Access Diploma in Social Sciences (validated by Ulster University)

Essentials

Duration: 1 Year Full-time
Start date: 1st September 2025
End date: 5th June 2026
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

Course Content

You will study the following seven course modules:

• Communication
• Mathematics
• An Introduction to Sociology
• Psychology
• Social Policy
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Research Methods. 

An optional module of Statistics with ICT is ONLY available on the Coleraine campus.

Course Aims

The aim of the course is to enable mature students to study for a University Access Diploma in Social Science. This will give students the opportunity to progress to higher education, or alternatively, to enhance their academic qualifications and consequently improve their career prospects. It is a modularised course and is set at A level standard. The modularised structure offers greater flexibility and is particularly important for mature students who have to fit their study around their commitments.

University Connections

• Applicants must be 19 years of age or over on 1 July in year of entry and have been out of full-time education for a minimum of two years. 
• Applicants will be required to provide evidence of a basic competence in English and Mathematics.
• Applicants who are not in possession of a GCSE English and Mathematics qualification, or an Essential Skills Level 2 qualification in these subjects, are obliged to undertake an assessment in literacy and numeracy at a compulsory Course information session.
• An information meeting is essential prior to a firm offer being made.  As part of the full award of the Level 3 Access Diploma, a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, which is passed at 40%, will be recognised by both Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast as meeting the general entrance requirement for Mathematics at GCSE Grade C/4. Both Universities in Northern Ireland also accept the full Access award as providing evidence of competence in English Language, meeting the general entrance requirement for GCSE English. Applicants who are not in possession of a GCSE English and Mathematics qualification or an Essential Skills Level 2 in these subjects will have opportunities to acquire these alongside their studies.

This course is available across all campuses and applicants must attend their nearest campus.

Upon completion of the course you are able to apply for higher education courses at the College or at University, in a range of subject areas.

Past graduates from this programme have progressed into a range of career pathways following further study, such as: Nursing, Social Work, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Sociology and Psychology.

This qualification can also be helpful when seeking employment.