Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) - Access

Our Access to Higher Education Diplomas are designed specifically for adult learners aged 19 and over who want to progress onto an undergraduate degree. This one year Level 3 programme, delivered over 35 weeks, prepares you fully for the demands of university study at Level 4 and beyond.

Many students join us without traditional Level 3 qualifications such as A levels or BTECs. The Access course, which is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), offers a genuine second chance to progress into higher education. We understand that returning to study after a break can feel challenging, and that academic confidence may take time to rebuild. That’s why you will be supported by an enthusiastic, experienced teaching team who are committed to helping you succeed.

The course develops the knowledge, study skills, and confidence needed to complete the diploma successfully and progress to university. While many Access courses are delivered in colleges, you will study in a university setting, helping you feel prepared and confident about your next step into higher education.

Before applying, please check the entry requirements to ensure you are ready to start in September. If you do not yet have the required Level 2 English and Maths, we also offer a Level 2 course. This provides an excellent stepping stone, allowing you to gain essential qualifications, experience Level 3 study, and prepare for successful progression onto an Access to HE Diploma.

Book your place at our next Access information event

90%of Access Diploma graduates are employed or in further study 6 months after graduationQuality Assurance Assessment (2021)

What you will study

Psychology

Psychology provides a fascinating introduction to the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. This subject lays strong foundations for further study in psychology, mental health, education, sociology, and related degree pathways.

You will begin by exploring key studies from the history of psychology, examining how psychologists investigate behaviour and thought. Many of these studies are thought-provoking and controversial, raising important ethical considerations. Students analyse and present a chosen study, developing research, evaluation, and presentation skills.

The course then explores Early Social Development, focusing on how relationships form in childhood. You will examine the nature versus nurture debate, key theories of attachment, and the long-term impact of early experiences using research by Bowlby and Ainsworth.

In Psychopathology, you will investigate different explanations for mental health disorders, comparing psychological approaches such as biological, cognitive, and behavioural perspectives. This knowledge is extended in Treatments and Therapies, where you examine interventions including CBT and medical treatments, applying them to a selected mental health disorder.

Finally, Social Influence explores why people conform, obey authority, or resist pressure, analysing classic research into conformity, obedience, and minority influence while debating the ethical issues raised.

Together, these units develop analytical thinking, empathy, and critical awareness essential for higher education and future careers.

Sociology

Sociology explores how society works and how social groups influence people’s behaviour, identity, and life chances. As a social science, sociology looks beyond individual behaviour to examine the relationships and structures that shape everyday life, including families, education, workplaces, peer groups, and wider society.

What makes sociology distinctive is its commitment to objective, evidence-based analysis. Sociologists question assumptions, challenge stereotypes, and remain sceptical of opinions based on anecdote or media hype. Instead, students learn how to evaluate information critically, using research and data to understand social issues more clearly and fairly.

Through studying sociology, you will develop insight into contemporary social issues, exploring how society influences attitudes, opportunities, and inequality. You will learn to analyse different viewpoints, recognise bias, and construct well-reasoned arguments supported by evidence.

While the subject introduces sociological thinking, its main purpose is to develop the academic skills essential for higher education. These include research, essay writing, critical analysis, and independent thinking: skills that are highly valued across a wide range of degree programmes and careers.

Sociology is ideal for students who are curious about the world around them, enjoy debate, and want to understand society in a deeper, more informed way.

Educational Psychology

This Educational Psychology module provides Access to HE students with a strong foundation in the psychological theories and processes that underpin learning and development. It is designed to support progression into degrees in psychology, education, social work, and related professions.

Students begin with Interview Preparation, where they research, plan, and take part in a mock interview. This practical unit supports the UCAS process while developing confidence, self-reflection, and communication skills applicable to higher education and future employment.

Core psychological approaches to learning are explored in depth. Behaviourism examines how behaviour is shaped through reinforcement, punishment, and observation, drawing on the work of theorists such as Pavlov, Skinner, and Bandura. Cognitive Developmental Psychology focuses on how thinking and reasoning develop across the lifespan, using models such as Piaget’s stages of development and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory.

Students also investigate memory processes, including how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved, alongside reasons for forgetting and strategies to improve learning and revision. The module concludes with the Psychology of Learning, integrating cognitive, behavioural, and humanistic perspectives to examine motivation, learning styles, and inclusive educational practice.

Throughout the module, students apply theory to real-life educational contexts through case studies, discussion, and reflective activities, developing critical thinking and independent learning skills essential for higher education success.

Study Skills

Study Skills provides you with the essential academic and personal skills needed to successfully complete your Access to HE Diploma and progress confidently onto undergraduate study. These skills are highly valued by university admissions tutors and play a vital role in supporting success at degree level.

Study Skills is delivered through a single unit, Academic Study Techniques, designed to help you develop effective approaches to learning, research, and independent study. In these sessions, you will either build new skills or enhance existing ones to meet the demands of higher education. Areas covered include academic writing, referencing, research methods, critical reading, time management, revision strategies, and presentation skills.

A key element of Study Skills is UCAS application support. You will receive structured guidance on researching university courses, understanding entry requirements, and writing a strong personal statement that clearly reflects your skills, experience, and ambitions. Support is also provided for interview preparation where required, helping you present yourself confidently to admissions tutors.

Throughout the unit, students are encouraged to reflect on their learning, build confidence, and develop independence. By the end of the course, you will be well-prepared not only for your Access assessments, but also for the academic expectations of university life.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

A wide range of engaging and interactive teaching and learning activities are used across all subjects to support different learning styles and build confidence. Lessons are designed to encourage active participation, with opportunities for discussion, practical tasks, and student led activities.

You will experience a variety of approaches from session to session. Some lessons focus on group work and collaboration, helping you develop communication and teamwork skills, while others encourage independent research and investigation, preparing you for the expectations of higher education.

All scheduled teaching is tutor led, with sessions carefully planned to suit the needs, experience, and goals of each group. This flexible approach means learning is relevant, supportive, and inclusive. By experiencing different teaching methods and study approaches, you will also gain first hand insight into effective learning strategies thus helping you become a more confident, independent learner ready for progression.

Enrichment

A wide range of enrichment activities takes place throughout the academic year to enhance your learning experience and support your progression to higher education. These activities are designed to help you explore future opportunities, build confidence, and gain insight into university level study.

Students will have opportunities to attend guest speaker sessions, where professionals from relevant industries and academic fields deliver short talks and share real world insights. These sessions help bring subjects to life, showing how what you study connects to careers and higher education.

In addition, students can meet with degree level teaching staff to learn more about undergraduate courses, expectations, and progression routes. Together, these enrichment experiences broaden horizons, raise aspirations, and help you feel well prepared for your future study journey.

How You Will Be Assessed

You will be assessed through a varied range of methods, designed to help you demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and confidence in different ways. Assessment types may include essay writing, presentations, written tasks, academic posters, and exams, depending on the unit being studied.

All assessments are clearly explained at the start of each unit, so you know exactly what is expected. You will receive ongoing support from your tutors, with guidance, examples, and structured activities to help scaffold your progress and prepare you for each assessment type particularly if exams are something you feel less confident about.

Assessments are designed to be purposeful and engaging, allowing you to apply what you have learned in lessons, independent study, and wider reading to topics linked to your interests and future progression. This approach helps build confidence, develop academic skills, and prepare you for the assessment methods used in higher education.

Careers

Studying an Education or Teaching degree can allow you to pursue a range of related careers, such as:

It is a popular route for graduates who do not pursue a course with in-built Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to then complete a QTS or equivalent postgraduate qualification for roles that require this after completing an undergraduate degree.

An Access to Higher Education course will prepare you to pursue a degree related to Education in many fields, from Primary Education (with QTS) to Education Studies.

The University of Derby Access to Business course gave me confidence, structure, and the academic skills needed for higher education. It improved my writing, research, and critical thinking, while helping me believe in my potential. It changed my direction in life and prepared me successfully to progress onto studying Law.

Jack Wright

The course gave me a real insight into “university life,” teaching me how to reference, write academically, and develop the essential skills needed for degree-level study. It provided a strong foundation that prepared me for the demands of my nursing degree. It is a challenging course—what you put into it is what you get out. The support from lecturers was excellent; they were always willing to help and motivate me to reach my full potential. I completed the course with mostly distinctions, meeting the requirements to progress onto Adult Nursing at the University of Derby. The experience helped me grow not only academically but also personally, building my confidence and shaping me as a professional. It took four years to become a nurse, and now I have three years of practice under my belt. I am currently working as a Registered Nurse in Neurology: a career path that started with this course. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering a future in healthcare, as it opens doors, builds confidence, and provides a clear pathway into a rewarding career.

Kenley Fairbrother

I've built myself a business as a freelance video games developer, video producer and games critic. I'm becoming quite well known in the video games industry for my coverage and critique of very complex and difficult PC strategy games. I'm the public face for a mid-sized games developer based out in Michigan, USA where I make regular videos promoting their games, and I'm currently working on my own video game development projects too. I was 37 when I took that Access course and I don't think I'd have finished or stuck it out if it wasn't for the genuine camaraderie I found in the class I worked in. I don't think it's possible to understate how important it is to build up confidence in people who, like myself, might have previously failed at education, or struggled in other aspects of their life. I can wholeheartedly recommend the course to any young adult who wants to get themselves into higher education. If you're willing to put the work in, then you'll find the support you get at the University of Derby will be enough to take you further than you ever dreamed.

Benjamin Kirkman-Halford

Entry requirements

You will need to be 19 years of age or above on 31 August 2026. You will have achieved Mathematics and English Language GCSEs at grade A-C/9-4 or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths. However, if you have grade D/3 or Functional Skills Level 2 in one of the subjects, and passed the other, you could study one GCSE alongside the Access course.

For BEd, GCSE English Language 4/C is required, GCSE Science is recommended, and GCSE Maths could be taken alongside if Functional Skills level 2 or GCSE 3/D previously achieved.

If you do not already hold the necessary qualifications, we also offer Level 2 English and Maths courses. To receive further information on these, please register your interest online, email access@derby.ac.uk or call 01332 591080.

How to apply

If you're interested in this course you'll need to attend an Information Event.

At the event, you’ll be able to find out everything about the course, find out about fees and finance and get careers advice.

Additional information about your studies

The start date for this course is 7 September 2026.

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Other courses you might like

Sociology BA (Hons)

Psychology BSc (Hons)

Education with Qualified Teacher Status Integrated Masters MEdu

Applied Social Work BA (Hons)

Health and Social Care Practice (with pathways) BSc (Hons)

Contact us

Course

Email: access@derby.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1332 591080