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Social Science with Law

Course Code: SOCXE
  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: Diploma
  • Awarding body: Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA)
  • Duration: One year
  • Course type: Part-time
  • Time of day: Evening
  • When you'll study: Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, 5.30pm - 9.30pm
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What's it all about?

This course can be studied via the full-time, express (evening) and distance learning modes of delivery – please click here to read about the different delivery modes offered for Access to Higher Education (HE) courses. 

Access to HE 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. 

Do you want to go to university to study psychology, social sciences, law or criminology? Maybe you are looking at higher level Apprenticeships in law, the police and public services or social work? The CAVA Access to Higher Education social (with law) pathway offers a wide range of opportunities to improve your qualifications and prepare you for university level study (including Apprenticeships) in your chosen subjects. If you previously went straight into a job after leaving school, took the wrong A Level subjects for your preferred progression route or want a new career direction, these courses offer the chance to study alongside other mature students, tutored by experienced, motivational and supportive lecturers. 

You may be required to have/study GCSEs in English and/or maths depending on your career and university aspirations – you can check on the university website for your preferred degree. Please note the College course title is a suggested progression route, you must check with your preferred higher education institution to ensure that this course meets their entry requirements. 

Course information

Gain the knowledge, confidence, and qualifications you need to progress to university with our Access to Social Science with Law (evening programme). Designed for adults returning to education or balancing study with work and family commitments, this flexible course offers an engaging introduction to key areas of sociology, psychology, and law. 

You’ll explore how society shapes our lives through topics such as social inequality, education, crime, and deviance, while developing a strong understanding of human behaviour through core areas of psychology, including social and atypical psychology. Alongside this, you’ll build essential legal knowledge, examining contract law, offences against the person, and real-world issues such as miscarriages of justice. 
Throughout the course, you’ll also develop vital academic and study skills to prepare you for higher education. With supportive teaching, structured evening sessions, and a focus on real-world application, this programme is an ideal pathway into degrees such as law, criminology, sociology, psychology, and related fields. 

To succeed on this course you need to be committed towards your study and focused upon your career choice. This route is designed for adult students (19+). Funding is not available for those aged 18 and under, and we would recommend that alternative vocational qualifications and A Levels are considered which support progression onto further or higher education and employment. 

This Access to HE course requires level 2 achievement in literacy and level 1 numeracy. This may be a grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE English and grade 3 (D) or above in maths, a level 1/2 qualification or equivalence. It will not be possible for you to be offered a place on an Access course without meeting our entry requirements. 
If you do not currently hold a level 1 qualification in numeracy and level 2 in English, then you are invited to undertake a skills test as part of our interview process. Achieving on our skills test is sufficient to meet our entry requirements for Access to HE, however you are strongly advised to seek further advice from your chosen university regarding completing GCSEs as part of your application. 
Your offer for entry onto our Access course may be conditional to a number of factors which may include achievement of level 2 in literacy and level 1 in numeracy, satisfactory performance at interview, evidence of recent study, evidence of relevant work experience and specific criteria for international students (please see below) 
Students who would like to apply but find that their qualifications don’t meet the entry criteria are encouraged to contact us on 01752 305300 to discuss a suitable alternative course.

Assessment on this course is varied and designed to help you build the skills needed for higher education. You can expect a mix of essays, reports, case studies, presentations, and timed assessments, including exam-style tasks in psychology. These assessments are structured to develop your academic writing, critical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios, with regular feedback and support from tutors throughout. 

Throughout the course, you’ll also develop vital academic and study skills to prepare you for higher education. With supportive teaching, structured evening sessions, and a focus on real-world application, this programme is an ideal pathway into degrees such as law, criminology, sociology, psychology, and related fields. 

On completion of this course, you’ll be well prepared to progress to a wide range of university degrees and higher-level pathways. Many of our students go on to study subjects such as law, criminology, sociology, psychology, social work, policing, and education, using the Access qualification as a recognised route into higher education. 

For those looking to combine study with employment, this course can also support progression into Higher and Degree Apprenticeships. These include areas such as policing, probation services, legal services, youth work, and public sector roles, allowing you to earn while you learn and gain valuable industry experience alongside your qualification. 
The course is designed to build not only subject knowledge but also the academic, research, and communication skills required for success at level 4 and beyond. With guidance from experienced tutors, you’ll be supported in making informed decisions about your next steps, whether that’s university, an apprenticeship, or career progression. 

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

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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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