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Psychology, Criminology, History and English Community Taster Sessions

Course Code: CTSPCHE
  • Level: 1
  • Qualification: College Certificate
  • Awarding body: City College Plymouth
  • Duration: Two hours
  • Course type: Short course
  • Time of day: Evening
  • When you'll study: Various evenings

What's it all about?

Community Taster Sessions are your chance to explore psychology, criminology, history, and English in a friendly, no-pressure environment. Designed for adult students who are curious about these subjects but unsure which path to take, these sessions give you a real taste of what it’s like to study at the College. You’ll engage with fascinating topics, try out different learning styles, and discover which subject sparks your interest most. 

Whether you’re thinking about returning to education, considering a career change, or simply want to learn something new, this is the perfect starting point. Apply now to explore your options, build confidence, and take your first step into further learning with full support every step of the way. 

Course information

Community Taster Sessions introduce you to four fascinating social science and humanities subjects through short, interactive sessions designed to give you a genuine feel for each discipline. 

Psychology 
You will explore the fundamentals of human behaviour and mental processes, including topics such as how we learn, memory and perception, personality and individual differences, and the psychological factors that influence how we think, feel, and act in everyday situations. Sessions may include simple psychological activities or demonstrations to help you understand how psychologists study behaviour. 
Criminology 
You will examine the nature of crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system within wider social and psychological contexts. Topics include understanding why people commit crimes, how society responds to crime, the role of the police and courts, offender rehabilitation, and the relationship between crime, media, and public perception. 
History 
You will investigate key historical periods, events, and themes, learning how historians analyse sources, construct arguments, and interpret the past. Sessions may cover topics such as social history, political change, conflict and protest, or local and national history, helping you develop critical skills in evidence evaluation and historical understanding. 
English 
You will engage with a range of literary and non-literary texts, including fiction, poetry, articles, and extracts. You will explore themes, language, character, and meaning, while developing your own responses and critical thinking skills. Sessions focus on discussion, interpretation, and building confidence in verbal and written analysis. 
Each subject is delivered through short, accessible sessions that combine introductory content with discussion-based activities, giving you a clear sense of what it would be like to study each subject further. 

This course is open to anyone with an interest in any of the subjects offered. No formal qualifications are required, and you do not need to have any prior knowledge to join. The course is designed to support students at different starting points, including those returning to study or building confidence with study. An interest in sharing ideas, listening to others, and taking part in group activities is all you need.

Community Taster Sessions are not formally assessed. They are designed as introduction sessions where you can explore subjects without any pressure, grades, or exams. 

Instead of formal assessment, you will receive: 
  • informal feedback during and after sessions through discussion with tutors
  • supportive guidance about your interests, strengths, and next steps
  • signposting to suitable courses if you want to progress into further study. 
This non-assessed approach ensures the sessions remain low-stress and accessible for all adult students, including those returning to education after a long break or unsure about committing to a full course. 

Students could progress from this course into a range of other College courses that build confidence, communication, and study skills, such as English Functional Skills/GCSE, or other adult learning programmes. It may also provide a useful first step towards further learning in areas such as humanities, social sciences, creative subjects, or other provision that involves discussion and reading.

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

Download course PDF

Future careers

What you could earn:

Chemical Scientists

£63,959.33

Potential salary

£22,259.72

Entry level salary

£36,612.40

Average salary

1

Annual openings in Plymouth

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