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Health and Social Care (Social Work)

Course Code: BELX
  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Access
  • Awarding body: Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA), Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA)
  • Duration: One year
  • Course type: Part-time
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: Two days a week, 9.00am - 5.00pm
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What's it all about?

If you are passionate about helping people, promoting social justice, and supporting individuals through challenging circumstances, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health and Social Care) – Social Work Pathway could be the perfect route into university and a rewarding professional career. 

Designed specifically for adults aged 19 and over, this one-year intensive express course provides the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to progress to higher education and pursue careers within social work, social care, community support, youth work, mental health services and related professions. Studying takes place just two days per week, making it easier to balance your education alongside work, family and other commitments. 

Through the study of social work, psychology and sociology, you will develop the academic skills and subject knowledge required for university-level study and future professional practice. 

Whether you are returning to education after a break, looking for a career change, or taking your first step towards university, our supportive learning environment will help you achieve your goals and unlock new opportunities for your future.   

Course information

This pathway combines the study of social work, sociology and psychology, providing a strong foundation for progression to social work degrees and other related university courses. 

You will explore a range of fascinating topics that help develop your understanding of individuals, families and communities, and the social issues that can affect people’s lives. Units may include the Development of a Social Worker, Safeguarding, Crime and Deviance, Social Psychology, Poverty and Social Inequality, as well as wider themes relating to human behaviour, social policy and social justice. 
The course is taught in a classroom-based environment and focuses on developing your academic knowledge, critical thinking and research skills. Through discussions, debates, independent research and written assignments, you will learn to analyse social issues, evaluate evidence and apply theory to real-world situations. 
This is a theory-based programme rather than a practical training course. While relevant work or voluntary experience can strengthen future university applications and provide valuable insight into the profession, you do not need any previous experience in health, social care or social work to join the course. We welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds, including those returning to education after a break or considering a completely new career path. 
Alongside your subject studies, you will develop the academic writing, study and research skills needed to succeed at university and beyond.  

In order to succeed on this course you will need to: 

  • be aged 19 years or older on 31 August before the year the course begins 
  • have a functional skill level 2 qualification in English or a GCSE in English at grade 4 (C) or above 
  • have a functional skill level 1 qualification in maths or a GCSE in maths at grade 3 (D) or above.

Please note – if you are going to be 18 years of age at the start of the Access course, we may still be able to consider your application if you have already achieved your GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths, and you already hold a full level 3 qualification. 

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. 

Throughout the course, you will complete a variety of assessments designed to develop the academic skills needed for success at university.

Assessment methods include: 
  • essays 
  • reports 
  • presentations 
  • case studies 
  • factsheets and information resources 
  • in-class tests. 
These assessments are designed to help you develop:  
  • academic writing 
  • skills research and referencing techniques 
  • critical thinking and analysis 
  • professional communication skills 
  • confidence in presenting ideas and evidence. 
You will receive regular feedback and support from your tutors throughout the course, helping you build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in higher education. 

Successful completion of the Access to HE Diploma can lead to a wide range of degree programmes, including: 

  • social work 
  • social care 
  • social policy 
  • youth and community work 
  • criminology 
  • psychology 
  • childhood and family studies 
  • health and social care.

Many of our students progress directly to university and go on to build successful careers supporting vulnerable individuals, families and communities. 

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

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