Level 3 Diploma Access to HE - Criminal Justice

NEW FOR 2026! Thanks to our brand-new partnership with the University of Chester, successful Access to HE students are now guaranteed a place on a related degree (subject to entry requirements).

This Level 3 qualification is a one-year course, equivalent to three A Levels, specifically designed for adults aged 19 and above. It provides the essential foundation to progress to university and pursue a career in policing or criminology fields.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Criminal Justice is tailored for those without traditional qualifications who are aiming to study a related degree at university and pursue a rewarding career in this sector.

This course not only helps refresh your study skills but also builds your confidence, empowering you to succeed in a higher education environment and take the next step toward your academic and professional goals.

The full course title which will appear on your certificate is Access to Higher Education Diploma (Policing and Criminal Justice).

DIRECT ENTRY TO UNIVERSITY! Thanks to our brand‑new partnership with the University of Chester, successful Access to HE students are now guaranteed a place on a related degree (subject to entry requirements).

Are you looking to progress on to a job within policing or criminology? This course is designed to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to progress on to university to study in a number of fields such as sociology, criminology, and forensic science.

Our Level 3 Diploma Access to HE: Criminal Justice course will help you to refresh your study skills and build confidence in your ability to succeed in a learning environment. You will be taught and supported by experienced tutors with subject expertise, who will guide you through your return to academic study and help you achieve the qualification required to advance to university.

Throughout the course, you will participate in guidance webinars for each module and receive valuable support in writing your personal statement and completing your UCAS application.

This qualification is widely recognised and accepted by UK universities. It is validated and moderated by Ascentis under licence from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, ensuring its credibility and quality.

By studying the course, you'll build an extensive knowledge of subjects including:

• Policing and criminal justice
• Criminology
• Forensic science
• Sociology

In addition, you will develop your academic skills in a supportive environment which will allow you to make the transition to degree level. You will have access to outstanding academic and pastoral support, and detailed online materials during your time with us.

You'll be taught by a team of specialist teachers with extensive knowledge of their subject areas. We have considerable experience and expertise working with adult learners who have taken either a short or a long break from formal education.

The course will be delivered through a mixture of face to face and online learning.

Completing this course opens the door to a wide range of exciting university pathways, including degrees in criminology, forensic science, and other related subjects. And thanks to our brand‑new partnership with the University of Chester, successful students now benefit from a direct progression route onto a related degree (subject to entry requirements).

If university isn’t your next step, you can also choose to progress onto a degree apprenticeship in a relevant field, combining paid employment with higher‑level study.

Absolutely. We work closely with local employers to shape a curriculum that reflects real industry needs and prepares you for the workplace. Our brand‑new partnership with the University of Chester also gives you a direct progression route into higher education, alongside opportunities for university visits and dedicated support with your personal statement.

You’ll be supported every step of the way. Our dedicated Wellbeing Team is always on hand to offer guidance, advice, and practical help whenever you need it. Eligible students can also take advantage of a wide range of financial support to make studying as accessible and affordable as possible.

• Learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support
• Finance and funding support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

All adult students also have access to our online tutorial programme, Amplify, as well as personalised advice from our Careers Team, ensuring you feel confident and supported throughout your journey with us.

Your Access to HE Diploma is taught by expert, supportive tutors with real industry experience, and has been purposefully designed to maximise your progression to university. With a strong focus on science units and university‑style assessments such as digital timed exams, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence that make you a standout applicant. Thanks to our exciting new partnership with the University of Chester, successful students are now guaranteed a place on a related degree (subject to entry requirements), giving you a clear, supported route into higher education.

You’ll study as part of a motivated, mature group of students and receive tailored guidance throughout your course. Our Access to HE team gets to know every student individually, offering personalised advice, mock interviews, and regular updates on industry developments and training opportunities through your virtual learning environment.

As an adult student, you’ll also benefit from full access to our electronic library of online books and journals, a well‑stocked physical library, and a dedicated adults‑only space above the library — the perfect place to study, relax, and connect with others.

You will need to hold GCSE English and maths at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.

If you hold equivalent qualifications to GCSE we strongly advise you to check university entry requirements to confirm they will accept your equivalent qualifications.

19+ students studying on a level 3 qualification may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. 

For further information, please contact Learner Services on 01925 494 400, or at Learner.Services@wvr.ac.uk 

Apart from the course and registration fees, you will need the usual student stationery such as pens, paper, and files. The purchase of textbooks is not compulsory - there is a wide selection of books available in our dedicated Learning Resource Centre. Should you wish to purchase textbooks, your subject tutors will recommend suitable books.