The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification perfect for anyone looking to start a university course, with no formal qualifications. The Access to HE Diploma: Policing provides HE progression opportunities and widening gateway access for adults who do not have the necessary two A levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification (as defined in the Education and Skills Act 2008) to enter the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship Program. City and Islington College has worked closely with the Metropolitan Police to provide a broadening access program based on sound theoretical education and vocational training.

This course will help you get the qualifications you need to study policing or criminology, or a related course, at university. The qualification will provide you with a broad understanding of crime and the criminal justice system, whilst also addressing the psychological techniques used by investigators to assist in the detection of crime. The Policing Education Framework 2020 includes a need for new applicants to have a Foundation Degree and you will require a Level 3 qualification, such as this Access to HE Diploma, in order to access a Foundation Degree.

How will I be assessed?

This course is assessed through coursework assignments, tests, and examinations throughout the course, which are set and marked by your teachers and externally moderated by OCN London.

Assessment is continuous over the whole year and is based on a number of set pieces of work such as essays, projects, presentations, and tests.

What can I do after?

Once you have completed your Access to HE course, you can progress to a Higher Education degree at a university or college.

Learners primarily progress to Higher Education study in areas related to Criminology. These may include some of the following areas of Degree level study: Criminology, Crime Scene and Forensic Investigation, Criminal Psychology, Policing, and a range of combined and related degrees.

Learners can also onto Police Apprenticeship degrees, which is a vocational course that focuses on practical learning and is specifically tailored to help learners start their career in policing.