Access to Higher Education (Humanities Diploma) Blended Learning

If you are a mature student who missed the opportunity to go to university, our Access to Higher Education course is designed specifically for you.

Gloucestershire College is the first stop on your journey to university, with excellent tutoring to give you the qualifications you need to progress, and personalised support throughout your university application. You will need GCSE English at Grade 4 or above to start the online course, however, you may also be required to have GCSE Maths at Grade 4 or above depending on your University course requirement.

Last year, Access to Higher Education students achieved university places at Bristol, Exeter, Cardiff, Warwick, Liverpool John Moores, Goldsmiths College London, Birmingham City, Nottingham Trent and East Anglia. They also progressed to a variety of local universities including University of Gloucestershire, University of the West of England and University of Worcester.

This Access to Higher Education Humanities pathway has been adapted to be delivered online remotely, with the use of Microsoft Teams for seminars and to support learning.  There will be a requirement to attend for three two-hour exam assessments during the last teaching week before the Easter holidays.

Throughout the Humanities pathway you will study the following subjects:

• English Literature,
• Sociology,
• Psychology
• Study skills

You will complete 60 credits consisting of 45 graded credits (15 each in English Literature, Sociology and Psychology) plus 15 ungraded credits in Study Skills.

An important element of the course is tutorial support and help and guidance with the UCAS process for university applications.  This will take place during Study Skills assessments.  You will also complete a small research project based on a topic of your choice but closely related to your degree choice.

Assessment is continuous over the year and usually occurs at the end of each unit (about six weeks of study). Students will also complete three exams assessments (one in each subject apart from Study Skills) during the last teaching week before the Easter holidays.

In order to complete this course in the one academic year allocated, you will be required to set aside 16 – 20 hours each week for study, research and completing homework and assignments.  You will need good IT skills to access online learning, create word documents and upload them to the College intranet.  A home computer/laptop will be required together with a reliable broadband connection.

The named diplomas on Level 3 Access to Higher Education meet course eligibility requirements for a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan. See college website or ask at Student Services for more details.