Course overview

Why do we behave the way we do? What makes us happy, jealous, angry or sad? Are we free or controlled by society, government and the media? What are your legal rights and responsibilities?

When you choose to study an Access Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) you will be encouraged to ask thought-provoking questions about human behaviour and the way we choose to live our lives. Studying subject areas such as criminology, sociology, law, health studies and psychology

Social Science is a fascinating subject, but especially suitable if you are thinking of a career that involves working with people, such as Social Work, Community Outreach, Policing or working with charities and if you like to study law or sociality at university. Would you like to become a Psychologist or a Criminologist?

To date, we have been extremely successful in supporting such students to gain places both at local universities such as Birmingham City University, University of Wolverhampton, Newman University and the University of Worcester, as well as further afield.

The duration of this course is 1 year full time or 2 years part time.

The Access to Higher Education courses provided at HoW College are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and validated by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from anyone who wishes to move into higher education. There is no upper age limit, however this course may not be suitable for younger students as one of the entry requirements is to have had substantial life experience prior to the course. Ideally you will have either GCSE English or maths at grade 4 (C) or above but alternative qualifications are considered, including our own Access Foundation course. You will also be asked to attend an interview where you will have the opportunity to discuss your options and decide on the most suitable course.

Course Modules

- Criminology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Academic Study Skills
- Health Studies
-Law

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on a continuous basis throughout the course through essays, reports, exams and presentations.

What can I do next

This is specifically for those interested in going on to study law, criminology, psychology or sociology or interested in developing a career in the law, prison sector, probation or social services. You can progress onto a broad range of academic and vocational higher education courses at a Foundation Degree, HND or BA (Hons) level.

Our 2023 cohort have progressed into studying social work Counselling Psychology, Psychology with Clinical Psychology, Criminology and Criminology with Forensic Psychology at local HE providers.

Possible Future Careers:
- Health Care Practice Managers
- Criminologist
- Social Worker
- Youth and Community Worker
- Housing Officer
- Psychologist
- Police Community Support officer
-Police
- Welfare and Housing Officer
- Probation Officer
- Senior Care Worker
- Social and Humanities Scientist
- Prison Service Officer
- Legal Secretary
- Solicitor
- Welfare and Housing Officer
- Barrister
- Judge
- Social Worker

Our 2023 cohort have progressed to HE studying Law with Criminology, Law with Criminal Justice, Law (with placement), Sociology and Criminology, Social Work, Counselling Psychology, Psychology with Clinical Psychology, Criminology and Criminology with Forensic Psychology