Level 3
Social Science – Access to HE
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education. You may already have some qualifications…
Quick info
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Course overview
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education.
You may already have some qualifications at GCSE, NVQ, BTEC or A Level but not enough to get to university.
How to apply
Find out more about our A Level pathways and how to apply
Who is this course for?
This course is for adults over 19 who want to enter Higher Education. You should already have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above.
What you’ll learn
The Access course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to achieve your goal. You need to be very committed to study and focused on your career choice.
You will study Psychology, Sociology and either History or Statistics.
The Social Science pathway enables students to learn about human behaviour and society as well as the relationship between the two. Social science is a broad category, and you will explore a range of topics, including social inequality, culture, crime, psychological disorders and offender profiling, amongst others.
You could also choose to explore key historical events such as the suffragette movement, the Russian Revolution and the civil rights movement in the United States. Alternatively, you could learn how to analyse statistical data which you could use to plan and carry out your own research project.
Sociology Units
- The Individual and Society
- Introduction to Sociology
- Sociology of Education
- Crime and Deviance
- Mass Media, ‘Reality’ and the Social Construction of News
Psychology Units
- Introduction to Psychology
- Offender Profiling
- Mental Health Conditions
- Introduction to Social Psychology
- Conformity and Obedience in Social Settings
History Units
- The Movement Towards Female Emancipation
- The Civil Rights Movement in the USA
- Lenin, Bolsheviks and the Russian Revolutio
Statistical and Mathematical Methods Units
- Mathematical Foundation Skills for Inferential Statistics
- Application and Interpretation of Inferential Statistics
Entry requirements
You will be required to include a personal statement (approximately one side of A4), within the application form. Please prepare this in advance before starting the application process.
You will need to include:
- Why you are applying for the course
- What you would like to study at university, and why
- Any experience you have in relation to the Access course, this may be educational, voluntary and/or work based
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above
- Writing skills will be assessed prior to enrolment
- Knowledge of course required at university
- Strong desire to study
- Commitment to study full-time for a year
- Good organisation, motivation and enthusiasm
Future career and study
This course is designed primarily for applicants wishing to pursue a degree in subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy, Education Studies, Anthropology, Criminology and Politics.
There are also a number of HND/Foundation Degrees at City of Bristol College.
- It is essential that you know what you want to study at university or college
- Thoroughly research your intended university course and its entry requirements before you apply for an Access course
- We recommend you visit universities on their Open Days
- We have long-established links with universities
- We offer guaranteed consideration for a Foundation Degree at City of Bristol College
Additional costs
As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery.
Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. You may need to pay for books relating to the course.
If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.