Access to HE diploma: humanities and social science (2 years)

Year 1 (Thursdays): study skills, literature and mathematics. Year 2 (Tuesdays): history, sociology and an option subject. Five hours' attendance a week and substantial study at home. Please contact the department to find out if places are available. THIS COURSE IS NOW CLOSED FOR 2011-12 APPLICANTS.

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Key course information

Dates
16/09/10 - 24/05/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
60 weeks

Time
10:00 - 16:00

Fees
Full fee: £873
Senior fee: £574
Concession: £128

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
AA211*

Availability
Contact department

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

The Humanities and Social Science Access Course offers you the chance to make a fresh start in education and to prepare for study at university. It is designed for people who would like to study in higher education but left school without the usual qualifications, such as A levels, and aims to help you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to succeed on a degree course. The course is validated by OCNLR (the Open College Network London Region) and leads to the award of the Access to HE Diploma, which is recognised as an entry qualification by universities. It provides a coherent two-year programme of study which combines study skills (including some maths) with a compulsory core of three academic subjects. You will also have regular one-to-one tutorials.

What topics will we cover?

Year 1 (Thursday)
Study Skills: this sets out to increase your understanding of how you learn and to help you to learn effectively. Practice in note-taking, essay writing, reading and research skills, exam skills.
Literature: an introduction to the study of novels, poetry and drama, exploring different approaches and interpretations, and relating texts to their wider historical and cultural contexts.
Mathematics: classes to build your confidence and brush up your number skills. Content includes a unit on statistics. You will be able to gain a GCSE equivalent.
Year 2 (Tuesday)
Sociology: an introduction to sociology in which you examine some of the ways in which social scientists attempt to describe and explain the social world.
History: an introduction to the study of the past through some of the major developments of the last two hundred years, such as the growth of industrial and urban society, colonialism and feminism.
Social Anthropology: students who are able to attend on Mondays may (subject to availability) substitute Social Anthropology for either History, Literature or Sociology. The Anthropology course introduces you to various anthropological approaches to understanding different societies, including a study of different customs and beliefs, and ideas about gender.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- understand what advanced academic study involves
- read and discuss a wide range of texts with confidence and understanding
- think analytically and critically, and relate and interpret different kinds of material
- tackle study tasks (e.g. researching a topic, writing an essay, making a seminar presentation, independent
projects, sitting an exam) with confidence, understanding and skill
- express yourself confidently and in an academic style, both orally and on paper
- learn more effectively and with greater independence
- gain OCNLR credits and an Access to HE Diploma.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Access courses are intended for adults who wish to prepare for degree courses, but have few or no formal qualifications, or have been out of education for some time. They are recognised by universities as equivalent in standard to 'A' level. There are no formal entry requirements for this access course but, as it involves substantial reading and essay writing, you will need to be able to read and respond to a range of texts (fiction and non-fiction), and to communicate information and ideas clearly and effectively in writing. You should also be prepared to contribute to discussion and be able to work in a group.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Classes will consist of a mixture of tutor input, discussion and debate, small group work, and student presentations. You will be asked to read in preparation for all classes and regular written assignments will be set. You should be prepared to spend 7-8 hours a week on reading and written work at home. All work is marked in detail by the appropriate tutor and as you complete assignments you gain credits which count towards your final result. - Learning and dyslexia support are available through the Learning Centre.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

A substantial amount of course material will be available in photocopied handouts but you will need to buy copies of some course set books. The Library keeps copies of all set texts but there are not enough for all students. You will also need a supply of A4 paper, pens and a ring binder. If you are on a low income you may be able to apply to the Access Fund for help with the costs of the course (e.g. Fares, books, materials). Help with childcare costs is also available. Phone the City Lit Information and Advice Shop on 0207 492 2500 for more information.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. You will also be able to discuss your progress on a one-to-one basis with your personal tutor every two or three weeks. The work you complete during the year - both oral and written assignments - will be assessed in detail and you will gain credits which count towards your Access Certificate.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; study support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 189 of the 09-10 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Students on this course typically progress to full or part-time degree courses in humanities or social science subjects (e.g. English, Philosophy, Anthropology, Film Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, Archaeology etc.) Recent popular destinations for our students include: the University of London (Queen Mary College, Goldsmiths College, Kings College, University College, SOAS); University of Sussex; University of Westminster. - Other advanced courses (e.g. certificates or diplomas) in further or higher education.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2610

freshhorizons@citylit.ac.uk

Contact us

Access to higher education

Tel: 020 7492 2610

freshhorizons@citylit.ac.uk

Access to higher education

An Access course is the ideal stepping stone if you want to apply for a university course but are lacking the necessary qualifications