Access to Higher Education Diploma - Social Science (Psychology, Sociology, Politics and Religion)

08/09/2025
Format
23/06/2026
AAHEP313 (2025/2026)
Accrington & Rossendale College, Accrington & Rossendale College, Broad Oak Campus,Accrington,BB5 2AS
Fee for non-Lancashire Residents: £6044.00
Fee for Lancashire Residents: £3022.00

You may be entitled to a discount if you are in receipt of one or more benefits:

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If the above applies to you, you will be asked to provide evidence of this before you make a payment. You will find further instructions after you have completed the enrolment steps.

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You may be entitled to this course for free. There are two cases where you may qualify for this:

If you are currently unemployed, are looking for work and are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits you may qualify for a discount:

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If the above applies to you, you will be asked to provide evidence of this before you make a payment. You will find further instructions after you have completed the enrolment steps.

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Cant Enrol Reason

Please note that the College is only able to offer this course at the rates publicised on this website to those individuals aged 19+ or over on 31st August 2025 whose home address is in areas of England outside of the devolved authority areas of: Cambridge and Peterborough, Greater Manchester, Greater London, Liverpool City Region, Tees Valley, West Midlands and West of England. Where an individual resides outside of England or in one of the devolved areas then the College reserves the right to charge you for the delivery of the course at a rate of £11.75 per hour. This is in line with the College’s Fees Policy which is published on our websites.

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Overview of Course

Overview of Course

The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Science is a Level 3 qualification licensed by QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) which is intended for learners (usually 19+) who do not have the sufficient qualifications or UCAS points to enter university learning directly. This course is designed so that learners can develop their knowledge and academic skills needed to progress on university degree courses, either with us at East Lancashire UC or at another higher education institution.

Course Overview

What you will learn

What you will learn

On this course you will study a range of topics from Psychology, Sociology, History, Religion and Politics.

What Will I Learn

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

GCSE at grade 4 (Grade C) or above for Maths and English (Level 2 Functional Skills are accepted).

Entry Requirements

How Your Course Will Be Assessed

How Your Course Will Be Assessed

On the course, learners will complete a total of 60 credits required by Ascentis, our Awarding body.
  • 45 graded credits at Level 3, in academic content units.
  • 15 ungraded credits at Level 3, in study skills content.

For ungraded assignments these have pass only criteria, whilst the 45 credits available in academic content will be grades as Pass, Merit, Distinction.

The course is designed to be primarily assignment work rather than formal exams, however in some units formal exams will take place (this is dependent on the subject). Assignment work may be a written essay varying in word count from 1,500 to 3,500 words or you may be to complete presentations, magazine articles in addition to undertaking a research project in a specific subject area.

Assessment Methods

How will I know if I'm making progress?

How will I know if I'm making progress?

Progression on the course is closely monitored through regular one-to-one meetings with class teachers, who provide academic feedback and support to help learners meet their targets.
In addition, learners have dedicated sessions known as ADPT (Academic Development, Progression and Tutorial) where they can discuss overall progress, set personal goals, and address any challenges affecting their studies or wellbeing therefore ensuring each learner receives both academic and personal support throughout their journey.

Progress

What coursework will I be expected to complete?

What coursework will I be expected to complete?

Course work consists of essays, an in-class assessment, responses to case studies, a practical investigation with a written report and one exam at the end of the course. We have strict deadlines for assessed work and expect you to keep up with any homework given.

Required Coursework

Additional information

Additional information

Learners aged 19+ can often access Advanced Learner Loans to cover the cost. Please see https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan for further information on the Advanced Learner Loan.
For some learners (for example those aged 19-23 who have not yet gained a full Level 3 qualification), there may be opportunities for government or local funding.

Additional Information

Careers progression

Careers progression

Therapist

Psychotherapist

Social Work

Law

Employment within the civil services

HR Manager

Careers Progression
We are very sorry but it appears that it is not currently possible to apply onto this course online, we are very sorry about this. If you wish to discuss this course with us please do get in touch and we will see how we can help. Or alternatively if you go to the main college website you can browse for other courses to apply for
Cant Apply Reason
The online application and enrolment process is really simple, once you have clicked the “APPLY" or "ENROL” button you will be redirected to the portal where you either log in or create an account (if you haven’t done so previously). We will then ask you to give us a couple of bits of information like address, mobile phone number ect and that’s it.
Once your applications has been made the next step will be for you to book yourself onto one of our interview evenings, depending on availability you might be able to do this straight away but otherwise we will get in contact to arrange when you come in for an interview.
At any point you can log back into the portal throughout the year, update information like your predicted GCSE grades, update contact and consent information and keep a live track of your application.
If you have any questions or run into any problems when using the portal please get in contact with us and we will help

Location Map / Directions to College

Location Map / Directions to College