Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) - Level 3
Overview
If you want to make a positive difference in the community, a career as a social worker could be a perfect choice for you.
Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) is specifically designed for adults who have been out of formal education for some time, but want to enter university-level courses. The course is made up of various modules designed to prepare you for the demands of higher-level study. You will become a critical thinker, develop writing techniques and research skills.
You can prepare by reading around your subject via our booklist and purchase recommended items from our kit list, you can find these here. Please be aware that as an Access learner you might be eligible to receive a college laptop for you to use for the duration of your course.
Once you’ve finished your Access to HE course, you may choose to stay and study a foundation degree in Working with Children, Young People and Families at the NTU Mansfield Centre on our Derby Road campus, which is run by Nottingham Trent University.
Don't let paying for this course hold you back from achieving your goals. There are different funding routes available for adult learners. Dependent on your personal circumstances, you may be eligible to:
Did you know? If you successfully go on to complete a Higher Education qualification following an Access to HE diploma course, you won’t have to pay your Advanced Learner Loan back at all.
Get in touch to find out more.
On successful completion of the course you will be awarded an Access to HE (Social Science) Diploma from Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA). To find out more visit www.cava.ac.uk
Take a look at this short video they have created that provides an overview of these courses.
View FAQs about Access to University Courses
Start dates and fees
| Start Date | Part/Full-time | Code | Fee | Actions |
| Sep 2025 | FT | 1056A1327 | FREE* to £3022.00 | Apply |
This course is eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan
This is a government scheme helping students aged 19+ to study Level 3 or higher qualifications that will improve their employability, including Access to Higher Education diplomas.
Applying is simple! Check your eligibility on the Advanced Learner Loan page.
* If you are aged 19-23 and studying your first Level 3 course then that course may be free. Please contact us for more details. If you are aged 19 or over and either studying a second Level 3 course or qualifying Level 4, 5 or 6 course you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs.
What will I study?
You will study a range of modules which include:
- Study skills
- Individual research project in a social work-related field
- Social policy
- Law
- Equal opportunities
- Psychology
- Sociology
Entry requirements
- GCSE grade 4-9 (C or above) in English Language and maths.
- You are strongly advised to complete a work placement before joining the course.
Don’t have the required GCSEs? No problem!
We’re here to help you get ready for your next step.
You’ll take a short assessment to see what support you need. Then, we’ll guide you to the best option.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods include: essays, reports, presentations, and group exercises. These are all designed to develop those skills required for higher level study.
What does the course lead to?
This course offers you the potential to enter an extensive variety of professions (subject to your chosen degree and entry requirements), including: youth work, probation, social care, youth justice, psychology, sociology and criminology. Salaries in social work usually start between £19,500-£25,000, in youth work around £21,000 and probation £21,000-£27,000.
As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626 or discover more about this benefit here.