Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work) Level 3

The Access to Higher Education programmes at Dudley College have been designed to enable students with few formal qualifications to develop self-confidence and academic ability. It also aims to meet the entry requirements of a variety of degree courses, HND courses and Dip HE courses.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma is:
A nationally recognised level 3 qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). In order to achieve the Access to HE Diploma you must achieve:
• 60 credits overall
• 45 graded credits at Level3 from units concerned with academic subject content.
• Academic units are those whose content is drawn from the knowledge and skills of subjects that are directly related to the subject of the named Diploma (s) in which the unit will be used.
• 15 ungraded credits at either level 2 or 3.

Typically studied over a duration of one year (either Sep-Jun, or Jan-Dec). In addition to attending college lessons there is also a requirement for students to undertake a minimum of 10 hours per week of independent research and study for the completion of assessed work.

This qualification prepares learners who are looking towards a career in Social Work. Access to Higher Education Diploma programmes are designed to prepare learners for entry into Higher Education (HE). The programmes provide the knowledge and skills needed to progress to Level 4 of study at University or College and enable learners who may be lacking in confidence, formal educational backgrounds and who have other commitments to succeed in Higher Education. The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work) enables you to progress into a variety of Social Work and related Degree pathways.

If you are interested in a career change, want a challenge, or simply have a desire to learn; Access courses have a very successful track record and thousands of students have benefited from the opportunities they provide.

This qualification includes the following modules

• Social Work
• Health and Social Care
• Child and Youth Studies
• Social Science

Where learners need the opportunity to re-sit their GCSE Maths to support progression to University, this will be in addition to the Access programme of study.

The assessments for this qualification are

• Professional Reports/ Essays/ Course work
• In-class Assessments
• Presentations
• Individual / Paired / Group Projects

Assessment of learning on the GCSE studies will be in the format of:

• Controlled assessments
• Homework
• Exam

All class-based materials will be provided also materials and any other additional costs are relatively low. Being organised is key to success. So we would recommend that all learners invest in the following:

• Access to Lap top/ computer for completion of assignments
• Course Folder/ Paper / pens for making notes

Access to Higher Education Diploma courses lead to a national qualification (the QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma) which is accepted as a standard entry qualification by UK universities.

This qualification will lead to employment in the area of Social Work and related fields or to further study/higher education. The following Higher Education Institutions, have given their support in the development of a Diploma in Social Work and which provide relevant progression opportunities:

• Birmingham City University
• Coventry University
• Keele University
• Staffordshire University
• University of Birmingham
• University of Wolverhampton
• University of Worcester

For entry onto this qualification learners must have: GCSE English language at grade 4 / C or functional skills at Level 2.

Equivalent qualifications will be considered. You also need to be aged 19 or over and you’ll be required to attend an interview.

There are two entry points for this pathway each year: September and February

Access to HE courses are designed to enable adult learners who have been out of full time education for at least 1 year and that may have few or no qualifications to gain entry to Higher Education. Or for those wishing to pursue a specific career and lack the underpinning subject knowledge.

Funding may be available to support your learning as an adult (aged 19+) studying at Dudley College in the following circumstances:

• If the course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and they have given us permission to offer it at no cost to you and live in the WMCA area.
• If the course is part of the ‘Free Courses for Jobs’ government scheme and you are unemployed or working for a low wage.
• If the course is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) / WMCA and you meet certain criteria (such as this being the first qualification of this type and level you are studying, or unemployed, or working for a low wage).

Your personal circumstances and the funding available to you will be discussed at enrolment, if would useful if you bring evidence including proof of income / benefits; proof of age (i.e. driving licence); prior qualifications.

English & Maths: If you have not previously achieved GCSE grade C or above in English and/or maths, you can study these for free.