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Social Work - Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma

Summary

This course is ideal if you wish to have a career in social work, mental health, nursing, criminology, sociology, psychology, policing. The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification which will prepare you for study at degree level.

If you would like to go to university but left school without the qualifications you need, then an Access to HE course could be for you. The course is run over 1 academic year and is designed for learners aged 19 years and above. Advanced Learning Loans are available.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
01 Sep 2025
University Centre
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The completion of the Level 3 Access to HE programme is usually acceptable for progression to Higher Education. It is advised that you check with the university you would like to study at to check their .

Successful students can move to Higher Education study, either at Blackpool and the Fylde College or other institutions. This course is ideal if you would like to have a career in mental health, nursing, social work, criminology, sociology, psychology, policing and other related professions.

Key information

Entry Requirements

Direct Entry:

  • 3 GCSEs Grade 4 (C) or above including maths or English Grade 4 (C) or above.
  • Relevant Level 2 or 3 qualification plus maths or English Grade 4 (C) or above/ level 2 Functional Skills maths and English.


Not achieved Maths or English GCSE at Grade 4 (C) or above:

  •  You will need to complete the one-year Level 2 (GCSE) maths or English alongside your Access to HE qualification.


If you do not meet the entry requirements:

  • Don’t worry – you can apply for our Pre Access course https://blackpool.ac.uk/course/sd1fe08  which will prepare you for the Access to Higher Education course. You can also work towards achieving your Level 2 (GCSE) Maths and/or English at the same time.

Qualification obtained

Access to HE Diploma (Social Science)

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Tuition Fees

Read our tuition fees guide.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

Although course textbooks are available in the College library, you may wish to buy a textbook (following consultation with your tutor).

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: ASCENTIS

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There is no work placement as part of this course; however you may wish to contact your chosen university and check if work experience or voluntary work is a requirement for their degree programme.

This would be done in your own time and no time allowance would be given as part of our course.

The Access to HE Health and Social Professions is a 60 credit Diploma. You will complete the following subjects:

  • Sociology (30 credits)
  • Psychology (21 credits)
  • HE Study Skills (9 credits)

Industry Placement and Field Trips

There is no work placement as part of this course; however you may wish to contact your chosen university and check if work experience or voluntary work is a requirement for their degree programme.

This would be done in your own time and no time allowance would be given as part of our course.

Learning and Teaching Methods

 A variety of teaching and learning strategies and techniques are used to motivate and support students.

Classroom time is 340 hours over the year which equates to 10 hours a week. We would expect private study time (research/background reading/creation of drafts and final reports) to be an extra 10 hours a week.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

How will I learn?

The Access to HE Health and Social Professions is a 60 credit Diploma. You will complete the following subjects:

  • Sociology (30 credits)
  • Psychology (21 credits)
  • HE Study Skills (9 credits)

 A variety of teaching and learning strategies and techniques are used to motivate and support students.

Classroom time is 340 hours over the year which equates to 10 hours a week. We would expect private study time (research/background reading/creation of drafts and final reports) to be an extra 10 hours a week.

 

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Entry Requirements

Direct Entry

  • 3 GCSEs Grade 4 (C) or above including maths or English Grade 4 (C) or above.
  • Relevant Level 2 or 3 qualification plus maths or English Grade 4 (C) or above/ level 2 Functional Skills maths and English.

Not achieved Maths or English GCSE at Grade 4 (C) or above.

  •  You will need to complete the one-year Level 2 (GCSE) maths or English alongside your Access to HE qualification.

If you do not meet the entry requirements

  • Don’t worry – you can apply for our Pre Access course https://blackpool.ac.uk/course/sd1fe08  which will prepare you for the Access to Higher Education course. You can also work towards achieving your Level 2 (GCSE) Maths and/or English at the same time.

Qualification Obtained

Access to HE Diploma (Social Science)

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

The Access to HE course has a range of assessment methods including essays, reports, presentations and exams. There will be formal exams at the end of the programme.

Assignments (including seen tests) = 86%, exams 14%.