If you don't have traditional qualifications, our Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are the ideal route to help get you one step closer to taking on a degree. Access courses are ideal for those wanting to study at a university level, but need an additional year of preparation before applying for a degree.
This popular daytime course, designed for adults (ages 19+) will prepare you for a career in a range of roles within sociology and pyschology.
What makes Access to HE at HRC special?
- Our courses are designed for adults who are returning to learning or who may not have the right qualifications to take on a degree
- Our blended learning approach will help you balance your studies, personal life and work commitments
- Our students progress onto a wide range of degree courses in subjects such as sociology, social policy, social work, physcology and criminology.
- Our staff are incredibly knowledgeable in these subjects so can give you a true insight into the industry
- You will be fully supported to apply to University through UCAS
What do our students say?
"I began the Access to HE course as a Mum of 3 young kids, accustomed to working mundane jobs. I am now en route to becoming a 'Clinical Psychologist.' Yes, a 'broken thinking Doctor' (my children's definition) How the heck did that happen? Not only were my academic abilities sharpened, but through the support of a supportive team of tutors I rediscovered a little something called self-belief, believing I could so I did."
Career Destinations
We're proud that our students go onto careers including:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Psychology
What can I do next?
After you have successfully completed this course, you can choose to:
- Apply for a degree at a University
- Apply for an Apprenticeship
- Enter into employment in this industry
What will I be doing?
You will focus on building your knowledge of core skills relative to this industry, while also developing an understanding in specialist subjects that you feel will suit your progress. You will study different units throughout the year:
- Approaches to psychology
- Introduction to sociology
- Understanding counselling theories
- Cognitive Psychology
- Culture and Identity
- Poverty and Social Exclusion
- Valuing Diversity: Types, Bases and Impact of Discrimination
- Introduction to Early Child Development
- Understanding published research
- Research skills
- Mental health and illness
- Academic writing
- Preparation for higher education
- Communication: speaking and listening
- Promoting wellbeing and building resilience
Added Extras
We would definitely recommend taking on some voluntary work, if you can, alongside our Access courses! Not only would this help further your understanding of the industry you wish to work in, but it will help you stand out when you apply to university if this is a route you would like to take.
How will I be assessed?
Your assessment during the course will be ongoing, and will take the form of essays, presentations, reports and exams.
Entry requirements
To take on this course you will need:
- Grade 4/C qualification in English and Maths
- A Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check may be required
If you would like help understanding our entry requirements, give our Information Team a call on 01992 411411 .
What do I need to bring?
You will need a selection of note-taking resources, depending on your preferred learning method. This could include notepads, pens and pencils, or a laptop or tablet.
If you think you would benefit from financial support we have bursary options available for those who meet the criteria. Please note, this funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application.
If you would like financial support, contact our Information Team on 01992 411411 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fee Information
If you are an applicant aged 19 or over on the 31st August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £3,500 tuition fee for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).
You may be entitled to free tuition if the course is your first full Level 3 qualification. Advanced Learner Loans can be applied for to help with the tuition fees if you do not meet these criteria.
You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee, and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
