Access to Humanities & Social Sciences

Access to Higher Education (HE) prepares adults (aged 19+) without traditional qualifications such as A Levels for study at university or other higher education programmes. This diploma is widely recognised by UK universities and Colleges. You will be given the opportunity to develop not only academic knowledge in your chosen subjects but also broader study skills to help you succeed at university. For further information on the benefits of studying an Access couse and what it can lead to, please visit our Awarding body website at https://www.cava.ac.uk/about-access-to-he/for-students/

In this pathway at our Cambridge Campus, you will study English Literature, History, and Sociology, as well as a compulsory Study Skills course. A strongly supportive tutorial and study skills system also encourages the development of an independent and self-disciplined approach to learning as required for higher education. This includes regular group and one-to-one tutorials to set and review targets and ensure sufficient progress is made. Career advice provided by personal tutors and the College Careers officers focus predominantly on university application, registration with UCAS and completion of the application form, as well as assistance with personal statement writing and advice on a range of higher education courses.

You are advised to apply for this course between November 2022 and June 2023. Interviews start in February and this is a popular course.


Financial Assistance

IIf you are aged between 19-23 and do not have a Level 3 qualification already, there will be no tuition costs.  If you are aged 19-23 with a full Level 3 qualification or aged 24+, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help pay your Access course tuition fees (see http://www.camre.ac.uk/adult-learners/24plus-loans/). This loan may be written off, if you then go on to complete a Higher Education qualification. Please contact our Learner Futures Centre on 01223 226315 or email .  You may also be eligible for financial support towards such costs as travel, equipment, books and childcare through the Advanced Learner loan bursary or 19+ bursary.

If you are applying as an International Student, the fees will be different from that advertised at the top of the page. Please contact our International Centre via email or telephone 00 44 (0)1223 226317 to find out what the fees for international students are and any other information.

You may feel that you have not yet fully achieved your potential in terms of your education.  This programme offers the chance to develop the skills and knowledge to succeed.  We have an excellent track record of student progression into university or other higher education courses including Cambridge. This pathway will allow progression onto a variety of Humanities, Arts, Political and Social Science subjects at degree level.  Specific examples of degrees include Journalism, Law, Philosophy, Sociology, History & Events Management.

You will need Level 2 Maths and English, e.g. GCSE Maths and English grade 9 - 4 (A* - C) as a minimum before applying for this course. This is because most degree courses now require at least Level 2 Maths and English in addition to the Access diploma.  Occasionally, exceptions are made for this pathway. This can be discussed at the Welcome Event. The Access programme is designed for students who wish to return to study with a view to going on to Higher Education so we need to make sure you are well prepared for this starting point. Please research HE requirements very carefully. A STRONG COMMITMENT IS NEEDED AS THE COURSE IS VERY INTENSIVE. Acceptance onto the Access programme is conditional on you: • attending a Welcome event where you will be interviewed by a member of the team • providing a satisfactory reference • attending taster days: Tuesday 3rd July – Weds 4th July 2023

We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability at CRC. To make this happen we offer both learning and personal support by specialist staff tailored to meet your specific needs. Assessment is by coursework and examinations. There will be at least one assignment for each unit (four units per subject). These assignments will be written such as essays / research projects; oral e.g. presentations and there will also be examinations at the end of some units. This programme take one year, starting at the beginning of September and finishing in late June the following year.  In addition to timetabled classes, it is expected that students will complete at least 15 hours of further independent study per week.

You can apply through our online application form or download a copy from our website www.camre.ac.uk/apply. The application form can also be found in the back of our full-time prospectus. If you need any help with applying, please contact our Admissions Office at

Once we have received your application, you will be invited to attend a Welcome Event. At the Welcome Event you may meet the tutors and get the chance to learn more about college and your course. You will also have a discussion with one of our tutors who will look to make you a formal offer for September.