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Student Handbook
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The Access Diploma offers a diverse range of humanities and social science subjects and is aimed at adult learners who would like to progress to university education. The course is accepted for entry into higher education by the Universities in Northern Ireland. Completion of the full award is also accepted by Northern Ireland Universities as meeting the entrance requirement for English Language. Holding this qualification may improve employment opportunities. The programme of study provides learners with an interesting, supportive and enjoyable learning environment in which they can become better learners.
Learners have opportunities to develop the foundational skills in Mathematics, Communication and Digital Skills which will support their further study and employability. They are also offered a varied range of social science-based subjects along with a detailed and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of these. Learners studying this course learn about contemporary social issues and social problems, how modern society operates and how human people behave. The course can be studied either full-time or part-time.
Students study 7 modules. The first half of the course students will study 3 modules at Level 2. The second half of the course students will study 4 modules at Level 3. Final Award is based on successful achievement of Level 3 modules.
Applicants must be 19 years or over by the start date and ideally be out of formal education for 2 years.
Applicants are interviewed to assess suitability regarding academic focus, motivation, commitment and drive, higher education goals and career aspirations.
Applicants do not require academic qualifications or profile, or recent experience of formal education. Applicants are individually assessed and composite scored, based on a short interview along with English and Maths assessments, which must reflect the required standard.
Students will learn particularly through lectures and tutorials, and will be assessed by a variety of coursework assignments, presentations, and practical work.
Access courses are equivalent to A levels and are an increasingly popular way to advance into higher education at a local university or further education college. Many Access students progress to Higher Education study in Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and other allied health professions. Other students choose from a wide and broad range of HE options in Social Sciences like Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy and Politics, Humanities, Arts, Business, IT, Media and Law.
During your course you may be required to purchase course textbooks and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £100 or more per year.
*The fees quoted are payable for each year.
Part time fees - 2024/25 fees: £450
For 2024/25 fees, please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy on the College website
P3012DF10A
Session Code
1 Year(s)
Duration
Further Education
Mode of Study
16
Hours per Week
34
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
25/26
Academic Year
01/09/2025
Start Date
Subject to Timetable
Day/s
Alastair.Mccarley@swc.ac.uk
Coordinator(s)
Total Annual Fee N/A
Total Concessionary Fee N/A
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
P3012OF10A
Claire.McLaughlin@swc.ac.uk
Ulster University Access Diploma in Social Sciences and Humanities
Ulster University Access Diploma in Social Sciences