Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Criminal Justice and Policing Studies, as validated by CAVA, is a City College Norwich qualification which prepares students aged 19 years and over, without relevant qualifications, for study at degree level. This course was the first to be run nationally and has received praise from the College of Policing.
The course is delivered at Easton College. Students are required to participate in an intensive period of study which will cover 15 units within one academic year across 2.5 days a week.
International students whose qualification are not recognised by UK universities or colleges, and who are 19 and over, may also wish to choose this pathway as a route to enter degree level study. Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). International candidates are actively encouraged to access the International Students webpage and contact our International Student Advisor to discuss prior English qualifications.
If you do not currently hold the correct GCSE entry requirements, or do not specify them on your application, it will be automatically transferred to the Adult Literacy/Numeracy department. If you are working towards GCSEs this year in readiness for September, please let us know this when you apply as you will still be invited in for an interview.
Selection to discuss your suitability for the course and whether the course is right for you is by interview and evidence of your GCSE qualifications. As part of this process you may be required to complete online assessments and submit a short piece of writing. Advice can be given about alternative ways forward if necessary.
Please research Higher Education requirements very carefully.
A STRONG COMMITMENT IS NEEDED AS THE COURSE IS VERY INTENSIVE.
Entry Requirements
- Open to Students aged 19 and over
- GCSEs grade A*-C or Grade 4 and above in English Language and Mathematics.
- A satisfactory reference.
How You Will Be Assessed
We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability at Easton. To make this happen we offer both learning and personal support by specialist staff tailored to meet your specific needs. There will be at least one assignment for each of the subjects listed above. These assignments may be written such as essays / research projects; oral e.g. presentations, and examinations. You will gain a variety of academic skills e.g. communication, research and study skills.
You will be awarded credits on completion of each units with a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. Credits are awarded at level 3 which broadly equates to A-level study. Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on several set pieces of work.
Units studied with this course include: Theories of Crime, Criminology, The Criminal Justice System, Human Rights, Crime Scene Management, The Powers of the Police, Crime and Deviance, and a variety of Offences. Your skills will be developed in: Written and Spoken English, Presentation skills, Information Technology, Maths, Leadership, Job and University Applications.
Course Progression
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Criminal Justice and Policing Studies is widely recognised by UK universities. If you are planning to study a degree course at a specific university, it would be useful to contact them to check that the Access Course you have chosen is in an appropriate subject area and is recognised by the university or college. Please be aware that university entry criteria can change at any time. This course is also suitable to progress to employment or Higher Apprenticeships.
Where Your Course Can Take You
On successful completion of this Access to HE programme, you can progress onto any career within Policing or Criminal Justice or a wide range of Public sector roles. Further qualifications may be required.
Fees
Please contact the Advice Shop for information on fees and financial support which may be available. We recommend you also check our Finance pages for further information including student travel offers.
