Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences, as validated by CAVA, is a qualification which prepares students aged 19 and over without the relevant qualifications for degree-level study. You will study three of the following main subjects, with your pathway option determined at interview.
- Psychology: You will develop an understanding of the main critical psychological perspectives including psychodynamic and humanist approaches, behavioural, and cognitive psychology. You will progress in subsequent units by studying issues surrounding conformity and obedience, and psychopathology.
- Sociology: You will study units including: Sociological Theories of Meritocracy, The Sociology of the Family, and Studies in the Sociology of Inequality. You will explore main sociological perspectives which include functionalism and conflict theory. This subject focuses on debates and issues concerning contemporary global society.
- Cultural Studies: You will study units including: The Moving Image, Representing Youth Subcultures, Satire, and Representing the Nation. These units will focus on exploring the role culture plays in what it means to live in a world defined by globalisation, cultural movement, and popular games such as The Traitors and Squid Game.
You will also study units to support academic practice, including critical thinking and research skills.
This course is studied over three days a week at our Norfolk House campus. You will study classes on campus for 16 hours per week, however it is expected that you will need to engage in independent study alongside this. This course is broadly equivalent to studying for three A Levels in one academic year, so the course is quite fast paced.
We have two other pathways available, a Criminology pathway and a History pathway. Please see the website for further details.
Entry Requirements
- You need to have achieved, or be working towards, GCSE English language and maths at grade 4 or above.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will be awarded credits on completion of each units with a pass, merit or distinction grade. All credits are awarded are awarded at Level 3 which broadly equates to A Level study. Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations and examinations.
Lecturers will use a variety of teaching methods to prepare you for degree-level study.
Course Progression
You will be supported throughout the course by a personal tutor who will give you guidance on applying for Higher Education courses. Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences is widely recognised by UK universities. If you are planning to study a degree course at a specific university, it would be useful to contact them to check that the course you have chosen is in an appropriate subject area and is recognised by the university or college. Please be aware that university entry criteria can change at any time.
At City College Norwich Higher Education, we offer our BA (Hons) Social Sciences degree as a progression from the Access course. Our students have also previously progressed to: UEA, Brighton, Goldsmiths, Anglia Ruskin University, SOAS, University of Cardiff, University of Newcastle, University of Bristol, University of Manchester and University of Cambridge.
Where Your Course Can Take You
This course could lead to a range of careers including: Criminology, Psychology, Creative Writing, History, Museum Curation, Archaeology, Teaching, Law and Media.
Fees
Please contact the Advice Shop for information on fees and financial support which may be available. We recommend you also check our Finance pages for further information including student travel offers.
