Download our app

Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app.

app store

google play

About the course

This exciting new course combines the popular subjects of Psychology, Criminology, and Sociology.  Delivered two days per week as a full-time course over the duration of 36 weeks, the course gives you the opportunity to develop the knowledge and the range of skills which are essential for a successful transition to Higher Education.

The course will develop a range of important skills, which will enable progression and future success in study at degree level. Upon successful completion of this course, you will have the necessary skills and confidence to pursue a variety of degree studies in fields including Psychology; Criminology; Law; Policing; Social Work, and the Civil Service.  

 

Subject to student numbers, the course will be available as a daytime course running on two days per week. If numbers are not viable, there is the same course running from our Bury St Edmunds Campus.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have an interest in the Social Sciences and be prepared for nine months study. Whilst there are no formal academic requirements for most Access to HE Courses, a Level 2 qualification in English and maths is required for this course due to the nature of some of the subjects. This Access to Social Science programme of study is of A Level standard, and while there are no formal entry requirements, we must ensure at interview that applicants have a good chance of success.

Before commencing this course, students are advised to enquire as to individual university entry requirements, e.g. many universities now require GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above (or Functional Skills equivalents), for Social Science degrees.

Applicants must be 19 or over as at 31 August.

Qualifications

60 Credit Level Three Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Sciences.

What you'll learn (core modules)

  • Academic themes studied will draw from the disciplines of Psychology; Criminology, Sociology. Studying these subjects will expose you to an exciting programme of study, and will include the following: 
  • Criminology - You will develop an understanding of the key themes associated with this subject, such as offender profiling, the theories of crime, and aspects of law and policing.
  • Psychology - This subject will familiarise students with insights into mental health behaviours, memory, and social processes, such as group behaviour, and obedience and conformity.  Along with this, students will develop key research skills essential to studying Psychology at degree level. 
  • Sociology - Within this subject area, students will gain an understanding of society and the impact on the individual. Topics explored within this area include inequality; research skills, and disability.
  • Alongside the three core subjects, students will benefit from the inclusion of Maths and statistics within the course, as it is recognised that these skills are essential to successful study at university. 

How will I be assessed?

Students are prepared and supported to help them to undertake a range of different assessments. Assessment strategies include essay writing, report writing, presentations, and exams - all of which prepare students for the assessments that would be normally undertaken at university.

Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)

This course is delivered (subject to numbers) at:

West Suffolk College Thetford

Charles Burrell Centre
Staniforth Road
Thetford
IP24 3LH

Where will this course take me?

The structure of the programme provides learners with all of the tools required to undertake a variety of degrees in subjects including:

  • Psychology 
  • Criminology 
  • Youth Studies
  • Social Work
  • Probation 
  • Policing
  • Public services
  • Home Office
  • Criminal Courts
  • Health & Social Care Sector
  • Teaching

How much will it cost?

The course fees are waived if the student is under 24 years of age and has not studied a full Level 3 qualification.

Students over 24 years can finance their course through an Advanced Learner Loan

If you need help with funding

For further information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please head to our information page: Advanced Learner Loan

I'm interested. What should I do now?

Please apply online, or email us to find out more: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Days & times

Date(s) to be confirmed


Ask us a Question

If there is anything more you would like to know about this course, please message us here.

Please enter your name
Please enter a valid email address
Invalid Input
Please enter a message

Ask us a Question

If there is anything more you would like to know about this course, please message us here.

Please enter your name
Please enter a valid email address
Invalid Input
Please enter a message