Policing Access to Higher Education

This course is for adults over 19 years of age who want to enter Higher Education and/or a career in a Policing related role.

You should already have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C), equivalent or above.

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.

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), Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), Special Constable, a range of civilian roles with the Police Service, or working in Security. You will study Policing, Criminology, Law and Sociology and undertake an Extended Project of your choice:

• Apply online via the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page
• 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), equivalent or above
• 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

• 14 taught hours per week in college usually spread over three to four days
• 20 self-study hours per week
• Support from a personal tutor and Study Skills are included in the course

Assessment is:
• Assignment based
• Coursework
• Exams

This course is designed primarily for applicants wishing to pursue a career in Policing work (a Professional Policing Degree – PDD). 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

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.