Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences

You will need to have a full Level 2 qualification to enrol on this course. E.g. 4 GCSEs at a grade 4/C or above, including GCSE English and Math's.

If you do not meet the criteria, please contact the course leader, as there is the opportunity to study a Progression Award to Access course for 1 year before beginning the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences 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 significant structured independent study. This preparation will then enable students to complete assessments.

To encourage and support all students in reaching their reach their full potential, there are a variety of different assessment methods included (e.g. essay and report writing, academic posters and presentations).

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 Math's 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 Math's, 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.

This course is delivered during the day over two days; Monday's and Thursday's. Lessons start at 9:30am until 2:30pm with a half hour lunch break.

Evening classes are Tuesdays and Thursday's 5pm - 9pm.

Students are also expected to set time aside each week for independent study.

This course is delivered at Bede Campus (this could be subject to change). Day sessions begin at 9:30am and finish at 2:30pm. The evening course begins at 5pm and ends at 9pm.

Attendance is face to face teaching and students should attend college.

The aim of the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences 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 initially study Level 2 units in English and Study Skills to support subsequent development of relevant academic skills, before then progressing to graded Level 3 units. Successful completion of the diploma will then enable eventual progression to Level 4.

While at Sunderland College students are supported with their UCAS university application for Level 4 studies from tutors, lecturers and programme leaders

You will study the following modules as part of this course:

- English Language Writing Skills - Level 2 (3 credits - ungraded) - this aims to refresh your academic writing skills.
- English Language Comprehension - Level 2 (3 credits - ungraded) - this aims to support your comprehension of research material needed to achieve the higher grades in your Access diploma.
- Study Skills - Level 2 (3 credits - ungraded) - this aims to support your studies both in academic writing and managing the demands of a level 3 academic course.
- Higher Maths - Level 3 (3 credits - ungraded) - the aims of this module to assist in the necessary skills needed in the various level 4 courses that students can progress to from the Humanities and Social Science courses
- History - Level 3 (9 credits - graded) - this module allows students to gain research a historical event as well as gaining knowledge on historical figures.
- Psychology - Level 3 (9 credits graded) - this module allows students to gain an understanding of different psychological perspectives which underpin many employment fields as well as analyse psychological research.
- Sociology - Level 3 (9 credits - graded) - this module allows students to gain a understanding of the different sociological perspectives, such as Marxism and feminism as well as gaining an understanding of how society has changed.
- Social Policy and Welfare- Level 3 (9 credits - graded) - this module allows students to gain an understanding of different political perspectives and their beliefs. Students also research historical and current policies and their impact on society and individuals.
- English Language Studies - Level 3 (9 credits - graded) - This unit allows students to gain a understanding of the historical development of the English Language and how this has impacted on language changes. Students will also analyse the power in both the written and spoken word.

Open Awards

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.