Access to HE Diploma (Social Work)

Program Overview

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Access to HE Diploma (Social Work)

Study level: Access courses

The Access to Social Work course sets out to offer adult returners a coherent, integrated and supported year of study in preparation for progression to a social work degree course.

Year of entry

2026

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CUCA012

Start date

September 2026

Course overview

Upon successful completion, learners will gain the knowledge, awareness, skills and confidence necessary for successful entry into a social work undergraduate degree.

Access programmes are designed for students who have not had the opportunity to access higher education via traditional routes. Our course will give you the opportunity to attain some of the tools you will need to complete a degree programme. As well as some subject-specific knowledge, we will prepare you in the fundamentals of study skills, literacy and referencing.

• Quickest route to Higher Education.
• No end-of-year exams.
• Mapped to match with modules taught on social work degree programmes.
• Open learning environment.
• Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete an eligible higher education course (subject to SFE requirements). For more information visit the Advanced Learner Loan website.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated.

What you'll study

You will study a range of modules from psychology, social policy and sociology as well as social work modules that include working practices, safeguarding and the role of the social worker. Your final module will be an extended project on a topic of your own choice. You will also develop your study skills including literacy, researching and referencing which will provide you with a foundation for your learning in subsequent years.

Modules

• Learning Theories - 3 credits
• Introduction to Sociology - 3 credits
• Foundations of Psychology - 3 credits
• Mental Health and Illness - 3 credits
• Social Influence, Conformity and Obedience to Authority - 3 credits
• History and Development of the Welfare State - 3 credits
• The Individual and Society - 3 credits
• Prejudice and Discrimination - 3 credits
• Equality, Diversity and Anti-Discriminatory Practice - 3 credits
• The Role of the Health or Social Care Professional - 3 credits
• Development of the Welfare State - 3 credits
• Safeguarding Children’s Welfare - 3 credits
• Child Protection and Legislation - 3 credits
• Extended Project - 6 credits
• Study skills – 15 credits

How you'll learn

The access course offers an opportunity for you to study for a Level 3 Diploma. The CU Coventry model of delivery focuses on one module at a time, allowing you to focus on the in-depth content of the subject. Lectures are delivered by subject experts using a variety of methods to reinforce the concepts of the topic such as traditional lectures, group work, worksheets, case studies and research activities.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from module to module, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake self-directed study of approximately 10 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

• Phase tests
• Essays
• Group work
• Presentations
• Reports
• Projects
• Coursework

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

• UK
• Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English are preferable but not mandatory for commencing the Access course. Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English can be acquired alongside the Access course as they are a pre-requisite to progress onto universities for Social Work degree programmes.
• GCSE maths, English and one science at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.

Fees and funding

Student | Full-time | Part-time
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UK | 2026/27 fees TBC
2025/26 fees: £3384 | Not available

You may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. Visit the Advanced Learner Loan website for full information and to check your eligibility. If you are eligible and awarded an Advanced Learner Loan, and successfully complete an eligible Higher Education course, the outstanding balance from your Access course could be written off.

Facilities

Lectures take place at CU Coventry Mile lane campus with use of Elm Bank and Priory Building teaching rooms.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will have the underpinning knowledge and academic skills to be able to apply for a Social Work degree at a variety of universities.

Further study

On successful completion of the course, you will be guaranteed an interview for the following relevant courses:

• Health and Wellbeing Practice BA (Hons)
• Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons)
• Social Work BA (Hons)