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Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Social Science) Course in Blackpool – Blackpool and The Fylde College University Centre Campus

Cost£3,022.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start8 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAscentis awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Social Science) Course in Blackpool. Classes run at Blackpool and The Fylde College University Centre Campus, part-time during the day, over one academic year.

The course is designed for adults aged 19 or over who want to progress to university. You'll study social science subjects including psychology, sociology, and criminology. Units also cover research methods and academic writing skills you'll need at degree level.

You'll need three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths or English, or a relevant Level 2 qualification with equivalent maths and English. You finish with an Ascentis Access to HE Diploma recognised by UK universities.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal if you wish to have a career in family support, children's services, children's centres, mental health services, learning disabilities support, substance misuse work or working with the elderly and associated services. The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification which will prepare you for study at degree level. If you would like to go to university but left school without the qualifications you need, then an Access to HE course could be for you. The course is run over 1 academic year and is designed for learners aged 19 years and above. Advanced Learning Loans are available.

Entry requirements

Direct Entry: 3 GCSEs Grade 4 (C) or above including maths or English Grade 4 (C) or above. Relevant Level 2 or 3 qualification plus maths or English Grade 4 (C) or above/ level 2 Functional Skills maths and English.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore key concepts in psychology, including human behaviour and mental processes.
  • You'll study criminology, including theories of crime and the criminal justice system.
  • You'll examine sociological ideas about society, inequality, and social change.
  • You'll develop academic writing and critical thinking skills for university study.
  • You'll learn how to plan and carry out social science research.
  • You'll practise referencing, essay writing, and presenting arguments clearly.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at the college. Assessment is through written assignments and essays rather than exams. You'll build a portfolio of work across the year. Tutors give feedback on drafts to help you improve before final submission.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Blackpool and The Fylde College University Centre Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Psychology support worker, assists qualified psychologists in clinical or community settings.
  • Criminal justice support officer, works within courts, probation, or youth offending services.
  • Social work assistant, supports qualified social workers with casework and client contact.
  • Mental health support worker, provides day-to-day support to people with mental health needs.
  • Community development worker, helps local organisations run programmes and support residents.
  • Sociology researcher assistant, supports data collection and analysis for research projects.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Psychology, the natural next step for learners interested in human behaviour and mental health.
  • BA (Hons) Criminology, builds directly on the criminology content covered in this qualification.
  • BA (Hons) Social Work, leads to a career as a qualified social worker.
  • BA (Hons) Sociology, suits learners who want to explore society and inequality at degree level.
Apply on blackpool.ac.uk →
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