About the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and Humanities) 

This level 3 qualification is designed to prepare students for study at university and is especially helpful for people who may have not had a good experience with education previously or who need a confidence boost to go further. 

The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and Humanities) is widely recognised by universities in the UK and is awarded by the Open College Network (OCN) West Midlands.  This course at Fircroft College has an average 100% success rate. Topics include:

  • Psychology
  • History
  • Literature
  • Social work
  • Languages
  • Mental health nursing
Course dates This course begins in September 2020 and ends in May 2021
Course times This course is full time Monday to Friday each week - residential (limited non-residential places available)
Course level Level 3
Course length This course runs for 9 months
Course area Access to Higher Education
Course fees

You may be able to study for free depending on your age and previous qualifications. Fees and funding support is available for eligible applicants. Information on advanced learning loans is available

Please contact the Admissions team on 0121 472 0116 or email [email protected]

‘Transition to University has been so much easier due to Fircroft College. I am eternally grateful for what Fircroft has gone for me. I am equipped with the right study skills and it has put me in good stead for University; everyone else is panicking but I am confident due to the Access to HE Diploma course. I’m not afraid to ask for support and help when I need it’

Nneka Hare (A former Fircroft Student who won the Open College Network West Midlands Access to HE  Learner Award)

Support offered

Support and guidance can be available to our students when needed to ensure they achieve the aims and objectives of their course as well as having an enjoyable learning experience 

Progression

This Diploma is widely recognised by universities in the UK and former students have gone on to study degrees and professional qualifications in subjects such as history,social policy, politics, literature, journalism, creative writing, youth work, counselling and education.

Entry requirements 

If you do not have a level 2 literacy and level 1 numeracy qualification from within the last 5 years we will ask you to take a Literacy and Numeracy assessment. If you show that you are able to reach the skills level in these areas, you will then be invited to attend an interview. Students must be aged 19 or older at the start of the course.

Many students find it helpful to undertake short courses in preparation for the Access to HE Diploma. We recommend that applicants for the Access to Higher Education Diploma undertake at least some of the Skills for Further Study  (Pre Access to HE (Social Sciences and Humanities) or (Health)) programme if possible. The programme specifically aims to develop the range of skills you will be expected to use on the Access to Higher Education Diploma. 

Find out what our Access to Higher Education students think of Fircroft College here. 

To find out more about our Pre Access to Higher Education course (Social Sciences and Humanities), and (Health) and our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences and Humanities) - contact the Admissions team on 0121 472 0116 or email [email protected]