you have access to either a laptop, PC or a tablet to complete assessments, as these are to be Word processed.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities involves a variety of teaching methods.

Students can expect the units included to be delivered primarily through lessons taught by specialist lecturers. This will also be supported and enhanced by structured independent study. This preparation will then enable students to complete assessments.

To support all students in reaching their full potential, we use a variety of assessment methods including essays, reports, discussions, posters, leaflets, exams, and workbooks.

Students will also have the opportunity to use the amazing technology facilities at our Bede campus, such as the immersive igloo which will enhance teaching and assist in achieving high grades.

Applicants must have achieved Level 2 Maths and English qualifications prior to beginning this course. These subjects are then included within the diploma to support general progress in developing relevant skills for Level 3 and subsequent Level 4 study.

If you do not already have a Level 2 in English or Maths, you can contact the college to discuss your options with the programme lead.

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 11am - 4pm

Option 2:
Tuesday 5pm - 9pm
Thursday 5pm - 9pm

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.

The Humanities pathway offers a range of subject areas, including Politics, Sociology, Psychology, History and Modern Issues which will enable learners to fully develop their academic and analytical skills whilst assessing contemporary and historical issues within the United Kingdom.

Academic Units:
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Safeguarding Children and Social Work
- Social Work and Adults with Learning Difficulties
-
Social Work and Mental health
- Psychological Perspectives
-
Child and Adolescent
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
-
Stereotyping, prejudice and Discrimination
- Sociological Theory
-
Social Stratification and Inequality
-
The Russian Revolution and Stalin's Rise to Power
- Stalinism and the modernisation of Russia
-
The Cold War in Politics
-
Poverty in Contemporary Britain
- Exploring Social Policy
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Health Promotion

Developmental units:
-
Politics and Society
-
Post World War 2 British Prime Ministers

- Social Perspectives in Mental Health
-
Public Health
-
Personal Development: Study Skills

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.

What’s next?

After successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities, students will have the opportunity to progress to Level 4 studies in a very varied and wide range of related areas. This will include Humanities and Social Sciences subjects, for example, History, English, Psychology and Sociology.

This pathway will facilitate progression to Level 4 study in areas that will then support the development of careers in related areas including Counselling, Social Work and Care, Education and teaching, and Journalism.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

98% of students said they had the freedom to express themselves

NSS, 2024

We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus