Access to HE Social Work - Level 3

Access to HE Social Work - Level 3 Overview

If you want to make a positive difference in the community, a career as a social worker could be a perfect choice for you. Access to HE Social Work is specifically designed for adults who have been out of formal education for some time, but want to enter university-level courses.

You will study a number of different modules designed to give you the best possible preparation for your university course. You will also undertake a number of core academic subjects that are designed to prepare you for the demands of higher level study. These are common to all Access pathways, with an emphasis on critical thinking, the techniques of written and spoken presentation and research skills.

Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA) designs and validates Access to Higher Education Diplomas. To find out more visit www.cava.ac.uk

Entry requirements

• You must be at least 19 years of age to enrol on an Access to HE course.
• GCSE English at C grade or above (GCSE equivalent qualifications will not be accepted).
• Students are strongly recommended to secure work placement in a social work setting.

These entry requirements are subject to the programme being revalidated and may change.

Start dates and fees

The table below shows you when the course starts. You may be charged a fee for your course depending on your age and circumstances.

Start DateDurationCodeAnnual Fee (Age)Actions 19-2324+ Sep 20161 yr(s)1059A1003£400.00*£2960.00* | Loan infoApply online

*Course fees shown are for guidance only and are the fees charged for courses running this year. Fees for courses starting in September 2016 will be confirmed in spring 2016.

This course is eligible for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan

The 24+ Advanced Learning Loan is a new scheme introduced by the government to help mature learners study for qualifications that will improve their employability and develop high level skills and knowledge.

Loans are specifically designed for those aged 24 and over, who are intending to study on a Level 3 or higher course – including Access to HE diplomas.

Best of all, if you successfully go on to complete an HE qualification following an Access to HE course – you won’t even have to pay the loan back.

It’s easy to apply! To find out if you’re eligible, or for more information, see the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan page.

How long is the course?

Our Access to HE courses can be studied within one academic year – up to 450 hours of class time.

Location

• Derby Road

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on the assignments which are set regularly throughout the course. Some of these assignments will be completed under exam conditions but most will be completed in your own time. Assessment methods include: essays, reports, presentations, and group exercises. These are all designed to develop those skills required for higher level study.

What does the course lead to?

Careers in youth work, probation, social care, youth justice, psychology, sociology and criminology. Salaries in social work usually start between £19,500-£25,000, in youth work around £21,000 and probation £21,000-£27,000.

What will I study?

You will study a range of modules. These will include:

• Study skills: this will focus on the generic skills required for high level study (essay and report writing; referencing, critical thinking and analysis etc.).
• Individual research project in a social work-related field: this gives students the opportunity to conduct a study in an area of personal interest and relevant to your future course/career.
• Social policy: this looks into the ways in which governments seek to address those issues relating to social work such as unemployment and poverty.
• Law
• Rights and opportunities: a course concerned with prejudice, discrimination, and legislation designed to combat those issues.
• Psychology: Treatments in psychology, debates and perspectives.
• Sociology: Concepts and perspectives, research methods, social stratification and crime and deviance.

You may also complete GCSE maths alongside the programme if necessary.

How do I apply?

You can complete an online application form or contact the college for an application form to be sent to you.

All students must be interviewed before starting the programme.

Apply online