If you are looking to achieve a diploma to progress in Social Work, Social Care, Sociology, Psychology or Teaching at degree level, then this is the course for you.
You will develop a wide range of skills, knowledge and abilities to support your transition into a degree. The learning and assessment will stretch you to develop the basis for starting a degree programme including academic writing, referencing, critical and evaluative thinking and reflective skills. You will also develop skills in group work as well as independent working skills.
All students are supported by a system of individual and group tutorials. Attendance is two days per week (over one year). As the course is at Level 3, commitment is essential. In addition to your work at College you will be required to undertake independent study and research.
This Access course is particularly suitable for people who are considering a career in the fields of Social Work, Social Care, Social Sciences or Teaching. Other areas such as Community Studies, Counselling, Psychology, Education Welfare, Youth Offending and Probation Service degrees are a good route also.
It is important to note that successfully completing your Access to HE Diploma does not guarantee you a place at university. While most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas, it is your own responsibility to check that your UCAS application meets the current entry requirements for your university course choices.
Start Date
September 2026
Entry Requirements & Interview Process
GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above or a Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent. You are also recommended to have GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or Functional Skills Level 2, however you may undertake GCSE Maths/Functional Skills Maths alongside the Access to HE Diploma.
You will require a laptop or PC and access to Wi-Fi at home.
All applicants will have opportunity to discuss their application during an interview with one of the tutors, where any questions about the course can be answered.
Applicants who are aged 18 will be considered based on interview
You are highly advised to check, prior to enrolling, the entry requirements of any courses you wish to apply for at degree level.
Progression
Foundation Degree Community, Public Health and Social Care
HNC Counselling and Applied Psychology (HTQ).
When applying to university, we will support you with completing your UCAS application, personal statement and supply an academic reference. The course provides you with 60 credits at Level 3. You can gain Distinction, Merit or Pass for 45 credits while 15 credits are ungraded. The credits you gain amount to a certain number of UCAS points on the UCAS Tariff.
Career Opportunities
Social Worker, Early Years Practitioner, Counsellor, Teacher, Youth & Community Worker, Community Project Worker, Home Care Worker
Assessment Methods
Learners are assessed throughout the course via a variety of methods such as assignments, presentations, portfolio building and examinations.
Course Fees
Tuition Fee: £3,380
Registration Fee: £200
An Advanced Learner Loan is available to cover the cost of the Tuition Fee on this course. The Registration Fee is a separate fee, which you may not need to pay depending on your circumstances. Advice will be given about this during enrolment.
When you complete a HE qualification the Advanced Learner Loan is written off and you will not need to repay it.
Please contact Advice & Guidance for more information on 01422 399367 or see the Finance and Funding page.
Awarding Body
This programme is validated by Open Awards.
Calderdale College has a set of standard entry requirements. Apply for the course you want to study and we will help you get there.
There are a lot of courses available – work focused, practical and academic so it is important to think about the future and whether you want to proceed to university, move onto another course or get a job. We offer BTECs, Apprenticeships, T Levels, NVQs, VRQs, Degree Level Courses and more.
If you’re still not sure, don’t worry, just speak to a member of our advice and guidance team who will advise you.
