Access to Higher Education Diploma Law and Criminology

You will need to have a full Level 2 qualification to enrol on this course. For example, four GCSEs at a grade 4/C or above, including English and Maths.

Students will be considered on a case-by-case basis if the entry requirements are not met.

By combining a variety of teaching methods and assessment types, the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Law and Criminology ensures that students gain a thorough understanding of the subject matter and are prepared for Higher Education and a career in the field.

On the course, students will experience learning through seminars and workshops, exploring core concepts, theories and frameworks in law and criminology.

Sessions are interactive and delivered by skilled professionals, either in person or remotely. All students will have the opportunity to gain support through small group and one-to-one discussions with lecturers, and access to digital learning materials, including video tutorials, interactive case studies, and ebooks.

Units will be assessed throughout the year with ongoing feedback on coursework and projects to help students continuously improve. Assessment methods are varied and could include portfolios, projects, essays, presentations and reports.

You must have achieved Level 2 Maths and English qualifications prior to beginning this course. These subjects are then included within the diploma to support general progress in developing relevant skills for Level 3 and subsequent Level 4 study.

If you do not already have a Level 2 in English or Maths, you can contact the college to discuss your options with the programme lead.

You may have the opportunity to attend some virtual events with industry experts. In addition to this, you may also have the opportunity to interact with guest speakers.

This course is delivered at our Bede campus.

Daytime sessions take place between 9:30am-2:30pm.

Open Awards

This is a part-time course that is delivered over eight hours per week. Students are required to attend college two days per week.

This course aims to transform students' educational trajectories, opening doors to Higher Education and career opportunities in law and criminology, and empowering them to succeed in a rapidly evolving legal and criminal justice landscape.

The Access to HE Law and Criminology course is designed with several key aims in mind:

- Preparing for Higher Education - Equip students with the foundational knowledge and academic skills necessary for success in undergraduate law and criminology programmes
- Bridge educational gaps - Provide a pathway for mature students and those without traditional qualifications to access Higher Education and pursue careers in law, criminology and related fields
- Develop legal and criminological competence - Foster a solid understanding of core legal principles, criminological theories, criminal justice systems, and the application of law in various contexts
- Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills - Cultivate the ability to analyse legal and criminological issues, evaluate evidence, and construct well-reasoned arguments
- Promote lifelong learning - Encourage a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability to keep pace with changes and developments in the legal and criminal justice fields
- Build confidence and independence - Develop self-confidence in students’ abilities to undertake Higher Education studies and professional challenges in law and criminology

You will study a range of modules, including:

Criminology -
- Criminological Statistics
- Offender Profiling
- The Origins of Criminology
- The Reliability of Evidence
- Theories of Crime Causation

Law -
- Homicide
- Legal Institution in England and Wales
- Police Powers in England and Wales
- The Criminal Process
- The Jury System

Sociology -
- Health Promotion
- Race in British Society

Psychology -
- Concept of Normality and Mental Health
- Psychological Perspectives
- Stereotyping and Discrimination

Developmental Units -
- Communication: Critical Thinking in Academic Writing
- Communication: Report Writing
- ICT: Word Processing
- Personal Development: Study Skills

Open Awards

You will require 60 credits to pass the Access to Higher Education Diploma.

Of these, 45 credits come from graded Level 3 units focused on academic subject content. The remaining 15 credits are from ungraded Level 2 or Level 3 units.