Course overview

Are you looking to broaden your skills and knowledge and progress to higher education? Would you like to study history or sociality at university? Would you like to become a Psychologist? This Diploma can help you achieve your place at university. Alongside studying subject areas such as history, sociology and psychology, students are assisted with their applications to gain a place at university. 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

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

- History
- English Literature
- Sociology
- Psychology

How will I be assessed?

You will learn through a combination of tutor-led sessions, class discussions, presentations and group work. You will also have the opportunity to experience a formal examination setting to help prepare you for exams in higher education.  For those students who do not have GCSE English / GCSE maths, you will be given the opportunity to take these alongside the course.

What can I do next

With your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and Humanities) you will be qualified to apply to a university degree in a wide range of subjects, including teaching and humanities, e.g. history, sociology or psychology. Your tutor will support you through your application.

Last year’s Access to Higher Education students went on to study the following courses:  Adult nursing, Animal behaviour, Birthing and Beyond Practitioner, Building and Construction Management, Business Management, Occupational Therapy, Childhood Studies, Children’s Nursing, Counselling and Psychology, Forensic Science, Foundation Science, History, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery, Nutritional Science, Psychology, Psychology with Criminology, Radiography, Radiotherapy, Social work, Sociology, Sports science, Teaching and Theology.

Possible Future Careers:
- Psychologist
- Housing Officer
- Primary and Secondary Teacher
- Health Care Practice Managers
- Youth and Community Worker
- Human Resource Manager
- Child and Early Years Officer
- Special Educational Needs Teacher

Our 2023 cohort have progressed to HE studying Primary Teaching - Early Years (3-7 years); Primary Education (3-11) with recommendation for QTS; Education, Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (with placement); Journalism and History