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Access to HE Diploma (Social Work)
Study level: Access courses
The Access to Social Work course sets out to offer adult returners a coherent, integrated and supported year of study in preparation for progression to a social work degree course.
Year of entry
2025-26
Location
CU Coventry (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
1 year full-time
Course code
CUCA012
Start date
September 2025
The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.
Course overview
Upon successful completion, learners will gain the knowledge, awareness, skills and confidence necessary for successful entry into a social work undergraduate degree.
Access programmes are designed for students who have not had the opportunity to access higher education via traditional routes. Our course will give you the opportunity to attain some of the tools you will need to complete a degree programme. As well as some subject-specific knowledge, we will prepare you in the fundamentals of study skills, literacy and referencing.
- Quickest route to Higher Education.
- No end-of-year exams.
- Mapped to match with modules taught on social work degree programmes.
- Open learning environment.
- Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete an eligible higher education course (subject to SFE requirements). For more information visit the Advanced Learner Loan website.
Accreditation and professional recognition
This course is Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated.
What you'll study
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
The access course offers an opportunity for you to study for a Level 3 Diploma. The CU Coventry model of delivery focuses on one module at a time, allowing you to focus on the in-depth content of the subject. Lectures are delivered by subject experts using a variety of methods to reinforce the concepts of the topic such as traditional lectures, group work, worksheets, case studies and research activities.
Teaching contact hours
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from module to module, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake self-directed study of approximately 10 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods may include:
- Phase tests
- Essays
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.
Fees and funding
| Student | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees- £3,384 |
Not available |
You may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. Visit the Advanced Learner Loan website for full information and to check your eligibility. If you are eligible and awarded an Advanced Learner Loan, and successfully complete an eligible Higher Education course, the outstanding balance from your Access course could be written off.
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
Facilities
Lectures take place at CU Coventry Mile lane campus with use of Elm Bank and Priory Building teaching rooms.
Careers and opportunities
On successful completion of this course, you will have the underpinning knowledge and academic skills to be able to apply for a Social Work degree at a variety of universities.
Further study
On successful completion of the course, you will be guaranteed an interview for the following relevant courses:
How to apply
UK students
Disclaimers
