Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Access to HE Humanities and Social Science Course in Cambridge

CostFee:3022.00 Concession: 240.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA
Apply now →

About this course

Access to HE Humanities and Social Science Course in Cambridge. Classes run full-time during the day at Cambridge Regional College. This level 3 access to HE humanities and social science course is designed for adults who want to go to university but don't have A Levels. You'll build academic knowledge in humanities and social science subjects alongside the study skills universities expect. The course runs over one year. Before applying, you'll need Level 2 Maths and English, such as GCSE grade 4 or above, as most degree courses require this alongside the Diploma.

Who this course is for

Access to Higher Education (HE) diplomas prepares adults without traditional qualifications such as A Levels for study at university. This diploma is widely recognised by UK universities and Colleges. You will be given the opportunity to develop not only academic knowledge in your chosen subjects but also broader study skills to help you succeed at university. For further information on the benefits of studying an Access course and what it can lead to, please visit our Awarding body website at https://www.cava.ac.uk/about-access-to-he/for-students/

In this pathway you will study History, English Literature and Sociology, as well as a compulsory Study Skills course. In addition to the compulsory subjects you will attend tutorial and have the opportunity to meet with your personal tutor regularly on a one-to-one basis.

You are advised to apply for this course between November 2024 and June 2025 . Interviews start in February and this is a popular course.

Entry requirements

You will need Level 2 Maths and English, e.g. GCSE Maths and English grade 9 - 4 (A - C) as a minimum before applying for this course. This is because most degree courses now require at least Level 2 Maths and English in addition to the Access to HE diploma. Occasionally, exceptions are made for this pathway.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop academic writing and critical thinking skills for university-level study.
  • You'll study core humanities subjects such as history, philosophy, or literature.
  • You'll explore social science topics including sociology, psychology, or politics.
  • You'll build research and referencing skills used across degree programmes.
  • You'll practise analysing arguments and presenting ideas clearly in writing.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time during the day. Learning is a mix of taught sessions, discussion, and independent study. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than a final exam. You'll build a portfolio of work across the year that demonstrates your readiness for degree-level study.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cambridge Regional College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Social worker. Degree entry route via humanities or social science.
  • Journalist or writer. Humanities degree opens media and publishing roles.
  • Policy or research officer. Social science background valued in public sector.
  • Teacher or teaching assistant. Many routes begin with a relevant degree.
  • Community support worker. Psychology or sociology degree a common entry path.
  • Counsellor or therapist. Degree in psychology or social science often required.
  • Historian or archivist. History degree leads to heritage and archive roles.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Sociology, Psychology, History, English, or Politics. The Access to HE Diploma is recognised by UK universities as an entry qualification for most humanities and social science degrees.
  • BA (Hons) in Social Work. Some universities accept the Diploma for social work degree entry, subject to additional requirements.
  • Foundation Year programmes. Some universities offer a foundation year for Access students who want extra preparation before a full degree.
Apply on camre.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Cambridge Regional College

More courses near you