About the course
Whatever your background and however complicated and busy your life may be, there is always a way back into education.
Access to Higher Education courses are a great starting point to retrain for a new and exciting career or get the degree that you promised yourself. Access to Higher Education makes it possible.
Designed for students aged 19 and over, these courses lead to a 60 credit Level 3 Diploma and are a flexible alternative to A Levels. The qualifications are widely recognised by UK universities and earn up to 144 UCAS points.
If you are not sure that you a ready to take the step to apply for an Access to Higher Education full year programme, why not join our fully funded 12 week Pre-Access course, to brush up on your study skills and get ready to get back into education.
The course covers the academic subjects of History, Psychology and English literature and modules are designed to support and develop shared topics and themes.
Applicants should have an interest in English, History and Psychology and be prepared for nine months study.
Entry requirements
Applicants must be aged 19 or over as at the start of the course.
There are no formal academic requirements for this course, a Level 2 qualification in English is advisable.
The Access to HE programmes of study are of A Level standard, and while there are no formal entry requirements for this course, we must ensure at interview that applicants have a good chance of success. Please be aware that a Level 2 maths qualification will also be required for university entrance.
Find out more about Maths and English qualifications offered at the college.
Qualifications
Humanities and Social Sciences (English, History, Psychology) Access to HE Diploma Level 3.
What you'll learn (core modules)
There are various strands to the course learning:
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There is the opportunity to complete an individual research project in the student's own area of interest.
- The History strand will explore topics as diverse as WWI and nineteenth-century prostitution. Student learning is supported by extracurricular trips to local heritage centres.
- The English strand will investigate a range of literary forms including prose, poetry and drama; units will examine topics such as modern prose fiction, Shakespearean drama and WWI poetry.
- The Psychology strand will focus on a range of topics and will familiarise students with insights into mental health behaviours, memory, and social processes, such as group behaviour, and obedience and conformity. Along with this, students will develop key research skills essential to studying Psychology at degree level.
- Students will gain university level study skills including research skills, critical thinking and referencing.
How will I be assessed?
A number of different assessments are used on the Access course.
These include essay writing; presentations; time-controlled assessments; an e-portfolio of Higher Education Study Skills.
These assessments will develop your academic skills in line with university expectations ensuring a smooth transition into degree level study programmes.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
We offer the opportunity to study Humanities & Social Sciences locally in our Personal & Professional Learning centres via our i-immersive classrooms.
These rooms are equipped with audio visual hardware and cutting edge technology, allowing a small group of students to study outside of Bury St Edmunds and to receive an engaging live teaching experience closer to home.
Where will this course take me?
The course can take you to study our UEA validated History and English BA(Hons) course here at USWSC and to most other universities across the country (subject to entry requirements).
This course is a recognised pathway into Teaching, Heritage industry, Management, civil service, Library services, Journalism, Legal professions and many other Higher Education degree programmes. It is designed to meet the needs of learners who may not have had the opportunity to enter higher education earlier in their lives.
If you need help with funding
We offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of fees.
If you are aged between 19 and 23 and studying for your first full Level 3 qualification, your course will be fully funded through our Adult Education Budget and you will not incur any fees.
If you are 19-23 and already have a full level 3 qualification or are over 24, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund your course.
For students studying Access to HE diplomas, Student Finance England will write off any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances taken out to pay for an Access course should you complete a degree. This means that you would not have to repay your access loan.
Study is hard enough without struggling to pay for the things that you may need to undertake your course. A discretionary bursary fund, depending on household income and family circumstances may provide support for travel, childcare and materials required for your course. Apply for a Bursary..
I'm interested. What should I do now?
Please apply online, or email us to find out more: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Days & times
Starting 08/09/2025
Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00