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Free Access to HE Law and Criminology in Stratford

CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyGateway Qualifications awarding body
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About this course

Free Access to HE Law and Criminology in Stratford. Classes run at Newham College Stratford Campus, part-time during the day over 36 weeks.

The course is designed for adults aged 19 or over who hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths. You'll study topics that prepare you for degree-level study, including legal systems, criminal justice, criminology theory, and research skills. It carries the same weight as three A-levels and is recognised by UK universities as a route into higher education.

You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma in Law and Criminology, awarded by Gateway Qualifications.

Who this course is for

Are you aged over 19? Do you have an interest in studying law and criminology? If you want to go to university to study law and/or criminology at degree level but don’t have the qualifications you need, this course will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge that are required for Higher Education. This course is a level 3 course and is equivalent to three A-levels.

Entry requirements

You must be at least 19 years old at the beginning of the course and hold a minimum of level 2 qualifications in both English and Mathematics. However, if you have already achieved a level 2 qualification in one of these subjects, you will have the option to gain a level 2 qualification in GCSE or Functional Skills English or Maths where applicable.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the structure and principles of the UK legal system.
  • You'll study key theories in criminology and how they explain crime and behaviour.
  • You'll examine the criminal justice system, including policing, courts, and sentencing.
  • You'll develop academic writing and research skills needed for university study.
  • You'll analyse social issues such as inequality, deviance, and justice.
  • You'll build skills in critical thinking and constructing evidence-based arguments.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Newham College Stratford Campus. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than formal exams. Each unit is assessed separately, and you'll build a portfolio of work across the course. Your tutor will give feedback throughout to help you meet the standard required for university entry.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Newham College Stratford Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Paralegal, supports solicitors with casework and legal research.
  • Police officer, enforces the law and works with communities.
  • Probation officer, supports offenders through rehabilitation programmes.
  • Court clerk, manages documentation and proceedings in a court setting.
  • Social worker, works with individuals and families in complex situations.
  • Crime analyst, reviews data to support policing and policy decisions.

What you could study next

  • LLB Law Degree, the main route to qualifying as a solicitor or barrister.
  • BA Criminology Degree, for a deeper focus on crime, justice, and society.
  • BA Criminal Justice, combines law, policing, and social policy at degree level.
  • Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), an option for graduates who studied a different subject first.
Apply on newham.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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