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Psychology Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)

Access to University students at Bedford College

Overview

Psychology Access to Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)

This is a 2 year part-time course aimed at mature students (19+) without the standard qualifications to enter higher education. This course will provide you with all the skills and knowledge of social work/crime psychology you will need to progress to study a degree-level course. 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. Access courses are ideal if you would like to enter higher education but haven’t got the necessary qualifications. It is ideally suited to adults who cannot commit to full-time study and who need to re-learn how to study at a higher level before progressing onto a degree programme.

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 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.

What qualification will I gain?

Access to Higher Education Diploma in Psychology.

How will I be assessed?

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

What will I study?

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 units have been chosen to provide a good understanding of forensic and criminal psychology. You will gain a good foundation of a range of topics to enable you to access a range of related degree-level programmes.

Content includes a selection of 12 units from the following:

  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • The Psychology of Early socialisation
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Bio-Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Stress Management
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Criminal Psychology
  • The Psychology of Criminal Investigation
  • Psychopathy and Therapy
  • The Sociology of Crime and Deviance
  • Research Methods in Psychology
  • Criminological Psychology

Plus the following compulsory units:

  • Independent Academic Research Study
  • Maths
  • English ( Essay writing and communication skills)
  • Study Skills

Please note, units are subject to change.

Next steps

You will attend college one day a week. This programme is recognised by all UK universities and higher education establishments as an entry qualification for degree level study. Previous students have progressed on to degrees and Higher National Diplomas both at the Bedford College Group and other universities in a wide range of subject areas.

On completion of this course you will be guaranteed progression on to one of the following courses: Child & Family Studies Foundation Degree, Psychology & Crime Foundation Degree, all offered at the Bedford College Group. Alternatively a wide variety of psychology related degrees will also be available to you at university in the following fields:

  • Clinical
  • Educational
  • Forensic
  • Occupational
Course progression includes:

University courses in a wide range of different subjects, such as: Psychology and Criminology, Forensic Investigation, Cyber Security and Policing and Criminal Justice.

Career progression includes:

Through a degree this course can be the route into a wide range of careers including: Forensic Psychologist, Criminal/Crime Scene Investigator, Trial Consultant and Social Worker.

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.

Pay by instalments

The College offers an instalment plan for Further Education and Higher Education courses to students where the total amount payable at the point of enrolment is £200 or more. Within the scheme there is an ability to pay up to 6 instalments, depending on the length of the courses and the final payment must be paid at least a month before the end of the course.

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.

Funding Information

If you are aged 19 or over, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help you pay the tuition fees for this course. Alternatively, you can pay by instalments to help make the cost more affordable. Find out more about your payment options here

If you complete one of our Access to Higher Education courses and use an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for your tuition fee, the Student Loans Company will write off the balance on the Advanced Learner Loan if you then go on to complete an undergraduate course.

18 year olds may apply and will need to have English Language and maths GCSE at grade C (4) or above or equivalent level 2 qualifications before the start of the course and be subject to a successful interview.

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.

Access to University students at Bedford College
Interested in this course?

Get in touch!

If you are interested in this course and would like to be notified when applications open, please send an email to: accesstresham@bedford.ac.uk

Available Courses
Tresham College Kettering Campus
Starts: 09/09/2024
Type: Part Time
Length: 2 years
Day(s): Monday
Time(s): 9:30am - 4:45pm
Fees: £1,692.00
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.