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Free Access to HE Humanities Course in Truro

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA
Apply now →

About this course

Free Access to HE Humanities Course in Truro. Classes run full-time at Truro College, five days a week during the day, over one year. This level 3 access to he humanities course is recognised by the majority of UK universities as a route into higher education for adults who don't hold the qualifications typically needed for degree entry. You'll study subjects across humanities, social sciences, teaching, and law, building the academic skills universities expect. Truro College recommends GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above, though they'll discuss your circumstances if you're unsure.

Who this course is for

Access to Higher Education: Humanities, Teaching and Law is designed to prepare you to succeed at university in a range of humanities subjects, like politics and history, social sciences such as sociology and psychology, teaching qualifications or the law.

If you wish to apply to university for a higher education course but do not have the necessary qualifications, an Access course could well be the right choice for you. The majority of universities in the UK will accept Access to Higher Education courses as an alternative to A Levels and other more traditional routes. Students are usually aged 19 or over.

All applicants will be expected to attend an interview. There are no formal requirements for acceptance onto the Access programme. However, many universities are now insisting on Grade 4 (or above) passes in English and maths. Our students in this course have been successful in gaining places at colleges and universities to study degrees in law, history, sociology, social work, psychology, politics, teaching, geography, business and economics.

Entry requirements

We recommend that you have GCSE English and Maths at a minimum of Grade 4 (C) before you commence the Access course. However, please contact us to discuss your prior qualifications and planned progression route and we would be happy to advise based on your particular set of circumstances. It is advisable to check the GCSE requirements for the higher education course you wish to complete following the Access course, as they may have different stipulations.

What you will learn

  • You'll study core humanities subjects such as history and politics.
  • You'll explore social sciences including sociology and psychology.
  • You'll develop academic writing and critical thinking skills for university-level work.
  • You'll build research and essay skills across a range of disciplines.
  • You'll gain an understanding of law and legal concepts as a subject area.
  • You'll learn how to construct and present arguments at degree-entry standard.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom at Truro College, with tutor-led sessions across your chosen subject areas. Assessment is through a combination of written assignments, essays, and coursework completed throughout the year. There are no traditional exams. Your work is assessed against national standards set for Access to HE Diplomas, and you'll receive feedback from tutors to help you develop your academic skills as you progress.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Teaching assistant: support pupils in primary or secondary schools.
  • Social worker: requires a degree, this course is a recognised entry route.
  • Paralegal: entry-level legal work in law firms or legal departments.
  • Community support worker: work with adults or young people in social care.
  • Policy researcher: entry-level roles in public sector or charities.
  • Journalist or writer: degree-level study opens entry-level media roles.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) History, Politics, or Sociology: a three-year undergraduate degree at a UK university, the most common next step after this Access to HE Humanities Qualification.
  • BA (Hons) Law (LLB): many universities accept Access to HE graduates onto law degrees.
  • BA (Hons) Education Studies or Primary Education: leads toward qualified teacher status with further training.
  • Foundation Degree in Social Work or Psychology: a shorter higher education route before a full degree.
Apply on truro-penwith.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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