Access Diploma in Social Sciences (validated by Ulster University)
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Part-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End Date
8 September 2026
1 June 2027
Days
Tue
Time
09:00-17:30
Location
Magherafelt
Interview Required
Yes
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.
You will study the following seven course modules:
An optional module of Statistics with ICT is ONLY available on the Coleraine 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.
This course is available across all campuses and applicants must attend their nearest campus.
| Year | Fee | Reduced Fee* |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £539 | £360 |
| Year 2 | £539 | £360 |
| Total |
*For eligibility criteria, visit our fees and funding page.
You must arrange payment of your fees at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please contact the College to confirm that an approved Employer Consent Form has been completed and uploaded to the online admissions portal.
Direct Debit Payment
You can arrange for fees to paid by instalments if you are enrolling on a course(s) of 16 weeks duration or more and the total cost is greater than £200. Full details are available on our Fees and Funding page.
Funding
If you have applied for funding, you must provide evidence of your application, such as an acknowledgement email or confirmation from the Education Authority or Student Finance NI. This evidence should be uploaded to the online admissions portal and may also be submitted at any reception. Once your funding has been approved, upload confirmation to the online admissions portal and email a copy studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk. Find out more about available funding options.
If application for funding is unsuccessful the student is liable for payment of fees in full. All fees to be collected by 28 February 2027.
Contact Details
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
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.
You will study the following seven course modules:
An optional module of Statistics with ICT is ONLY available on the Coleraine 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.
This course is available across all campuses and applicants must attend their nearest campus.
Course Fees
| Year | Fee | Reduced Fee* |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £539 | £360 |
| Year 2 | £539 | £360 |
| Total |
*For eligibility criteria, visit our fees and funding page.
You must arrange payment of your fees at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please contact the College to confirm that an approved Employer Consent Form has been completed and uploaded to the online admissions portal.
Direct Debit Payment
You can arrange for fees to paid by instalments if you are enrolling on a course(s) of 16 weeks duration or more and the total cost is greater than £200. Full details are available on our Fees and Funding page.
Funding
If you have applied for funding, you must provide evidence of your application, such as an acknowledgement email or confirmation from the Education Authority or Student Finance NI. This evidence should be uploaded to the online admissions portal and may also be submitted at any reception. Once your funding has been approved, upload confirmation to the online admissions portal and email a copy studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk. Find out more about available funding options.
If application for funding is unsuccessful the student is liable for payment of fees in full. All fees to be collected by 28 February 2027.
Contact Details
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk