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Access to HE Diploma (Humanities and Social Sciences) (Online) - Level 3

Overview

skills education and group access logoWant to teach, become a journalist, or explore history, literature, or philosophy? This course is your first step toward university and careers in education, media, criminology, and more.

Designed for adults (19+) returning to education, this Level 3 qualification builds your understanding of psychology, history, literature, and criminology while developing essential communication skills for university success.

Flexible online learning: Study at your own pace, with most students completing the course in 12-18 months by committing 10 hours per week.

The awarding body for this course is the Skills and Education Group Access.

How will I learn?

  • Flexible learning - Study at a time that suits you, balancing education with work or family commitments.
  • 24/7 online access - Learn anytime, anywhere with round-the-clock access to your course materials.
  • Convenient and comfortable - Advance your education from the comfort of your own home while maintaining your income.

Do you want to gain more confidence, knowledge and skills before joining one of our Access to HE courses? Then our First Steps into Access to HE course is just for you!

Start dates and fees

Start Dates

  • Various.

Cost

  • £3,022 (See 'Funding options')

What will I study?

  • Study skills
  • Psychology
  • History
  • Literature 
  • Criminology
  • Human rights 
  • Politics.

Before starting your Access to HE course, you’ll complete a one-week Blended Pre-Access Course. This course introduces the study topics, provides success tips, and helps you decide if you're ready. After completing it, you’ll attend a review and induction to prepare for your diploma.

FAQs

We have created a downloadable document that lists all our most frequently asked questions.

View Access to HE FAQs

  • Entry requirements

    This course is only available adults aged 19+ (as of 31 August 2025).

    • GCSE grade 4-9 (C or above) in English Language and maths.

    Don’t have the required GCSEs? No problem!

    We’re here to help you get ready for your next step.

    You’ll take a short assessment to see what support you need. Then, we’ll guide you to the best option.

    For more information please contact 0808 100 3626 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

  • Assessment

    Assignments that are set regularly throughout the course - completed in your own time.

    To successfully complete the course, you will need a total of 60 credits. Credits are split into the following two categories:

    • Graded – 45 credits (focus on the academic subject)
    • Ungraded – 15 credits (such as writing and study skills).
  • Progression

    There are a range of humanities related courses available to progress onto including law, education, journalism and many others.

  • Careers
  • Qualifications gained
    • Access to HE Diploma (Humanities and Social Science)
  • Funding options

    Don't let paying for this course hold you back from achieving your goals. There are different funding routes available for adult learners. Dependent on your personal circumstances, you may be eligible to:

    Did you know? If you successfully go on to complete a Higher Education qualification following an Access to HE course, you won’t have to pay your Advanced Learner Loan back at all.

    For more information please contact 0808 100 3626 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College 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.

Why choose us?

Excellent student support services

We’ve got a great student support network offering advice and guidance on careers and future employment, finance, health and welfare, additional learning support and much more.

Getting here couldn’t be easier!

Whether you travel by bus, train or on foot there are many different transport options available. You can also unleash your freedom with the West Notts College Travel Scheme which provides a flexible and great value bus travel service.

Campuses across Mansfield and Ashfield

We have eight campuses each boasting a number of state-of-the-art facilities.

Strong industry links

We’re always investing in college facilities to make sure you have access to the most up-to-date, industry-standard equipment. Our strong links with employers means you can secure work placements as part of your wider learning – providing you with vital industry experience and employability skills, getting you ready for the world of work.

Tutors who really know their industry

Most have worked in the industry they're teaching, so you'll learn the skills employers are looking for. They'll support and encourage you to achieve the best results possible.

LGBTQ+ celebration

We proudly celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity, including Pride. Our college is a supportive community that welcomes and embraces individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

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