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Key Details

Course Area:

Access to Higher Education and Employment

Student Type:

19+ student

Course Type:

Full-time FE course

Course Introduction

This new Access course is designed for those aged 19 and over who have university ambitions but haven’t gained the qualifications during their study so far.

All students will study the Introduction to Access, which is an initial 4 week course to assess and prepare you for either Pre-Access or Access Diploma.

This Access to HE one year course will gain you entry onto a university course in a policing, criminal justice or related degree subject, or higher apprenticeship.

This vast and hugely rewarding sector could offer careers in criminal reform, crime detection, crime scene and forensic analysis, policing, youth and adult offender support, drug and substance abuse rehabilitation/recovery, social science, social and criminal justice policy and much more.

On this one year course you’ll cover topics including:

  • Theories of Crime
  • Criminology
  • The Criminal Justice System
  • Human Rights
  • The Powers of the Police
  • Crime and Deviance

Importantly you’ll learn the skills you need to study at university level, including essay writing, debate and discussion and subject matter research.

On this course, you can expect to take part in practical debates on the current legal issues of the day, and study important historical and contemporary cases.

The first four weeks is a pre-access course, which you must pass in order to progress to the full Access course.

Course Information

CAVA Access to Higher Education Diploma: Criminal Justice and Policing Studies

Level 3

You must be aged 19 or over to apply for this course.

As the majority of our Access students are returning to learning as adults, we consider a range of experience when accepting students onto an Access programme. All students will be assessed to see what level they are learning at, particularly the level of English and maths skills, as these will be key to success whilst on a programme at Nottingham College. Your experience and level of study will be assessed at interview and this will determine your offer of a place at College.

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C) including English and Maths (equivalents may be considered).

It is not possible to study both GCSE English and Maths on this course.

The first four weeks is a pre-access course, which you must pass in order to progress to the full Access course.

You will compile a portfolio of evidence of your work.

You can go on to degree level study in law or a law related subject. Possible degrees include Criminology or Policing studies as well as degree apprenticeships with the Police force.

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of your Access to HE course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.

If you progress on to degree level study and complete a full degree, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe. This means you do not have to repay it.

Subject to eligibility you may be able to study this course for free, funded through the Adult Education Budget. Upon receipt of your application, we will assess your eligibility and advise you of your next steps.

Please note: Course funding information is accurate as of 22/02/2023 and is subject to change.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Related Courses

Access to Higher Education: Creative Arts (19+) - Full-time

Access to Higher Education: Business (19+) including a four week introductory course - Full-time

Access to Higher Education: Creative Industries (Games and Development) (19+) - Full-time