Access to University (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 University (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.
The awarding body for this course is CAVA, click the link to find out more.
Giving you flexibility to manage your life and studies
We offer two options to complete your course because we realise that we all have different lives with varied work and family commitments.
The main focus is on blended learning, supported by online resources.
One-year | Full-time
Attend college for two full-days per week (usually 9am-4.30pm) and a half-day online session per week (at a time that suits you).
Two-years | Part-time
Attend college for one full-day per week (usually 9am-4.30pm).
IMPORTANT - If you don't meet the entry requirements listed below, you will be required to complete a short diagnostic assessment for each GCSE that you require. You can study for your GCSE(s) alongside your part-time Access To University course and you will attend college for one half-day per week for each GCSE required.
You are also required to allocate time to undertake self-study each week; 8 hours is a standard recommendation.
On successful completion of the course you will be awarded an Access to Higher Education Social Science Diploma. Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA) designs and validates Access to Higher Education Diplomas. To find out more visit www.cava.ac.uk
View FAQs about Access to University Courses
Start dates and fees
| Start Date | Part/Full-time | Code | Fee | Actions |
| 11/09/2023 | FT | 1056A1327 | FREE* to £3022.00 | Apply |
| 11/09/2023 | PT | 1056A1635 | FREE* to £3022.00 | Apply |
* 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
Students are strongly recommended to secure work placement in a social work setting.
Full-time
- A minimum of two GCSEs at grade 4 in English and maths.
Part-time
- *A minimum of two GCSEs at grade 4 in English and maths.
*Don't have the required GCSEs to study the part-time course?
If you don’t have GCSEs at grade 4 in English and/or maths, you will be required to complete a short diagnostic assessment for each GCSE you require.
You will then study the GCSE course(s) alongside your part-time Access to University course.
This course is eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan
The Advanced Learner Loan is a new scheme introduced by the government to help mature learners study for qualifications that will improve their employability and develop high level skills and knowledge.
Loans are specifically designed for those aged 19 and over, who are intending to study on a Level 3 or higher course – including Access to HE Diplomas.
Best of all, if you successfully go on to complete an HE qualification following an Access to University course – you won’t even have to pay the loan back.
It’s easy to apply! To find out if you’re eligible, or for more information, see the Advanced Learner Loan page.
How long is the course?
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
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?
Careers in 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.
Careers