Social Work Access to HE

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.

This 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 Social Work, Psychology and Sociology.

The Social Work pathway will enable you to undertake studies relating to health and social care issues such as:
• What the role of a social worker is
• Legislation and professional practice
• Ethical, equality and anti-discriminatory practice issues within social care
• How decisions are made using recognised models of evidence-based practice
• Understanding and applying Psychology theory and Sociological perspectives and learning how to communicate with individuals, work in partnership and how to implement the underpinning values of Social Work (Human Rights, Social Justice and Professional Integrity)

Social Work
• The Role of the Social Care Professional
• Developing Reflective Practice • Child Protection and Legislation
• Equality, Diversity and Anti-Discriminatory Practice

Psychology
• Introduction to Psychology
• Mental Health Conditions
• Stress and Health
• Developmental Psychology
• The Psychology of Aggression

Sociology
• Socialisation
• Health Inequalities
• Families in Society
• Extended Project

• Apply online via the Apply Now button at the bottom of this page
• 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
• 6-12 months’ work experience in a health or care setting (voluntary or paid employment).
• Examples of work experience might include:
  • Youth work
  • Family support work
  • Fostering
  • Voluntary work with the Samaritans, addiction groups, cancer support, community service or mental health support services

• 14 taught hours per week in college usually spread over three to four days
• 20 self-study hours per week
• Support from a personal tutor and Study Skills are included in the course

Assessment is:

• Assignment based
• Coursework
• Exams

This course is designed primarily for applicants wishing to pursue a career in Social Work. It will, however, support applications for degrees in many related areas such as Youth Work, Social Policy and Housing.

There are also a number of HND/Foundation Degrees in Health and Social Care 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

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. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.