Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Sciences
Who is the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Sciences for?
This course is ideal for adults aged 19+ who are interested in studying subjects such as psychology, sociology, criminology, or social work at university but don’t currently have the qualifications needed to apply. Whether you're returning to education after a break, looking to change careers, or didn’t get the grades you hoped for at school, this diploma provides a supportive route into higher education and future careers in the social sciences.
Regulated and Recognised Qualifications – Awarded through Ascentis
All of our Access to Higher Education Diplomas are awarded through Ascentis – a nationally recognised awarding organisation licensed by the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education).
This means our qualifications are fully regulated and widely accepted by universities across the UK. By choosing the Growth Company for your Access to HE course, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance of progressing to higher education with a qualification that is trusted, respected, and designed to support your future success.
Study online from 20th May 2026 or in person from 21st September 2026.
Course Delivery Options
You can choose how you study:
Online delivery - from the 20th of May 2026
Online classes will be on the following days:
- Wednesdays, 4:30pm–8:00pm
- Thursdays, 4:30pm–8:00pm
In-person classes – from the 21st of September 2026
Classes will be on the following days:
- Monday: 10:00am – 2:30pm
- Tuesday: 10:00am – 2:30pm
- Friday: 10:00am – 2:30pm
- Academic Writing
- Preparing to Progress
- Intro to Criminology
- Intro to Communication Studies
- Intro to Social Culture & Identity
- Psychology & Education
- Health & Illness
- Genre & Popular Culture
- Ethical Studies & Professional Practice
- Mass Media
- Sociological Theories and their Application to Contemporary Society
- Social & Community Welfare Provision
- Contexts in Counselling
- Theories & Perspectives in Criminology
- Research Project
On successful completion, you will achieve a Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Sciences awarded by our awarding body, Ascentis.
Our Access to HE Diplomas are licensed by the QAA and recognised by universities across the UK.
Applicants must be over 19 years old.
We would preferably expect our adult learners to have maths and English at Level 1 or equivalent. We are happy to discuss applications on an individual basis and welcome applicants with overseas qualifications and/or relevant work/life experience.
If you are aged 19 – 23 without a full level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for full funding through the Adult Skills Fund.
If you are 24 years or over, you can apply for course fees to be paid through an Advanced Learner Loan. The Advanced Learner Loan is administered by Student Finance England (SFE) on behalf of the UK government.
SFE will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. The higher education course must be eligible for student finance.
This means you do not have to repay it.
