Access to HE diploma: humanities and social science (evenings)

What is the course about?

• Our course is a one-year intensive evening programme validated by OCN London. With us, you will study the equivalent of 3 A-Levels in Literature, History and Sociology over the course of 10 months, in addition to completing tasks for a further 5 ungraded units in Study Skills.

• Teaching takes place online every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6- 9.15pm from September to June. These hours and days are not flexible and full attendance is required.

• You are expected to attend all weekly sessions, complete 15 hours of additional preparatory work each week, and attend personal tutorials from 5-6pm, every 2-3 weeks. You will be expected to complete 14 graded assignments (essays, research projects and presentations) throughout the year as well as 5 ungraded assignments and these are set more or less every week from November onwards.

• We support learners rigorously through the UCAS application process in Study Skills and tutorials.

• The course costs £3,022. For more information and to check your eligibility, please contact City Lit student services before you apply.

• The Advanced Learner Loan is written off if you successfully complete your degree course and you will not be required to pay anything back.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

• Study Skills: You will be guided through basic study skills to enable you to succeed on the course. You will receive instruction in essay writing, note-taking, reading, research skills and exam skills every week throughout the course, and in line with your assignment requirements.

• Literature: You will be given an introduction to the study of novels, poetry and drama; exploring different approaches and interpretations to texts, as well as learning to relate them to their their wider historical and cultural contexts.

• Sociology: This is an introduction to the study of society, where you will learn how to analyse complex social issues using theoretical bases. Through Sociology, we aim to better distinguish how these issues affect our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

• History: You will gain an introduction to the study of the past through some of the most important historical developments over the last two hundred years, from the Russian Revolution to the Civil Rights movement to Female Emancipation and the History of Race Relations in the UK.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Understand what advanced academic study involves.

• Tackle study tasks including researching a topic, writing an essay, making a seminar presentation, completing an independent project and sitting an exam with confidence, understanding and skill.

• Read and discuss a wide range of texts with confidence and understanding.

• Think analytically and critically, relating and interpreting different kinds of material to your wider studies.

• Express yourself confidently and in an academic style, both orally and on paper.

• Learn more effectively and with greater independence.

• Confidently research, plan and produce an academic essay and research project.

• Gain OCN London credits and an Access to HE Diploma.

• Make a successful application to university.

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

As a Level 3 course designed for those who would like to study for a degree and left school without the usual qualifications, our course requirements comprise of the following:

• English or Maths GCSE (or L2 equivalents. We accept applications from those who are able to demonstrate this at assessment, but do not hold formal qualifications.) Please note that most universities require these qualifications to process your university application.

• Completing and passing our online application form, including the submission of extended written answers

• Passing an interview aimed at assessing your suitability for study. It is likely that this will done online.

• Passing a written assessment aimed at assessing your ability to write in an unprepared environment.

• Attendance to the course induction usually taking place during the evening, 1 week before the course begins.

• 100% attendance to the first five weeks of the course, with attendance maintained at 90% throughout. You may be removed from the course if you do not adhere to this requirement.

• A very clear understanding of why you are studying this course and what you want to achieve at the end of it. We prioritise applications from those who demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how this course will not only impact your academic skills, but your wider priorities.

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

Our teaching usually focusses around tutor input, discussion, small group work and student presentations.

Homework is substantial and compulsory, and you will be asked to read in preparation for most sessions. Written, graded assignments are set at regular intervals in all subjects, with all pieces of work contributing to your final result and entry to university.

To gain your diploma you will need to spend at least 15 hours a week on reading and written work at home, as well as attending all classes and tutorials. Our experience has shown that this must take priority over your wider obligations if you would like to achieve your best results and progress to university and beyond.

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

As this course is ONLINE you will need a laptop or tablet with a keyboard and a good internet connection. There may be some materials you will want to print so access to a printer might be helpful.

Fees/costs depend on your age and previous education qualifications. See the Course Guide available online or speak to the department for more details.

You may be able to apply to the Access Fund for help with the costs of the course (e.g. fares, books, materials) if you earn below the London Living Wage (£19,012.50 in 2017). Help with childcare costs is also available.

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

Our students typically apply for degrees in the core subjects or related disciplines such as anthropology, education, philosophy, politics and sometimes languages. The following institutions are the most popular destinations:

• University of London (UCL, SOAS, Queen Mary, Birkbeck, Goldsmiths)

• London School of Economics

• King's College London

We have also sent students to the following universities:

• University of Cambridge

• University of Nottingham

• University of Westminster

• University of Sussex

• University of Exeter

• University of Newcastle

• University of Brighton

• University of Glasgow

Past students have also achieved awards and bursaries from the Helena Kennedy Foundation, OCN and the Open College Network.