Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Access to HE Law and Criminology in Darlington

Cost£3,022.00
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Access to HE Law and Criminology in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, full-time during the day over 34 weeks.

The course covers law, criminology, sociology, and the social sciences that underpin them. You'll explore topics such as criminal justice, social policy, and research methods. It's designed for people aged 19 or over who want to move into higher education. The course is most suitable for adults returning to study, and Darlington College recommends you have a Level 2 English qualification before you start.

You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma (Law and Criminology), recognised by UK universities as a route into degree-level study.

Who this course is for

Do you have a passion to really make a difference to your community?

Are you interested in a new career in social work, teaching, criminology, policing, youth work, probation officer, psychology or sociology? Our Access to HE Diploma (Criminology & Law) course is designed to get you started and ready for your chosen degree.

Entry requirements

We recommend as a minimum you have a level 2 English qualification such as functional skills or GCSE. If you do not have previous qualifications in English you will be advised to study Functional Skills English.

It may be advisable for you to do GCSE mathematics and English if you do not have these qualifications at GCSE 4/C grade or above as an additional qualification, as some universities may request these.

Education courses are most suitable for ages 19+

What you will learn

  • You'll study the foundations of criminal law and the justice system.
  • You'll explore criminological theories and how they explain crime and behaviour.
  • You'll examine social policy and its impact on communities.
  • You'll develop academic writing and research skills needed for university.
  • You'll analyse sociological concepts such as inequality, power, and social change.
  • You'll study psychology as it relates to criminal behaviour.
  • You'll build the skills to construct evidence-based arguments at degree level.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Darlington College. The course is assessed through written assignments, essays, and coursework rather than formal exams. Each unit has its own assessment tasks, and you'll build a portfolio of work across the year. Tutors will give feedback on drafts to help you develop your academic writing before final submission.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Probation officer, works with offenders to support rehabilitation.
  • Youth worker, supports young people in community or residential settings.
  • Social worker, helps individuals and families through statutory services.
  • Police officer, enforces the law and protects the public.
  • Community support worker, assists vulnerable adults or young people.
  • Criminology researcher, works in policy, think tanks, or public sector analysis.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Criminology or Law, the most direct next step after this Diploma.
  • A degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology, all closely related fields this course prepares you for.
  • A degree in Policing or Criminal Justice Studies, offered by many universities and well suited to this qualification.
  • A combined Law and Criminology degree, for those who want to keep both subjects open at university.
Apply on darlington.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Darlington College

More courses near you