Access to Higher Education Diploma (Policing and Criminology)

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Length 35 weeks
Study Full-Time
Location Carlisle College

Qualification Gained

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Policing and Criminology) - Level 3

Levels Explained

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More about the course

This course aims to provide a balance of essential study skills and specialist subject knowledge to enable the students to be prepared for the academic and practical rigours of undergraduate study in Policing and Criminology.

It is ideal for students who are intending to progress directly to employment or further study at university. Our current students have been offered places for university study in psychology, social work, counselling, criminology, forensics, policing, and paramedic science.

How often does this course run?

This course runs once a year.

You will be notified of the next available start date once you have submitted your application.

Entry requirements

Grade 4 in English and maths
You will be assessed on an individual basis

Please note that entry requirements and course offers can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a Level 3, Access to Higher Education Diploma (Policing and Criminology).

What will I learn?

Academic study techniques
Presentation skills
Crime in context
Criminology
Incarceration
Understanding actus reus and mens rea
Police powers
The judicial system
The power of the police
Understanding poverty
Understanding mental health
Psychopathology
Decision making in the UK

How is the course taught?

Lectures
University visits
Guest speakers

How am I assessed?

Written assignments
Group discussions
Presentations
Case studies

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course, you can progress straight onto Higher Education at the University of Cumbria.

Course Costs

If you are aged 19+ the cost of the course will depend on your circumstances. Our support pages can help you determine your suitability. 

Call us: 01228 822 700

Email us: info@carlisle.ac.uk

Visit us Apply now

What Do our
Students Think?

"I dropped out of in person education due to mental health difficulties and autism. I found that A-Levels weren’t for me and having an interest in crime and policing but a desire to go get a degree, I followed my interests and decided on access to get back to in person education and expand my knowledge. This has built my confidence and given to me an opportunity to explore career paths. Beyond this course I am going to study Professional Policing at university with the hope of joining the police and eventually become a dog handler."

Access to HE Student