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Access to HE – Psychosocial Studies Level 3

Course Code
ACCS301A.SP
Start Date
15/09/2025
End Date
19/06/2026
Location
Broxbourne Campus
Study Mode
Full Time

If you don’t have traditional qualifications and want to go to University to gain a degree, our Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are the ideal route to help you get there. Access courses are ideal for those wanting to study at a university level, but need an additional year of preparation before applying for a degree.

This popular daytime course, designed for adults (ages 19+) will prepare you for a career in a range of roles within sociology and pyschology.

Students on this course will gain the knowledge and skills required to progress onto Higher Education. Students will complete mandatory modules including sociology, psychology and an introduction to counselling. This course is flexible for students as it consists of  two days a week in college, completing a combination of classroom-based study as well as additional blended/home learning.

What makes Access to HE at HRC special?

  • Our courses are designed for adults who are returning to learning or who may not have the right qualifications to take on a degree
  • Our blended learning approach will help you balance your studies, personal life and work commitments
  • Our students progress onto a wide range of degree courses in subjects such as sociology, social policy, social work, physcology and criminology.
  • Our staff are incredibly knowledgeable in these subjects so can give you a true insight into the industry
  • You will be fully supported to apply to University through UCAS

 What do our students say?

“I began the Access to HE course as a Mum of 3 young kids, accustomed to working mundane jobs. I am now en route to becoming a ‘Clinical Psychologist.’ Yes, a ‘broken thinking Doctor’ (my children’s definition) How the heck did that happen? Not only were my academic abilities sharpened, but through the support of a supportive team of tutors I rediscovered a little something called self-belief, believing I could so I did.”

 “Access to HE was the biggest stepping stone I’ve ever taken on.  The confidence I’ve gained during this time is truly unbelievable”

 

You will focus on building your knowledge of core skills relative to this industry, while also developing an understanding in specialist subjects that you feel will suit your progress. You will study different units throughout the year:
  • Approaches to psychology
  • Introduction to sociology
  • Understanding counselling theories
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Culture and Identity
  • Poverty and Social Exclusion
  • Valuing Diversity: Types, Bases and Impact of Discrimination
  • Introduction to Early Child Development
  • Understanding published research
  • Research skills
  • Mental health and illness
  • Academic writing
  • Preparation for higher education
  • Communication: speaking and listening
  • Promoting wellbeing and building resilience
Your assessment during the course will be ongoing, and will take the form of essays,  presentations, reports and exams.
You will need a selection of note-taking resources, depending on your preferred learning method. This could include notepads, pens and pencils, or a laptop or tablet.If you think you would benefit from financial support we have bursary options available for those who meet the criteria. Please note, this funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application.If you would like financial support, contact our Information Team on 01992 411411 or financialsupport@hrc.ac.uk
To take on this course you will need:
  • Grade 4/C qualification in English and Maths
  • A Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check may be required
If you would like help understanding our entry requirements, give our Information Team a call on 01992 411411 .
If you are an applicant aged 19 or over on the 31st August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £3,500 tuition fee for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024). You may be entitled to free tuition if the course is your first full Level 3 qualification. Advanced Learner Loans can be applied for to help with the tuition fees if you do not meet these criteria.You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee, and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
We would definitely recommend taking on some voluntary work, if you can, alongside our Access courses! Not only would this help further your understanding of the industry you wish to work in, but it will help you stand out when you apply to university if this is a route you would like to take.
After you have successfully completed this course, you can choose to: apply for a degree at a University, apply for an Apprenticeship or enter into employment in this industry.
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ACCS301A.SP
Access to HE – Psychosocial Studies Level 3
2025-09-15 00:00:00.000
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