Access to Criminology and Criminal Justice

Level 3 - Diploma

What is Level 3?

This is equivalent to Access to Higher Education, A-Levels grades A to E or an Advanced Apprenticeship.

The Access to HE Diploma (Criminology) provides students with a comprehensive understanding of criminology and related fields.

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Prefer to talk? Call 01226 776000 or email advice@northern.ac.uk and one of our team will get back to you.

Level 3

This is equivalent to Access to Higher Education, A-Levels grades A to E or an Advanced Apprenticeship.

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Course description

This course prepares students for Higher Education and careers in areas such as law enforcement, criminal justice, and social research. Students will acquire essential knowledge, specific skills, and transferable skills necessary for success in these fields.

Course content

The course is tailored to prepare you for university, equipping you with essential skills such as critical thinking, advanced research abilities, and refined writing skills. If a career in healthcare is your goal, this Level 3 diploma could serve as the ideal foundation for your academic journey.

This is a blended learning programme which includes some onsite classes, with the remainder of your course being completed online, independently either on or off site.

You will have the opportunity to study subjects such as:

Crime and Society
Biopsychology: Behaviour and the Brain
Impact of Forensic Psychology in Criminal Investigations
Crime and the Media
Theoretical Approaches to Criminology
Psychological Profiling

What can this course lead to?

Access to HE Diplomas are intended to provide preparation for study in UK higher education (University), but the award of a Diploma does not provide guaranteed entry to UK higher education (University).

BA (Hons) Criminology
BA (Hons) Law
BA (Hons) Psychology
BA (Hons) Social Science

Course session dates

15 Sept 2025 to 15 April 2026

Tailored Learning Objective

Preparation for further learning

Useful information

If you are eligible for ALS funding you will be able to receive onsite learning support via our ALS team on timetabled days. You may also wish to stay residentially, subject to meeting funding criteria.

When does this start and end?

17 September 2025 - 24 April 2026

What are the entry requirements?

You will need a GCSE in English Grade 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills English Level 2. GCSE maths Grade 9-4 (A*-C) or Functional Skills Level 2, would be an advantage but not required to gain entry. Previous experience in the subject, through work or education, is desirable. To secure a place on this course you will be required to attend an interview and demonstrate sufficient research skill, reading writing skills and an ability to meet tight deadlines.

Potential careers:

Police
Probation Services
Criminology Tutor
Solicitor
Court Clerk
Prison Officer

“I started with a couple of short courses to build my confidence and now I have finished my Pre-access in social studies.” - Samantha
Learn more about Samantha's story

It's a life changing place. I started the access course in 2013 without a qualification to my name and not much hope. Last year I started my PhD. I'm now a different person.