Access to HE Humanities and Social Science Course in Westminster

CostFREE
Duration37 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start8 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCN London Region

About this course

Access to HE Humanities and Social Science Course in Westminster. Classes run full-time at Capital City College Westminster Campus, over 37 weeks. If you're 19 to 24 years old and this is your first Level 3 course, you may be eligible for free tuition. If you're 24 or over, fees may apply, though an Advanced Learner Loan is available and Student Finance England writes off any outstanding loan balance when you complete a degree. The course covers subjects including African and Caribbean Studies, Anthropology, Art History, English Literature, 20th Century World History, Politics, Psychology, and Sociology. It's recognised by UK universities as meeting entry requirements for degree courses in History, Politics, International Relations, Sociology, and related subjects. You'll need to be 19 or over, and hold GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or A*-C).

Who this course is for

If you would like to study Humanities and Social Sciences subjects (African and Caribbean Studies, Anthropology, Art History, English Literature, 20th Century World History, Politics, Psychology and Sociology) at university but left school without the qualifications you need, then this Access to HE course could be for you.The Humanities and Social Science Diploma is the most suitable programme to go on to study a degree in subjects such as History, Politics, International Relations, Sociology and Psychology or a related course, at university.You will learn study skills such as note-taking, essay writing, reading and research, preparation for exams and oral presentation.You will be supported throughout the course by a personal tutor who will also give you guidance in applying for Higher Education courses.

Entry requirements

You will need:To be aged 19 or olderGCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or A*-C); however, you will be considered for the course if you have one GCSE at grade A*-C in Maths or English with the offer of GCSE classes in addition to the courseAll applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

What you will learn

  • You'll study African and Caribbean Studies, exploring history, culture, and identity.
  • You'll analyse texts and ideas in English Literature.
  • You'll examine political systems and ideologies in Politics.
  • You'll explore human behaviour and mental processes in Psychology.
  • You'll investigate society, inequality, and social structures in Sociology.
  • You'll study key events and movements in 20th Century World History.
  • You'll develop essay writing, critical thinking, and academic research skills needed for university study.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at the Westminster Campus, with tutor-led teaching across your chosen subjects. Assessment is through written assignments and essays completed throughout the course. You'll also have an interview before you start to confirm the course is the right fit for you.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Capital City College Westminster Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Social researcher, gathering and analysing data on social issues
  • Community support worker, helping people access local services
  • Policy officer, supporting research and development of public policy
  • Youth worker, working with young people in community settings
  • Journalist or writer, covering social, political, or cultural topics
  • Advice and guidance worker, supporting adults with information and choices

What you could study next

This level 3 access to he humanities and social science qualification is designed to take you into university. You could apply for a degree in History, Politics, International Relations, Sociology, Psychology, or English Literature. Many universities accept the Access to HE Diploma as a direct entry qualification. If you want to work in a specific field, a targeted degree such as a BA in Social Policy, a BSc in Psychology, or an MA in International Relations would be a natural next step.