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Access to HE Humanities and Social Sciences Course Online – East Sussex College Eastbourne

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
Start7 Dec 2026
Awarding bodySEGA
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About this course

Access to HE Humanities and Social Sciences Course. Study online, at your own pace, fitting learning around work and other commitments. The course is free for some learners aged 23 or under with no prior Level 3 qualification. Fees may apply for others. You'll need Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths to enrol. This level 3 access to he humanities and social sciences course takes one year and is recognised by UK universities as meeting entry requirements for degree-level study. It's a well-established route for adults returning to education as a mature student university applicant.

Who this course is for

Do you have dreams of going to university, but don't quite have the qualifications to get in?

With start dates that are offered all year round our online Access to Higher Education diplomas are the perfect solution to helping you get the grades AND the study skills you need.

The beauty of our online courses is that they are self-directed, meaning you can study at home whenever you have some spare time. It fits perfectly around your work and adult life commitments - we know there can be a few.

You'll be assigned a subject specialist team of academic assessors, so you won't be left on your own to figure it all out. These assessors will guide you in the right direction and provide feedback on your assignments. Additionally, the support staff, are available to offer further advice and assistance.

As you get towards the end of your course, we'll be able to give you tips and support with your university application and help make that dream a reality.

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification, equivalent to a level, which allows students to go on and study higher education courses including bachelor's degrees, foundation degrees, higher national certificates and diplomas (HNC/HND) and higher degree apprenticeships. Access to HE courses are available in a wide range of different subjects and are widely recognised by UK universities and higher education institutions.

Due to limitations with funding, our online Access to HE Diplomas are only available to those who are aged 19 or older on the 31st of August 2026.

Contact us 0303 003 8368

[email protected]

Entry requirements

To enrol on this Online Access Diploma, you must have already achieved Level 2 qualifications in both English Language and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grade C/4 or above, or Functional Skills). Please note that it is not permitted to study English and Maths concurrently with the Online Access Diploma.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop academic writing and critical analysis skills needed for university study.
  • You'll explore key themes and debates across humanities and social sciences subjects.
  • You'll build skills in researching, evaluating, and referencing sources.
  • You'll complete assignments that mirror the demands of undergraduate study.
  • You'll strengthen your ability to construct and present structured arguments.
  • You'll gain the study skills and academic confidence universities expect at degree level.

How you will learn

You study online and self-directed, working through materials at home in your own time. You'll be supported by a team of subject specialist academic assessors who guide your work and give feedback on assignments. Support staff are also available for additional advice. Assessment is by written assignments throughout the course. There are no exams. As you near the end of the course, you'll receive guidance on making your university application.

What you will need to bring

East Sussex College Eastbourne will confirm anything you need before you start. You won't need to purchase books, though you may choose to supplement your study materials with additional reading.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Social worker. Degree entry typically requires a relevant undergraduate qualification.
  • Journalist or media researcher. Humanities background suits editorial and research roles.
  • Community support worker. Social sciences knowledge applies directly.
  • Policy or research assistant. Entry-level roles in public sector and charities.
  • Teaching assistant. Humanities grounding supports classroom support work.
  • Counsellor or mental health support worker. Psychology and social sciences pathway.

What you could study next

This access to he humanities and social sciences qualification is designed to lead directly into university. You could apply for a BA in English, History, Sociology, Psychology, or a related humanities or social sciences subject. Foundation degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are also options if you want a shorter higher education route first. Some learners go on to study social work, education, or law at degree level, depending on the units they complete.

Apply on escg.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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