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Free Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Social Science) Course in Widnes

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAscentis awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Social Science) Course in Widnes. Classes run at Riverside College Kingsway Campus, full-time during the day.

The course is designed for adults aged 21 or over who want to prepare for university study. You'll study Psychology and Criminology at Level 3. The course also covers study skills, academic writing, and research methods. Support with university applications is included. The course takes one year to complete.

You'll finish with an Ascentis Access to HE Diploma in Social Science, recognised by UK universities for entry to degree-level study.

Who this course is for

The course is modular and designed for progression to university. It is designed for adult students ages 21+, who may have been out of education for some time in preparation for higher education. You will study two Level 3 subjects; Psychology and Criminology. The diploma also includes modules in study skills, academic writing, and academic research to prepare you for your degree. Preparation for university: students are offered support and guidance on university applications. There are excellent links with local universities, who value the quality of the Access provision at Riverside College. Students receive in-depth guidance from subject tutors on essay writing and research skills, together with additional support if required. A successful personal tutor programme is in place to offer support to all students and monitor progress to help students succeed on the course. Degree Progression and Career Opportunities include: Social Work, Psychology, Youth Studies, Criminology, Sociology, Law and Criminal Justice, Psychotherapist, Probation officer, Legal and Government careers.

Entry requirements

Please enquire at the college website

What you will learn

  • You'll study core Psychology topics, including human behaviour, memory, and development.
  • You'll explore Criminology, covering crime, justice systems, and social theory.
  • You'll develop academic writing skills to meet university standards.
  • You'll build research skills, including how to find and evaluate sources.
  • You'll practise study skills to help you manage degree-level workloads.
  • You'll receive guidance on applying to university through UCAS.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Riverside College Kingsway Campus. Teaching covers Psychology and Criminology alongside academic skills modules. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than exams. Each module is assessed separately, and you build your Diploma across the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Riverside College Kingsway Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Psychology assistant, supports qualified psychologists in research or clinical settings.
  • Probation services officer, works with offenders in the community.
  • Youth justice worker, supports young people involved in the criminal justice system.
  • Social researcher, gathers and analyses data on social issues.
  • Community support worker, helps people access local services and support.
  • Crime analyst, works with police or local authorities on crime data.

What you could study next

  • BSc Psychology, the natural next step after this access to HE diploma qualification in social science.
  • BA Criminology, builds directly on the Criminology units you study here.
  • BA Social Science, a broader degree covering sociology, psychology, and politics.
  • BSc Forensic Psychology, combines both subjects for those interested in crime and behaviour.
Apply on riversidecollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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