Public Services

Access to Higher Education: Criminal Justice and Policing Studies Level 3 Full-time

In Brief

Start Date / Duration

This course will start in September 2025. You will study two days per week. All details will be provided to you before you start. The course will take one year to complete.

Entry requirements

  • You will be aged 19+ at the start of the course
  • A keen interest and willingness to be involved in the criminal justice or policing industry
  • GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above. Equivalent qualifications will be accepted
  • You will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Services check

You will achieve

  • Access to Higher Education Criminal Justice and Policing Studies Level 3, awarded by CAVA. 
  • Recognised Governing Body Coaching Awards.

Course overview

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma prepares students over 19 for degree-level study. If you aim to attend university but lack the necessary qualifications, an Access to HE course could be ideal. Tailored for those pursuing careers in criminal justice, policing, or the forces, this course equips you with the skills and knowledge needed for higher education and professional advancement in these dynamic fields.

Course highlights:

  • Criminal law
  • Offences against the person
  • Drugs offences
  • The powers of the police
  • Public order offences
  • Crime scene management
  • Police interviewing
  • Sexual offences
  • Offences against children
  • Traffic offences
  • Human rights
  • Criminology – offender profiling
  • HE study skills
  • Criminal justice system
  • Criminology – theories of crime

Assessment will occur continually throughout the programme. You will have unit assignments to complete and will be assessed on your practical ability. You will also have time-constrained assignments, as well as oral presentations. Each individual unit and the full award are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Students will  require ring-binders, writing materials, paper/stationery and core textbooks.

 

Honeywell Sports campus
Honeywell Lane
Barnsley
S75 1BP

On completion of this programme, you could apply for training in a career such as BA/BSc (Hons) or foundation degree within the Public Service sector. Students wishing to apply to university are advised to contact the relevant admissions tutor to access help for their application. Likewise students should check that the course is acceptable as an entry qualification for the degree programme they wish to enter.

See what careers are available in the Public Services sector. Use our online careers tool, Career Coach, to find out what your next steps could be.

How much does the course cost?

This course costs £3,020. If you are aged 19-23 there may be funding available. This course can also be paid for with an Advanced Learner Loan.

19+ Students

Aged 19 or over and thinking about Further Education?

You may be eligible for free or reduced course fees . Please refer to our page ‘paying for your course.’

Extra information

This course may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

For eligibility information and details about how to apply, visit the Advanced Learner Loan page. Or contact our Information Team by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

If you’re undertaking an Access to Higher Education (HE) course and then go on to complete an HE qualification, the outstanding balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off, once you have fully completed both courses.

For further information please contact our friendly Information Team on +44 (0)1226 216 123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, Honeywell Sports Village where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates. You don’t have to be studying sport to get involved in the Sports Academy.

Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.

Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Access to Higher Education: Criminal Justice and Policing Studies Level 3 Full-time

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