Course overview
This Access to Higher Education Diploma is perfect for those who would like to learn more about Law and Criminology and those wishing to progress to degrees in either subject or a related field.
The Diploma provides a wide variety of units to support progression into Higher Education (HE). Learners will have a good understanding of underpinning knowledge of the English legal system and key areas of law and criminology. Learners will also produce a research skills project to demonstrate their independent learning and readiness for HE.
As with all Access Diplomas, setting aside independent study time to complete assessments and carry out research and wider reading is also required, equating to approximately a full day per week.
Modules
The following are examples of modules you may study as part of your 45 credit diploma.
- Introduction to law (3)
- The legal system in England (6)
- Courts of law (3)
- The psychology of criminal investigation (3)
- Basic principles of criminal law (3)
- Crimes of violence (6)
- Sentencing (3)
- Theories of criminal behaviour (3)
- Contract law (3)
- The law of tort (6)
- Research skills (6)
- A range of academic skills – ungraded units (15)
How will I be taught and assessed?
Each unit is assessed differently including a range of assessment methods such as essays, reports, presentations, case studies and exams.
Entry requirements
- You must be aged 19 or over at registration
- You must have English Language GCSE grade C/4 or above or Level 2 Functional Skills English. It is desirable to also have GCSE/L2 Maths but if not, then a commitment to study it alongside Access (on a separate evening) is required as most universities require both English and Maths.
- Unfortunately, if you have neither Maths or English, we are unable to enrol you onto the Access course at this time. However, you could study GCSE English and Maths (potentially for free) at the college first, before going on to the Access course.
Why study at USP College?
- Trips to Parliament and the Old Bailey and a Criminology conference
- Visits from local Magistrates, Barristers and Marketing teams
- Expert teachers with many years of experience in teaching the subject to Level 3 and beyond and in teaching and supporting adults returning to study
- A friendly, supportive environment where students are challenged and engaged
- Excellent pass rates and progression rates to university
- Centre of good practice for the qualification board in many areas, including the progress of students from starting points and for being a ‘keen and dedicated’ team who are ‘fantastic, reflective teachers.’ They always act ‘for the good of the learners,’ who get a ‘fantastic learning experience at USP.’
Additional Costs
Trips will normally require travel to and from London venues.
You will need to purchase stationery e.g. pens, paper, folders, plastic wallets.
Although there is no single text that covers all units, purchasing any used version of an A-Level/Level 3 textbook for Law & Criminology will be advantageous.
What could I do next?
You could go on to study a degree in Law or Criminology related fields.
Former Student Success
Former Access to Law & Criminology students are currently studying for a wide variety of degrees across a number of HE institutions. They include Law at ARU and Leicester University, Law with International Relations at Surrey, Law & Business at Canterbury Christchurch, and criminology-related degrees with Essex University (Southend Campus) and ARU (Cambridge Campus).
After some time out of studying, gaining valuable life lessons, I acknowledged the importance of education for my future prosperity.
I'm now studying Law & International Relations at the University of Surrey. The material during my first year at university was basically the same as my Access course content, with a bit more depth, so I had a very smooth transition into university level of learning and writing.
†If you are aged 19-24 and have not completed a Level 3 course already, you may be eligible to study for FREE! Subject to funding, call 01268 882 618 for more information. Alternatively, you could be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund the cost of your course.
Access to HE FAQs
Not sure whether an Access to Higher Education course is right for you? We answer the most common questions.