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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science with Law)

Stoke on Trent College

Stoke Road, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2DG

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Business, Administration and Law

Available start dates

Available start dates

Thursday, 01 October 2026
Stoke on Trent College
1 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

The course is taught through a range of teaching methods including lectures, discussions, research, group discussions and workshops and online learning. In addition to taught sessions students will develop independent research and study skills through seminar based sessions. Typically, you should expect to be in College for approximately 9 hours per week, normally over one day or two evenings. In addition, you will need to undertake approximately fifteen hours of independent study per week to include additional research and assessment work.

Course Details

Want to develop a career in Social Science or Law? The Access to HE Diploma offers an in-depth understanding of contemporary legal and social science issues in the UK. Ideally suited to learners returning to education and wishing to pursue courses at University, this one year, part time programme will also develop your academic and study skills so you can excel at University. The course is an ideal way of developing the skills necessary to progress to university whilst studying subjects that are relevant to your chosen degree programme. The course covers the following subjects: - Developing critical thinking - Dynamics of Government - Access to Justice - Human rights, the individual and law - Criminal Law and procedures - Civil and criminal courts - Contemporary issues in Social Policy - Understanding crime and deviance - Criminal criminology - Crime and media - Social factors in Health and Social Care - Introduction to sociology - Globalisation - Social identity - Understanding poverty - Introduction to psychology - Social relationships - Social psychology - Personality - Political parties

How will it be delivered and assessed?

You will be assessed through a varied range of assessment methods. These will include; written assignments, open book tests, presentations, group activities and written reports, blogs, vlogs. The assessments take place throughout the course so you will not have to face any final exams at the end to pass the course, and you can monitor your progress at any stage. To achieve the Access to HE Diploma you will need to gain 60 credits in total, a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 which will be graded and 15 credits which will be ungraded.

Entry requirements

You should have a Grade C/4 or above in GCSE English Language & Maths or a Level 2 in Functional Skills. You will also be asked to complete a pre-induction statement on intent to make sure this is the right level for you. In addition, students will need to check the entry requirements for their chosen degree programme. You need to be aware that GCSE Maths at grade C (new grade 4), is essential for progression to Higher Education for many university courses. Some universities will accept alternatives to GCSE, such as Functional Skills Level 2, but it is essential that you find this out yourself before starting the Access to HE Diploma.

Equipment required

This is a vocational course giving you the training and skills needed for employment, good punctuality and attendance is essential. To comply with industry and awarding body standards for commercial barber shops, you will be required to purchase a uniform and equipment which is available by mail order, an order form will be provided. The recommended uniform needs to be worn at all times during practical and commercial sessions. A professional appearance is necessary with a good standard of personal hygiene and you will need to be willing to receive and carry out the treatments for which you are training. Some courses have trips or visits which may have a cost attached. You will also have the opportunity to be entered in national skills competitions representing the College in which there have been many successful outcomes for the College.

Your next steps...

Successful completion of this course will provide you with a nationally recognised qualification that is an alternative to the traditional qualifications required to progress to university. Typically, successful students’ progress to a range of Legal and Social Science related degree programmes.

Additional information


For more courses like this, check our courses page.