Level 3 Diploma Access to HE - Social Work

Are you interested in pursuing a rewarding career in social work? Even if you have not studied for some time, this diploma course in social work will help to develop your academic skills and confidence, setting you on a path to study a social work-related degree at university or other higher education courses at college.

This level 3 social work course will provide you with the necessary qualification to progress on to university or further study in your chosen subject area. Most students choosing this course are aiming for a career in social work, however the course does cover other subject areas including psychology and mental health.

This course gives you a good grounding for different branches of social work including adult, children and families, and mental health. You could also consider careers in youth work or early help.

You will study a variety of modules such as:

• Mental health
• Safeguarding
• Psychology
• Communication
• Criminology
• Learning disabilities
• Academic writing and study skills (which will take you through your university application and interviews and show you how to research and how to give a presentation).

You will be assessed during the course as each unit is taught and completed. You will be assessed through a variety of methods such as essays, presentations, research projects, and exams. The course is delivered on a blended model, with most sessions being face to face and a small part delivered online.

After achieving this qualification, you could go on to university to study degrees in social work, social policy, criminology, or health and social care.

Universities expect adults who apply for some vocational degrees to have previous relevant paid or voluntary experience. Check university websites to see how many hours of work/voluntary experience is required.

If you do not already have this experience, you will be required to organise relevant experience before you begin the course. For example, voluntary experience working with vulnerable groups such as the homeless would be an advantage. If you require advice about which type of experience would help your university application, ask to speak to our careers advisor based in Learner Services.

All HE students receive termly one-to-one tutorials with their programme leader to support them with their progress on programme. You will also have access to an online tutorial programme which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as mental health, managing finances, support for single parents, and working online. In addition, you can access a programme of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing, and time management.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required, and a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed. All HE students have access to a designated progress coach who can also provide welfare support.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

The access course to social work benefits from excellent occupational links along with tutors who have a wide range of in-depth experience. You will have access to our brand-new Health and Social Care Academy, which houses state-of-the-art facilities such as a simulation flat for practical activities.

Direct Entry Requirement

• GCSE Grade 4 (C) or above in maths/English or equivalent.

• Please note that if you have either Maths or English, and not both at entry, you will be required to complete the outstanding Maths or English course alongside your Access to HE qualification.

Although not a requirement for this course, GCSE English Language, Science and maths at grade A*-C/9-4 may be a requirement for progression to some careers and Higher Education Programmes.

If you do not meet the entry requirements

Don’t worry – you can apply for our Level 2 Pre-access course which will prepare you for the Level 3 Access to Higher Education in your chosen career pathway . You will also work towards achieving your Level 2 (GCSE) Maths and/or English at the same time.

19+ students studying on a level 3 qualification may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. For financhttps://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-supporte support and enquiries please visit Financial Support | Warrington & Vale Royal College (wvr.ac.uk)

Apart from the course and examination fees, you will need the usual student stationery such as pens, paper, and files. The purchase of textbooks is not compulsory - there is a wide selection of books available in our dedicated Learning Resource Centre. Should you wish to purchase textbooks, your subject tutors will recommend suitable books.