Access to Higher Education: Humanities and Social Sciences

Summary: The broad-based Access to Humanities and Social Sciences programme will qualify you to study for a wide range of degrees.








Course description: The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism, as validated by CAVA,  is a qualification which prepares students aged 19 years and over, without relevant qualifications, for study at degree level. 
You will be able to choose three main subjects from the following list:

Cultural studies: Cultural Studies is an interdisciplinary subject that marries together the concerns of English literature, sociology, history, media and film studies.

English: This module covers a broad range of literature, varied in style, period and subject matter. You will be introduced to the skills of close reading and to the procedures of literary analysis.

Government and Politics: This module uses the British political system. Study focuses on the nature of political processes and the distribution of power rather than on political institutions. The core politics and social ideologies of conservatism, liberalism and socialism and their relation to British politics are also discussed.

History: The overall theme for the history component is the social, political and economic consequences of the Reformation

Psychology: Psychology is concerned with the scientific study of human behaviour and experience. The psychology module will provide you with a thorough grounding in the different methods and perspectives adopted by psychologists.

Sociology: This module focuses upon debates and issues concerning contemporary global society. The central theme of society's inequalities in wealth, power and control between individuals and social groups and institutions runs through the course.
In addition you will take units in Study Skills. You will also have an opportunity to study one subject in depth in an independent dissertation.
The course will be delivered over 2-3 days a week depending on the subjects studied and will be classroom based, lecturers use a variety of teaching methods in order to prepare students for degree level study.
The Access programme is widely recognised for many degree programmes in Norwich and elsewhere. However we advise that if you are hoping to go on to do a degree course at a specific university, it would be useful to contact them to check that the Diploma you have chosen is in an appropriate subject area and is recognised by the university.









Entry requirements: All applicants must have evidence of achievement in English and Mathematics at GCSE grade C or above. Please note that we are not able to accept Adult Numeracy, Adult Literacy, Key Skills or Functional Skills in lieu of GCSEs.
Selection is by interview to discuss your suitability for the course and whether the course is right for you. As part of this process you will complete on-line assessments and submit a short piece of writing to check you are at the right level to start the course. Advice can be given about alternative ways forward if necessary. 
For acceptance on the Access programme you will need to convince us that you have the determination to succeed and will be able to cope with the work.
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading), the required minimum is:

IELTS (SELT): 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)

Or GCSE English A*-C
International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the International Students webpage. 









Assessment: You will be supported throughout the course by a personal tutor who will also give you guidance in applying for Higher Education courses. All students study a core of communications, research and study skills.
You will be awarded credits on completion of each units with a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. All credits are awarded are awarded at level 3 which broadly equates to A-level study.
Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and tests.









Academic progression: Once you have successfully completed your Access course, you can progress onto a degree programme at City College Norwich such as

BA (Hons) English

BA (Hons) English and Social Sciences

BA (Hons) Psychology and Social Sciences
You can also progress to a Higher Education courses at other universities. You must check requirements for specific degree courses as different institutions may have different entry requirements.









Costs: Please contact the Advice Shop for information on fees and financial support which may be available. We recommend you also check our Finance pages for further information including student travel offers.