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Access to HE Humanities and Social Science Course in Norwich

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA
Apply now →

About this course

Access to HE Humanities and Social Science Course in Norwich. Classes run at City College Norwich, full-time during the day, over one year. It's free if you're 16 to 18 years old on 31 August before your course starts. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply. This Level 3 Access to HE Humanities and Social Science qualification is designed for people who want to move into degree-level study without traditional A Level entry qualifications. You'll need GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above, or be working towards them. Subjects include Psychology, and your pathway is confirmed at interview. Recognised by UK universities as a route into undergraduate study.

Who this course is for

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences, as validated by CAVA, is a qualification which prepares students aged 19 and over without the relevant qualifications for degree-level study. You will study three of the following main subjects, with your pathway option determined at interview. Psychology: You will develop an understanding of the main critical psychological perspectives including psychodynamic and humanist approaches, behavioural, and cognitive psychology. You will progress in subsequent units by studying issues surrounding conformity and obedience, and psychopathology. Sociology: You will study units including: Sociological Theories of Meritocracy, The Sociology of the Family, and Studies in the Sociology of Inequality. You will explore main sociological perspectives which include functionalism and conflict theory. This subject focuses on debates and issues concerning contemporary global society. Cultural Studies: You will study units including: The Moving Image, Representing Youth Subcultures, Satire, and Representing the Nation. These units will focus on exploring the role culture plays in what it means to live in a world defined by globalisation, cultural movement, and popular games such as The Traitors and Squid Game. English Literature: You will study units including: Children�s Literature, The Novel, The Study of the Poetry, and Analysis of a Dramatic Text. This will prepare you for degree-level study in English and related disciplines, and will complement the study of the other topics offered in the course. History: Units studied will include Historical Sources, The British Empire, and Period Study. The subject will provide you with the skills needed to explore history at university, but it will also complement your analysis of English Literature, Cultural Studies, and/or Politics. Politics: You will study units including Key Political Concepts, Political Philosophy, and Theories of International Relations.

Entry requirements

You need to have achieved, or be working towards, GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll study Psychology, including psychodynamic, humanist, behavioural, and cognitive approaches.
  • You'll develop critical thinking and analytical skills needed for degree-level work.
  • You'll learn to construct and present academic arguments in written form.
  • You'll explore key concepts and debates across humanities and social science subjects.
  • You'll build the study skills and academic habits expected at university.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at City College Norwich, attending full-time during the day. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than traditional exams. Your specific subject pathway is confirmed at interview before the course begins. The course is validated by CAVA.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Social worker: supporting individuals and families in the community
  • Counsellor or therapist: helping people manage mental health and wellbeing
  • Community support worker: working with vulnerable adults or young people
  • Researcher or policy analyst: working in public sector or charities
  • Teacher or learning support assistant: working in schools or colleges
  • Journalist or writer: producing content across media and communications

What you could study next

This qualification is recognised by UK universities as a route into undergraduate study. You could progress to a BA in Psychology, Sociology, History, English, or a related humanities or social science subject. Some graduates go on to postgraduate study, such as a PGCE for teaching or an MA in a specialist field. Speak to City College Norwich about which universities and courses have accepted students from this programme.

Apply on ccn.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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