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Access to HE Humanities and Social Sciences Course in Hastings

Cost�3022.00 Please contact us for more details
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start8 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyLASER
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About this course

Access to HE Humanities and Social Sciences Course in Hastings. Classes run at East Sussex College Group Hastings, full-time during the day on Mondays and Tuesdays. This one-year level 3 access to he humanities and social sciences qualification is designed for adults who want to progress to a university degree but don't currently meet standard entry requirements. You'll cover Critical Thinking, Social Research Methods, Contemporary Psychology, Cultural Studies, Historical Studies, Philosophy, and Literature. Optional modules include Counselling, Anthropology, and Creative Arts. Entry requires GCSE English at grade C or 4 (or Functional Skills Level 2 English), and all applicants attend a Taster Day before a place is confirmed.

Who this course is for

Our Humanities with Social Sciences Access course prepares you for degree-level study in a variety of degree courses, such as Teaching, Social work, Criminology, Counselling and Law. It is also suitable for students wishing to study subject specific degrees such as Psychology, Sociology, Literature studies, Anthropology, History and Business studies.In the first semester the course provides you with units to develop your study, IT, data presentation and analysis skills, alongside introductory units in Critical Thinking, Social Research Methods and Contemporary Psychology.Your knowledge and understanding is then further developed in semesters two and three, providing you with a broad range of modules including Cultural Studies, Cognitive and Language Development, Historical Studies, Philosophy and Literature studies.In addition a number of optional modules are offered including Counselling, Anthropology and Creative Arts.

Entry requirements

GCSE English at grade C / 4 is required (or Functional Skills Level 2 English). GCSE Maths at grade C / 4 (or equivalent) is desirable depending on the degree you wish to progress on to, but can be studied alongside the Access diploma if necessary. All candidates are expected to attend a Taster Day before receiving a firm offer for a place on the Access course.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop academic study skills, IT skills, and data analysis techniques.
  • You'll explore Critical Thinking and how to construct and evaluate arguments.
  • You'll study Social Research Methods used across the social sciences.
  • You'll gain an introduction to Contemporary Psychology and human behaviour.
  • You'll examine Cultural Studies, Historical Studies, and Philosophy.
  • You'll study Cognitive and Language Development and Literature.
  • You'll choose from optional modules including Counselling, Anthropology, and Creative Arts.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom across three semesters. Teaching covers core and optional modules through a mix of lectures, seminars, and guided study. Assessment is through coursework and assignments rather than traditional exams, which is the standard approach for Access to HE Diplomas. Work is graded at Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and your overall grade profile is what universities use when considering your application.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. East Sussex College Group Hastings will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Social worker: support individuals and families through statutory services
  • Probation officer: work with offenders in the criminal justice system
  • Counsellor: provide talking therapies in community or clinical settings
  • Primary or secondary school teacher: following a degree and teacher training
  • Psychologist: after completing a psychology degree and further study
  • Criminologist: research or policy roles in justice and public safety
  • Community development worker: support local projects and organisations
  • HR or policy officer: roles in public sector or third sector organisations

What you could study next

This Course is recognised by UK universities as meeting standard entry requirements for degree-level study. You could progress to a BA or BSc in subjects such as Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, Law, Education, Sociology, or History. Some universities offer specific guaranteed interview or conditional offer schemes for Access to HE Diploma holders. If you want to teach, a degree followed by a PGCE or School Direct route is the typical path. Check individual university entry requirements, as grade profiles (Pass, Merit, Distinction) vary by course and institution.

Apply on escg.ac.uk →
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