Access to Higher Education: Humanities, Teaching and Law
Access to Higher Education: Humanities, Teaching and Law is designed to prepare you to succeed at university in a range of humanities subjects, like politics and history, social sciences such as sociology and psychology, teaching qualifications or the law.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
If you wish to apply to university for a higher education course but do not have the necessary qualifications, an Access course could well be the right choice for you. The majority of universities in the UK 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 onto the Access programme. However, many universities are now insisting on Grade 4 (or above) passes in English and maths. Our students in this course have been successful in gaining places at colleges and universities to study degrees in law, history, sociology, social work, psychology, politics, teaching, geography, business and economics.
Apply for this course
Start date: 15/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
UCAS support
No formal requirements
Friendly environment
Excellent teaching
Wide Range of Topics
Combine a range of subjects from sociology, through psychology and history to explore topics such as crime, deviance, education and political thought.
Experienced Tutors
Expert lecturers who know their subject and have experience developing adult learners’ written skills and powers of analysis.
Preparation for university
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 three broad subject streams, along with tutorial support, university applications and study skills:
- Psychology – you will learn about stress and well-being, criminal psychology, psychological disorders and treatments and therapies.
- History – you will examine change and continuity in history by examining Italy in the early 20th century as it transitioned from democracy to fascism. We look at India and the British Empire, examining sources and how historians represent the past. Finally, you will have a free choice of research topic.
- Sociology, Politics and Law – you will look at the debate around inequalities and achievement in education and further understand crime and deviance. You will analyse key political concepts and their importance before examining civil rights and the law.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Students who have achieved this diploma have progressed on to study a wide range of subjects at university, including law, primary teaching, sociology and business management.
This course is excellent preparation for any career that requires the powers of written analysis and a sensitive understanding when working with others. 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 of organisations.
ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Access to Humanities, Teaching and Law 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. Your personal tutor will meet with you weekly to oversee your progress and support you with your application to university.
Awarding Body: CAVA
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
Potential Salary
£29,114
Entry Level Salary
£9,236
Average Salary
£22,123
Annual openings in Cornwall
8
Potential Salary
£40,318
Entry Level Salary
£15,134
Average Salary
£29,948
Annual openings in Cornwall
8
Potential Salary
£40,575
Entry Level Salary
£22,218
Average Salary
£40,575
Annual openings in Cornwall
5
Potential Salary
£50,769
Entry Level Salary
£17,278
Average Salary
£30,013
Annual openings in Cornwall
7
Potential Salary
£71,640
Entry Level Salary
£24,382
Average Salary
£42,352
Annual openings in Cornwall
13
Potential Salary
£51,259
Entry Level Salary
£21,243
Average Salary
£38,074
Annual openings in Cornwall
27
Potential Salary
£62,130
Entry Level Salary
£20,604
Average Salary
£34,160
Annual openings in Cornwall
1
Potential Salary
£48,863
Entry Level Salary
£19,545
Average Salary
£28,887
Annual openings in Cornwall
