Access to Higher Education: Psychology and Social Work
Change your career direction! The Access to HE Diploma is awarded by CAVA and is nationally recognised as an alternative educational pathway into higher education.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
The Access course is a 1-year course run over 3 days per week. It is for adults wanting to gain an academic qualification so as to gain access to University. It provides you with a qualification that leads you into your chosen career in the psychology, social work and the social sciences. In previous years students have gained places to train as clinical psychologists, social workers, teachers, counsellors etc.
This course provides learners with a step-up to Higher Education by giving them the necessary grounding and qualifications for progression to University Courses.
Apply for this course
Start date: 15/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Small Class Sizes
Supportive enviroment
Clear career guidance
Excellent progression
Study skills embedded
Learn Study Skills
This route provides excellent study skills in specific subject areas, giving people the confidence to succeed.
Route to University
Students progress to a wide range of universities near and far, and the vast majority of our students are accepted at their first choice of university.
Experienced Specialist Tutors
You will be taught by staff with extensive experience who will advance your knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of higher education.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Students study three core subjects, which are Psychology, Social Work and Sociology. Together these form the 45 academic subject credits, which can be graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. In addition to the core subjects, learners will also undertake 15 credits in Study Skills. This will help you to develop your written skills, which is particularly important if you have not studied for a number of years. The units are designed to give students the full confidence they will need for Higher Education. Skills developed include: exam preparation and performance, essay writing, referencing, presenting information to peers, how to apply to university, time management, etc.
This course has a varied curriculum and encompasses a wide range of subjects. You will cover the following content:
Psychology:
- Exploring Perspectives in Psychology
- Lifespan Development
- Personality Theories
- Memory
- Social Psychology
- Atypical Psychology – Psychological Disorders
- Criminal Psychological Research
- Stress and Wellbeing
Social Work:
- Role of the Professional
- Discrimination, Diversity and Poverty
- Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Oppressive Practice
- Professional Communication
Sociology:
- Key Perspectives in Sociology
- Sociology of Health
- Sociology of the Family
- Identity and Society
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
The Access to Higher Education programme is designed to give students the necessary grounding to progress on to Higher Education courses. The majority of British Universities will accept Access to Higher Education courses as an alternative to A Levels and other more traditional routes. In previous years students have gained places to train as clinical psychologists, social workers, teachers, counsellors etc
ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Assessment is continuous throughout the course and consists of essays, reports, presentations and other written assignments. You will also be required to sit an examination as part of the course requirements; this will help you to prepare for university level study.
You will have a personal tutor who will support you throughout the course and assist you in completing the university admissions (UCAS) process. Furthermore, your Study Skills lecturer will assist you in developing the necessary academic skills and attributes for study at university level.
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
We encourage all students to read widely and conduct their own research into their future career and into all subjects covered on the course. Our library staff can help you with all aspects of this.
We have excellent teaching staff who are here to support you to succeed on this course. Our study skills team can offer additional 1:1 support sessions to ensure your academic progress. Our student services team can help you with all things outside of your coursework including childcare, transport, financial advice and counselling.
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
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£22,123
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8
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27
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£37,924
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£9,803
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£26,392
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32
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£78,176
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£19,542
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12
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£36,294
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£8,678
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143
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£39,182
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40
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£34,166
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£6,628
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£20,724
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