What opportunities will this course give me?

Are you fascinated by how crimes are solved, would you like to know more about why crimes are committed?
The Access Diploma is open to all learners but is designed to be accessible for individuals who, as a result of their socio-economic or personal circumstances, may not have been able to further their education. The course also suits those considering a career change needing more relevant qualifications in order to progress to university.


Each year around 95% of our Access students take up a place at university. The progression routes from this Diploma could include, but are not limited to, degrees in criminology and psychology, criminology and forensic studies, forensic science, criminal justice, demography, anthropology, forensic psychology and forensic sociology.

The Access to HE Diploma is regulated by QAA and widely recognised as a progression route by universities across the UK.

What will I be learning?

On this course you will spend about 2 or 3 days in college, you will study 4 subject modules and have a weekly tutorial with a personal tutor. You will be expected to complete around 15 hours of coursework at home a week.

On this diploma you will study 1 module of Forensic Science, 1 module of Criminology, 1 module of psychology and 1 module of Study Skills.

Your tutorial with a personal tutor will allow you to be supported with your progress on the course. The Study Skills module will enable you to build on the skills you need to succeed and progress to university.

In the autumn term you complete your UCAS application. Your personal tutor will guide you through this and support you in working on your personal statement. Offers of places at university are made via the UCAS system.

Note: subjects will run according to demand. We cannot guarantee to offer you your first choice of diploma if demand is high; places in classes are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Why is this course for me?

To make the most of your time on the course and to fulfil your potential you will be expected to attend all sessions. This enables you to take full advantage of the lectures, class discussions, small group work and individual research in each session. Some subjects will involve practical work. You will be given a weekly timetable at the start of the course.
You will be assessed by a mixture of methods: coursework, projects and tests. Each subject tutor will explain to you in detail the dates of your assessment and what you can do in order to prepare. If you achieve sufficient credits, throughout the course you will be awarded an Access to HE diploma from LASER. You need 60 credits in total to pass, 45 of which are graded.

How will my learning be enhanced?

Students receive personalised 1:1 reviews with their personal tutor on a weekly basis and we pride ourselves on the support we offer students. We have many comments from past students about how impressed they were with the level of support they received.

You will be assessed by a mixture of methods: coursework, projects, tests, assessed practicals (in science). This also gives students practice in the types of assessment they will be completing at university.

All students complete a piece of independent academic research in an area specific to their chosen degree. This gives them an opportunity to develop research skills and produce a report in a relevant and current field of study.

In study skills students gain important knowledge in areas such as referencing, essay and report writing, giving presentations and critical thinking.

What do I need to sign up?

The workload on the Access course is high and as some university courses require you to have GCSEs in English, Maths and a Science at grade 4/C or above, you need to have completed these prior to starting your Access course. If you are planning to progress from Access to a course that requires practical work it is important that you have appropriate work experience before applying to university in the autumn term. It is your responsibility to find out what is required and organise this.

Is there anything else I need to know?

You will be in college for 2 to 3 days a week.

Timetables are subject to change

You will need an interview for this course.

You will need a Maths, English Language and a Science GCSE at grade 4/C or above.

Please note that anyone applying from 27/04/2023 will be charged the new price as per below.

The fees advertised can be covered by an advanced learner loan, which you will not have to pay back once you achieve your university degree, making it a free course .

Application Information

Please note that all courses are subject to minimum numbers and course descriptions may be subject to change. A place on your chosen course is not confirmed until all of the necessary enrolment paperwork is signed and any relevant fees are paid. The team will be in touch to discuss this with you, once your application has been processed.

Course Code

ACHEC3/CRI

Need some further advice?

Contact the Learner Recruitment Team for further guidance - email bebetter@eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1000