Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Criminal Justice and Policing Studies, as validated by CAVA, aims to prepare those who don't currently meet the entry requirements for study at degree level. Our course was the first to be run nationally and has received praise from the College of Policing.
You will take part in an intensive period of study which will cover 15 units within one academic year across 2.5 days a week. You will study units including: 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. Additionally, you will develop your skills in written and spoken English.
Entry Requirements
Open to students aged 19 and over.
GCSEs at grade A-C /4 or above including English Language and Mathematics
A reference may be required.
How You Will Be Assessed
We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability. 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 units, which may be written as essays/research projects, with presentations and examinations. You will gain a variety of academic skills including 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.
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 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 programme, you could 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.
