This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.

If you don’t have the grades you need to apply for university, an Access to HE Diploma will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need.

If you’re fascinated by human thoughts and behaviours and would like to start a career in one of the psychology-related disciplines, the level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma – Psychology is designed to help prepare you to study for a Psychology degree.

You’ll learn core knowledge that will prepare you for a degree including child development, the brain and nervous system, and forensic psychology.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

This online course has flexible start dates throughout the year and will take up to 1 year to complete.

The flexibility of the course allows you to learn at your own pace.

What will I study?

You will study the following:

  • Progressing to Higher Education
  • Academic Study Techniques
  • Producing a Written Assignment
  • Preparing for a Higher Education Interview
  • Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
  • Cognitive Developmental Psychology
  • Early Social Development
  • Social Influence
  • Key Studies in Psychology
  • Brain and Nervous System
  • Personality
  • Understanding Stress
  • Treatment and Therapies
  • Psychopathology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Understanding Crime and Deviance

How is it assessed?

An Access to HE Diploma is made up of units that offer 45 graded credits and 15 ungraded credits.

You will complete a number of assignments, including formal written work, as part of your modules that will form your electronic portfolio.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

Applicants must have achieved English and Maths GCSEs at grade A-C (or grade 9-4), or equivalent).

What are the course fees?

The course fee is £5,040.

If you are aged 19 or over, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees. An Advanced Learner Loan enables you to study now, pay later. Loan eligibility is not dependent on income or employment status and there is no credit check. Loan repayments do not start until you have finished your course and earn over £25,000 per year. For more information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please visit our dedicated Advanced Learner Loan page.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

After successfully completing this course, you could progress onto university to study a range of psychology-related degrees, such as Psychology, Criminology, or Counselling.

Are you ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.


Please note, we have taken our utmost care to describe and show course information as accurately as possible. Knowsley Community College reserves the right to amend, remove and add courses in the future. This information cannot be considered contractual and advertised course fees are subject to change.

Our Ref: Mark Carragher