Level 3
Policing and Criminology – Access to HE
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education or Apprenticeships. You may already have…
Quick info
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Course overview
This Access to HE course is a one-year, full-time Level 3 course specifically designed to enable you to develop the knowledge and study skills to progress into Higher Education or Apprenticeships. You may already have some qualifications at GCSE, NVQ, BTEC or A Level but not enough to get into university. The Policing Access to HE course meets the current QAA descriptor.
How to apply
Find out more about our A Level pathways and how to apply
Who is this course for?
This course is for adults over 18 years of age who want to enter Higher Education, an apprenticeship and/or a career in a Policing related role. You should already have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C),Functional Skills at Level 2 , equivalent or above.
What you’ll learn
The Access course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to achieve your goal. You need to be very committed to study and focused on your career choice. You will study Policing, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Law, and undertake an Extended Project of your choice. In addition to this, we also have visiting speakers from the local Police Force and the Programme Lead for the Professional Policing Degree at UWE, as well as being able to visit their Simulation Suite facilities used by Policing, Forensics and Criminology students. These facilities include interview rooms, an armed robbery simulation, custody suite, blood splatter analysis room, and various other rooms where crime may have taken place. The Policing Pathway will enable you to undertake studies and prepare you for a career in, or related to Policing, such as; Police Constable (PC), Detective, Police Dog Handler, Special Constable, Police Community Support Officer (PCOS), a range of civilian roles within the Police Service, or working within the Prison Service or Security.
Entry requirements
You will be required to include a personal statement (approximately one side of A4), within the application form. Please prepare this in advance before starting the application process.
You will need to include:
- Why you are applying for the course
- What you would like to study on completion of the course (e.g. university), and why
- Any experience you have in relation to the Access course, this may be educational, voluntary and/or work based
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C), or above, or Functional Skills at level 2
- Writing skills will be assessed prior to enrolment
- Knowledge of course required at university (if applicable)
- Strong desire to study
- Commitment to study full time for a year
- Good organisation, motivation and enthusiasm
Future career and study
This course is designed primarily for applicants wishing to pursue a career in Policing via the Professional Policing Degree, the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship or the Diploma in Policing studies. It will also support applications for degrees in other related areas such as Criminology and Higher Apprenticeships, the PCSO Apprenticeship and applications for voluntary roles and training (e.g. Specials Training, Police Staff Investigator Training).
- It is essential that you know what you want to study after completing the course (e.g. university or college)
- Thoroughly research your intended destination for study following the completion of the diploma and its entry requirements before you apply for an Access course
- We recommend you visit universities on their Open Days
- We have long-established links with universities
Additional costs
As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, you may likely need to pay for travel and stationery. Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs. If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.