Access to HE Social Work Course in Slough

Cost£3,384.00
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyLASER

About this course

Access to HE Social Work Course in Slough. Classes run at Slough and Langley College, full-time over 35 weeks.

This Level 3 access to HE social work qualification prepares you for university study. Units cover equality and diversity, ageing, mental health, and the knowledge and study skills needed for higher education. The course is recognised by UK universities as a route into degree programmes in social work, policing, counselling, mental health nursing, and related fields.

You'll need GCSEs at grade 4 or above in English and Maths, though Level 2 Functional Skills may be accepted for some university courses. You finish with an Access to HE Diploma in Social Work.

Who this course is for

This course will provide you with the qualification you need to progress to a degree programme at university in a variety of areas leading to careers in Social Work, Policing, Youth Offending, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling and more. The units cover a wide range of areas and are designed to build on the knowledge and skills needed when working in these areas as well as developing the study skills needed to progress to higher education. The units include: Equality & Diversity Ageing & Disability Mental Illness & Society Introduction to Social Work Social Work Practice Neuropsychology Extended Independent Academic Study

Entry requirements

You will need GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English and Maths. For Nursing and Social Work you can be accepted at university with Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications instead of GCSEs. You may be asked to complete an initial diagnostic assessment in English and Maths and may be possible to complete a Maths GCSE or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification alongside your Access course. Very good It skills are also required to complete and submit work.

What you will learn

  • You'll study equality and diversity in health and social care contexts.
  • You'll explore the ageing process and its impact on individuals and society.
  • You'll develop knowledge of mental health and wellbeing.
  • You'll build the academic writing and research skills needed for university.
  • You'll examine the criminal justice system, including youth offending and policing.
  • You'll study counselling principles and communication skills.
  • You'll practise referencing, critical thinking, and essay writing for degree-level study.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom at Slough and Langley College. Learning is through tutor-led sessions, group discussion, and written assignments. Assessment is by coursework and assignments completed across the units. There are no formal exams. You'll need strong IT skills to complete and submit your work.

What you will need to bring

You'll need reliable access to a computer and strong IT skills to complete and submit assignments. Slough and Langley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Social worker, supports individuals and families in the community.
  • Mental health support worker, assists people managing mental health conditions.
  • Youth offending worker, works with young people in the justice system.
  • Counsellor, provides talking therapies to individuals and groups.
  • Community support worker, helps vulnerable adults live independently.
  • Probation officer, supervises offenders and supports rehabilitation.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Social Work, the degree required to qualify as a registered social worker.
  • BSc Mental Health Nursing, for those aiming to work in clinical mental health settings.
  • BA (Hons) Criminology or Policing, for those interested in the justice system.
  • BA (Hons) Counselling or Psychology, for those drawn to therapeutic and support roles.