Richmond upon Thames College

Access to HE Diploma Humanities and Social Science

• Course details, fees and dates

  Course Code ED0PA / 10001

  Start Date Monday 24 Sep 2018

  How long is the course? 32 weeks

  What time does the course start? 10:00AM

  What time does the course end? 4:00PM

  When does the course run? 3 days per week

  How much does the course cost? Tuition fee £3,022 Exam fee £0 Certification fee £120 Materials fee £50 = Total fee £3,192

  Is this course eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan? Yes

  Is there a registration fee? Yes

  Are concessions available? No

  Examining Body OCNLR

  Is an interview required? Yes

• What is the course about?

  As part of the course you will study the following 2 mandatory units:

  • Reading & Comprehension of Texts
  • Extended Project

  In addition to these Mandatory units you will also study a range of optional units that will be selected from the following subject areas: Sociology, Psychology, Economics, European Studies, Politics, Social Anthropology and Social Policy & Study Skills.

  In addition there will be an opportunity to develop your level 2 Maths and English skills, study skills, academic practice and relevant IT skills.

  The broad range of disciplines and subjects covered on the course will allow you to develop the skills necessary for progression to Higher Education in a variety of academic disciplines. The majority of students, on successful completion of all units, do progress to higher education courses, including university and/or employment.

  This is an intensive one-year programme and you will be expected to work hard on the course. Your life skills in time management, planning, prioritising and meeting deadlines will be key factors in ensuring success.

  The College works closely with a range of employers, many of whom can provide work experience as well as 'master classes.' The majority of our level 3, 4 and 5 students do progress into employment having successfully completed a period of study with us.

• Are there any materials or resources that I need to bring to the sessions?

  Topic specific worksheets and handouts will be provided by the college. You will need to bring basic writing equipment e.g. notepads, pens, pencils, highlighters; a ruler and a calculator.

• What is expected of me at this level?

  This is a fast paced course and you will be expected to have good attendance and complete independent study outside of lessons. At the start of the qualification you will be given a course calendar with a series of coursework submission dates which you will be asked to meet at regular intervals throughout the year.

• What qualifications or experience do I need to start the course?

  You do not necessarily need previous qualifications, as we will take your life experience into account. Applicants for this course will be expected to have some healthcare and science knowledge. Please note that this is a very demanding course, equivalent to an A level programme, so ideally you will have a good level of literacy and numeracy (GCSE grade A-C standard) in order to succeed.

  You will have an initial assessment to assess your suitability for the course. If successful, you will be invited for an interview. If you are not quite ready, we may offer you another course that will prepare you for the Access course.

• GCSE requirements for Access applicants

  In order to progress to certain higher education courses, you may require GCSE English and/or GCSE Maths to satisfy your university entry requirements. If you do not already have a grade C or above in these qualifications then please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. about the option of taking these qualifications as an additional programme either before or during the course.

• What experience would help me be suitable for the course?

  No practical experience is required for the course; however a personal interest in the subject and some basic reading around the subject would be useful to give you a better understanding of the range of academic disciplines.

• How will I be taught?

  You will learn about your subjects in a variety of ways, including group work, independent research, taking part in discussions, visits, external speakers and live projects. You will expand both your technical and creative skills through practical projects and you will also be encouraged to develop your study skills, including research, analysis and presentation of your creative thinking process. You will have access to practical workshops and art studios as well as classroom-based activities and computer rooms.

• How will I be assessed?

  There are currently no formal examinations on this course. You will be assessed for each unit through assignments and coursework. The grading on the course units is either level 2 (GCSE equivalent) or level 3 (GCE Advanced level).

• What qualification will I get?

  On successful completion of 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2 or 3, you will be awarded the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Science.

• What skills will I gain as a result of doing the course?

  The course will prepare you for Higher Education course and interview. It will also help you develop your study skills and employability skills alongside a range of specialist skills including:

  • Practical skills
  • Analytical and evaluative skills
  • IT skills

• What can the course lead to?

  An access qualification is recognised by universities and other institutions providing higher education courses as an entry requirement. The successful completion of the course will enable you to apply to higher education to study for a degree or professional qualification within the Business sector. You will be supported through the UCAS process and guided towards selecting the appropriate course.

• How do I join the course?

  Please complete and submit the Access to HE application form. After submitting an application form, you will have an initial assessment to assess your suitability for the course and invited for an interview. At the interview you will be required to show evidence of relevant skills (eg any certificates) and a strong commitment to study.