Skip to content

Humanities (Literature, Creative Writing and History)

Course Code: LCHX
  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Access, Diploma
  • Awarding body: Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA)
  • Duration: One year
  • Course type: Part-time
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: Two days a week
Apply now Career Coach

What's it all about?

Are you fascinated by people, culture and the world around you? This course is your pathway to university or an Apprenticeship, opening the door to exciting careers in areas such as English, journalism, creative writing, classical civilisation, history, social science, education and international relations.

You’ll take part in lively debate, develop critical thinking skills and build confidence through independent study, all within a friendly and supportive community. You’ll explore big ideas about society and human behaviour while strengthening the research, writing and analytical skills that universities value most.

Our experienced and encouraging lecturers will support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for a new career direction, want to pursue a long-held interest or are preparing for degree-level study, this course will help you grow in confidence and academic readiness.

Depending on your progression goals, you may also study GCSE English, maths or science alongside your diploma. On successful completion, you’ll achieve an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities – a nationally recognised qualification that opens doors to a wide range of university courses.

Access to Higher Education courses are designed for students aged 19 or over. If you are aged 18 or under, this course may not be suitable for you. Please contact us on info@cityplym.ac.uk or 01752 305300 if you would like any help discussing alternative options.

If you would like to study this programme online, please click here.

Course information

Subject Areas

  • History – you’ll analyse historical sources, investigate local history and complete your own independent research project.
  • Social Science – you’ll explore sociological perspectives, conformity and social influence, political ideologies and current affairs.
  • English – you’ll build strong communication and analytical skills through the study of language, novels and poetry, alongside creative writing such as short stories and writing for the print market.

To prepare you for university-level study, you’ll also complete ungraded Academic Preparation Skills units covering research, presentation, digital and critical thinking skills, giving you the confidence and tools to succeed in your next steps.

You can view the full breakdown of the course units you’ll study here.

In order to be successful on this course, you’ll need to:

  • be committed to your studies and have a clear focus on your progression goals
  • be aged 19+ (if you’re under 19, we recommend exploring alternative qualifications such as A levels or vocational courses that also support progression to higher education)
  • hold a level 2 English and level 1 maths qualification (typically GCSE English at grade 4 or above and maths at grade 3 or above, or equivalent).

Your offer of a place may be conditional on factors such as interview performance. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us on 01752 305300 to discuss your options.

Distance learning

To study via distance learning, you must already hold GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above.

International students

We welcome international applications, but we recommend checking entry requirements with your chosen university. You may need to provide an IELTS score of 5.5 (or equivalent) and confirm funding and visa arrangements before applying.

The Access to HE Diploma is only available to students who are resident in the UK (including BFPO), Channel Islands or Isle of Man. It is not available to international students studying overseas. 

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, assignments, projects and exams.

On successful completion, you could progress to degree-level study across a range of subjects, including English, journalism, anthropology, classical civilisation, international relations, education and creative writing. Please note that universities may set their own specific entry requirements, so we recommend checking that your chosen degree accepts the credits included in this course before enrolling.

If university isn’t for you, you could also progress to higher-level degree Apprenticeships or employment within a relevant field.

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

Download course PDF

Related courses

Health and Social Care (Social Work)

  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Access
  • Awarding body: Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA), Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA)
  • Duration: One year
  • Course type: Part-time

Cyber Security / Computing

  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Diploma
  • Awarding body: Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA)
  • Duration: One to two years
  • Course type: Full-time

Cyber Security / Computing

  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Diploma
  • Awarding body: Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA)
  • Duration: One to two years
  • Course type: Full-time
View all courses

Book an open day and come visit us!

Come and visit us on one of our college open days, where you can find out more about our courses, check out our facilities and speak to current students and staff.

Book an open day