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Key details

Course areas
Access to Higher Education and EmploymentHealth and Social CareHumanities and Social Sciences
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date

Tuesday 1st September 2026

Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Course code
Parent course code:C000504 Child course code: Q002763
Apply now

Course introduction

If you are aged 19+ and passionate about helping people and would like to progress towards a career in social work or similar, then this could be the course for you.

You’ll learn a broad range of relevant skills through a range of psychology, sociology, law, and health and social care units, including:

  • Early Social Development
  • Psychopathologies
  • Treatment and Therapies
  • Sociology of Crime and Deviance
  • Social Work Theory and Practice
  • Inequalities in Health and Social Care
  • The law in Social Work
  • Ethics in Law

The Introduction to Access course will focus on developing study skills such as academic writing, researching, paraphrasing and referencing to help you to progress onto the Access course. There will be a focus on developing IT skills necessary to access and use the college systems and to complete assignments. 

You will be introduced to the subjects that you will study on the Access course, so that you can make an informed decision at the end of the four weeks on which Access course is the correct course for your future plans. Progression onto the Access course is subject to successful completion of the four-week introductory course.

Course information

1 year

CAVA Access to HE Diploma: Health and Social Care

You must be aged 19 or over to apply for this course.

As the majority of our Access students are returning to learning as adults, we consider a range of experience when accepting students onto an Access programme. All students will be assessed to see what level they are learning at, particularly the level of English and maths skills, as these will be key to success whilst on a programme at Nottingham College. Your experience and level of study will be assessed at interview and this will determine your offer of a place at College.

5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C) including English Language and Maths (equivalents may be considered for maths). Relevant work experience will be considered as a substitute for a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification, plus GCSE English Language and Maths.

You will be able to resit GCSE maths only on this course but you must have a GCSE English Language at Grade 4 and above. Please note: You do not need to apply for the GCSE Maths separately as this will be offered as part of the course.

Learning is assessed in a variety of methods to prepare you to study at university. This may include an extended essay, timed assessments under controlled conditions and report writing.

Choose to follow with degree-level study to equip you with the level of skill of knowledge required for a career in social work, health and social care, youth work or a related field.

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of your Access to HE course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.

If you progress on to degree level study and complete a full degree, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe. This means you do not have to repay it.

You may be able to study this course for free if you are aged 19-23 and planning to study towards your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Social Workers

Potential Earnings

£47,412.40

Average Earnings

£35,216.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Health, Social and Child Care Services

People in these occupations provide care and support services for children, healthcare patients, and the elderly, and administrate social programmes.

Public Services

People in these occupations administrate government programmes and services, work in the justice system, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Mathematics and Social Sciences

People in these occupations study mathematical methods, apply mathematics to solve problems, and study and describe human society.

Skills

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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