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Access to HE Criminology Course Online – East Sussex College Eastbourne

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
Start7 Dec 2026
Awarding bodySEGA
Apply now →

About this course

Access to HE Criminology Course. Study online, at your own pace, fitting learning around your work and home life. The course is free for some learners aged 23 or under with no prior Level 3 qualification. Fees of £3,022 may apply for others. You'll need Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths (GCSE grade C/4 or above, or Functional Skills Level 2) to enrol. The course runs over one year, with start dates available throughout the year. It prepares you to apply for a criminology degree or related higher education programme at a UK university.

Who this course is for

Do you have dreams of going to university, but don't quite have the qualifications to get in?

With start dates that are offered all year round our online Access to Higher Education diplomas are the perfect solution to helping you get the grades AND the study skills you need.

The beauty of our online courses is that they are self-directed, meaning you can study at home whenever you have some spare time. It fits perfectly around your work and adult life commitments - we know there can be a few.

You'll be assigned a subject specialist team of academic assessors, so you won't be left on your own to figure it all out. These assessors will guide you in the right direction and provide feedback on your assignments. Additionally, the support staff, are available to offer further advice and assistance.

As you get towards the end of your course, we'll be able to give you tips and support with your university application and help make that dream a reality.

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification, equivalent to a level, which allows students to go on and study higher education courses including bachelor's degrees, foundation degrees, higher national certificates and diplomas (HNC/HND) and higher degree apprenticeships. Access to HE courses are available in a wide range of different subjects and are widely recognised by UK universities and higher education institutions.

Due to limitations with funding, our online Access to HE Diplomas are only available to those who are aged 19 or older on the 31st of August 2026.

Entry requirements

To enrol on this Online Access Diploma, you must have already achieved Level 2 qualifications in both English Language and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grade C/4 or above, or Functional Skills). Please note that it is not permitted to study English and Maths concurrently with the Online Access Diploma.

What you will learn

  • You'll study the causes of crime and how different theories explain criminal behaviour.
  • You'll examine the criminal justice system, including policing, courts, and sentencing.
  • You'll analyse social factors such as inequality, race, and gender in relation to crime.
  • You'll explore how crime is measured and what the data tells us.
  • You'll develop academic writing and research skills needed for university study.
  • You'll practise critical thinking and argument construction through written assignments.

How you will learn

You study online and at your own pace, working through self-directed materials from home. You'll be supported by a team of subject specialist academic assessors who provide feedback on your assignments and guide your progress. Assessment is by written assignments throughout the course. Support staff are also available for additional advice. As you near the end of the course, you'll receive guidance on your university application.

What you will need to bring

East Sussex College Eastbourne will provide your study materials online. You won't need to purchase books, though you may choose to supplement your learning with additional reading. East Sussex College Eastbourne will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Criminal justice roles: entry-level work in probation or courts services
  • Police officer: many forces accept Access to HE as a qualification
  • Prison officer: graduate entry schemes value criminology backgrounds
  • Social worker: a criminology degree opens routes into social work training
  • Youth worker: supporting young people at risk of offending
  • Victim support worker: providing practical help to those affected by crime
  • Researcher or policy analyst: working in crime and justice organisations

What you could study next

This Level 3 Access to HE Criminology Qualification is recognised by UK universities as an entry qualification for degree-level study. You could progress to a BA in Criminology, a combined degree in Criminology and Sociology, or a Law degree. Some graduates go on to postgraduate study in criminal justice, social policy, or forensic psychology. Universities set their own entry requirements, so check with individual institutions about the grade profile they expect from an Access to HE Diploma.

Apply on escg.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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