Access to Higher Education: Humanities
Access to Higher Education Humanities to prepare you to succeed at university in a range of humanities subjects like English, Linguistics, Sociology, Psychology, Law, Politics, Philosophy, Archaeology and Anthropology.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
If you wish to apply to university for a higher education course, but do not have the necessary qualifications, Access to HE could well be the right choice for you. The majority of British universities will accept Access to Higher Education courses as an alternative to A Levels and other more traditional routes. Students are usually aged 19 or over.
All applicants will be expected to attend an interview. There are no formal requirements for acceptance on to the Access programme. However, many universities are now insisting on C grade (or above) passes in Maths and English. Our students on this course have been successful in gaining places at colleges and universities to study degrees in English, Law, History, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Politics, Teaching, Geography, Business and Economics.
Apply for this course
Start date: 15/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Varied Curriculum
University Preparation
Excellent 1:1 support
small classes
Wide reaching programme
Combines a range of subjects from Sociology, Psychology and English Language and literature to explore topics such as culture and identity, memory, dystopian fiction and language discrimination.
expert lecturers
Expert lecturers who know their subject and have experience developing adult learners’ written skills and powers of analysis.
study skills
Superb study skills support to prepare you for university, including research and presentation skills, referencing, writing to a brief and how to prepare a university application.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The course follows four broad subject streams, along with tutorial support, university applications and study skills.
- English language – you will learn how to analyse texts closely and explore the links between language and society.
- English literature – you will explore the gothic genre, for example.
- Psychology – you will learn about stress and well-being, social psychology, psychological disorders and treatments and therapies.
- Sociology- you will explore key sociological perspectives and explore issues around culture and identity
- Social and Political Movements– you will look at the debate around key movements such as Black Lives Matter, gender politics, gay rights and produce a leaflet.
Examples of modules which may be taught:
Literary Studies:
- Prose Post1914
- Poetry
- Drama
- Independent Research Project
Psychology:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Stress
- Social Psychology
- Atypical psychology – treatments and therapies
Sociology :
- Beliefs in Society
- Education and Inequalities
- Independent Research Project
English Language:
- Language and Power
 Additional modules:
- Researching Higher Education
- Academic Writing
- Examination Technique
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Progression: In previous years students have gained places in a diverse range of Higher Education courses such as Law, English, Sociology and Psychology in universities over the country. You could also continue your Higher Education studies at Truro and Penwith College in a variety of subjects such as English, Applied Psychology, Community Studies and Archaeology.
Careers: Careers pursued by previous students include teaching, the police, civil service, social work, psychology and counselling, various legal roles and administrative/managerial positions in a range or organisations.
ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Access to Humanities is assessed by a portfolio of written coursework assignments, alongside presentations and study skills evidence.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
We recommend that you have GCSE English and Maths at a minimum of grade 4/C before you commence the Access course. However, please contact us to discuss your prior qualifications and planned progression route and we would be happy to advise based on your particular set of circumstances. It is advisable to check the GCSE requirements for the higher education course you wish to complete following the Access course as they may have different stipulations.
INFORMATION & SUPPORT
Given the developmental approach taken on the Access course, our adult learners will be well supported throughout the course. You will receive a structured programme of study that steadily develops your powers of analysis and written communication. We will also help you present concisely and confidently and produce work in accordance with academic conventions. The personal tutor will meet you weekly to oversee your progress and support you with your application to university.
additional INFORMATION
This course is excellent preparation for any career that requires the powers of written analysis and a sensitive understanding when working with others.
Your Access qualification will allow you to progress to a wide range of university courses across the spectrum of humanities and social sciences. Previous students have trained as primary and secondary school teachers, studied for degrees in business, law and administration and pursued degrees in English, History, Law, Archaeology.  Psychology, Sociology or similar subjects.
Awarding Body: CAVA
For further details please contact Vanessa Hager vanessahager@truro-penwith or Sue Kellas suekellas@truro-penwith.ac.uk
For queries related to finance and funding, please visit our finance support page.
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
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£29,114
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