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Humanities & Social Sciences Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)

Access to University students at Bedford College

Overview

Humanities & Social Sciences Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)

This Access to Science Diploma is a one year Level 3 intensive course aimed at mature students (19+) without the standard qualifications to enter higher education.

This course has a range of subjects with a wide range of progression options so it is a really good choice if you want to keep your university options open. If you are not yet sure what university course you wish to progress on to you should choose this Access to HE Diploma. It is the adult equivalent of studying 3 A-Levels.

Advanced Learning Loans are available for students aged 19 or over and if you progress onto study at degree level then this loan will be cancelled with no repayment required.

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Course information

Need to know

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19 or over to apply and will need to have English Language and maths GCSE at grade 4 (GCSE Grade C) or above or equivalent Level 2 qualifications. Applicants may be accepted on the Access Diploma with one of these, subject to a successful interview and entry test to show you are working at level 2. You will have to gain the other Level 2 during the same year to progress to university.

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher. You will also need to have good IT skills as all of your assignments will be carried out using either Word, Excel or PowerPoint. You can undertake IT Skills classes at our Learning Centres.

It is very important to research the entry criteria of the universities you would like to apply to. You will need a minimum of GCSE English and maths, in addition to your Access qualification, for entry onto degree-level courses. We currently offer GCSE and Functional Skills which you may be able to enrol on alongside your Access course to gain these qualifications. Many university courses can be very competitive and it’s important to understand and fulfil the entry requirements prior to applying. Work experience (paid or voluntary) in a health care setting will improve your chances.

Assessment methods

You will be regularly assessed throughout out the course via a range of methods, including written, practical and oral assignments, as well as project work. To enable you to be successful on the course you will need to be able to use IT to produce essays, reports, presentations and statistical data.

Course content

The course will cover a broad range of core subjects and study elements all designed to equip you with the necessary skills to study at degree level. These include study skills and academic writing skills. In addition you will also study pathway specific subjects to enable you to pursue your chosen career/degree course specialism.

The Humanities and Social Sciences pathway includes units in: History, Sociology and Education. It also has Research Project and other skills-based units.

Next steps

Course progression includes:

University courses in a wide range of different subjects, such as: English, History, Sociology, Teaching Social Work, Criminology, Journalism, Sport, Film and Media, Law and Politics, Geography, Politics and Fashion.

Career progression includes:

Through a degree this course can be the route into a wide range of careers including: Management, Teaching, Legal Professions, Social Work, Media and Journalism, Heritage, Entertainment and Service industries.

Additional information

In order for learners to progress on to an undergraduate degree at a British university, it is essential that learners have achieved a minimum of a grade C in Maths and English. All applicants are advised to have a good idea of their preferred university options prior to attending the interview.

Please note that when applying for this course you will be directed to an application form to ensure that we collate the necessary information to process your application for this type of course.

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, or  contact info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk.

Available Courses
Tresham College Kettering Campus
Starts: 08/09/2025
Type: Full Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Monday, Tuesday
Time(s): 9:30am - 4:45pm
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Fees: 16-18 Yrs: N/A 19+ Yrs: £3022 Fee notes: The fee indicated is for each year of the course.
Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Financial Support

For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

 

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.