Full Time Access to HE: Diploma in Social Science

MODE OF STUDY FT
FE LEVEL 3
DURATION 1 year
START DATE(S) September 2009
DAY(S)/TIME(S) OFFERED 4 days per week between Monday - Friday: 10.00am - 3.00pm
NUMBER OF TEACHING HOURS 540
TOTAL FEE To be advised
TOTAL OVERSEAS FEE To be advised
ADDITIONAL COSTS Approximately 250
AWARDING/VALIDATION BODY Open College Network London Region (OCNLR)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All applicants should have had a substantial break from continuous education. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and undertake an initial assessment where they should demonstrate that they have Level 2 Numeracy or a GCSE in Maths at grade C or above, and Level 2 Literacy.

For progression onto Psychology and Social Work Degree courses, Numeracy at Level 2 or Mathematics skills at GCSE grade C or above and English at grade C or above are required. For Social Work courses, substantial practical experience of voluntary work is required (120 hours). Applicants should check the entry requirements with their chosen universities. In the case of Social Work Degrees, entry requirements are set nationally.
PROGRAMME CONTENT/STRUCTURE
Access students will meet many other students with similar interests which helps to create a strong identity and a supportive environment.

The teaching methods reflect students' development and progress on the course. Students start in a formal classroom setting and then moving into seminars, presentations, discussions, group work, practicals, experimentation, research and finally to formal examinations at the end of the year. Throughout the year, students learning experience will be complemented by a range of external visits and through valuable contributions from visiting speakers who are prominent in their field.

Students progress and development will be supported by a personal tutor providing guidance with their individual study requirements and help with applications for Degree courses.

Students work will be continuously assessed through a variety of methods, which include; writing essays, giving oral presentations, and conducting independent research and examinations.

All students will study units in Study Skills to include Communications, Maths, IT, and Management of Learning. Students will also undertake units in Sociology, Psychology, and Social Policy. Students who wish to progress onto a Social Work degree will additionally be required to undertake units in Social Work, and Mathematics and English.

PROGRESSION/CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES
Students have progressed to sociology, psychology and social policy degree courses at Kingston, Brighton, London, Goldsmiths and many other HE institutions. Students who wish to progress to Social Work degrees will be expected to have 120 hours of voluntary experience working with a vulnerable group in the community
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE Continuous assessment with end of year examinations
EXCURSIONS / WORK EXPERIENCE Houses of Parliament and the Imperial War Museum.