Access to Higher Education Diploma (Criminology)
The accredited online course that qualifies you for a criminology or criminal justice degree — study at your pace with instant study support and expert tutor guidance.
or £599.99/year (save 17%)
Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if…
- ✓ You want to study criminology, criminal justice, or policing at university
- ✓ You don't have A-levels or left education early
- ✓ You want to study online, around work or family
- ✓ You're interested in the criminal justice system and crime prevention
After this course, you can…
- → Apply to criminology degrees at UK universities
- → Your Access to HE loan is written off on graduation
- → Start a career pathway in probation, policing, social work, or criminal justice
You'll need…
- • To be 19 or over (no upper age limit)
- • Access to a computer or tablet with internet
- • No formal qualifications required
- • We'll assess your readiness to start
What you'll study
The Access to HE Diploma (Criminology) covers key subjects to prepare you for your degree.
Explore the study of crime, its causes, and society's response to it. This module introduces key criminological theories, the nature of crime, and the role of the criminal justice system in the UK.
Study the foundations of criminal law in England and Wales — actus reus, mens rea, defences, and key offences. Understand how the law defines and responds to criminal behaviour.
Examine the social factors that influence crime and deviance, including poverty, inequality, race, gender, and social class. Explore sociological theories that explain why crime occurs in society.
Explore the psychological factors behind criminal behaviour — personality, mental health, cognitive biases, and developmental influences. Study how psychology informs our understanding of offending and rehabilitation.
Develop the academic skills you need for university — essay writing, research methods, critical analysis, referencing, and time management. This module prepares you for the demands of degree-level study.
Learn how to design, conduct, and evaluate social research. This module covers qualitative and quantitative methods, ethical considerations, data analysis, and academic writing for criminology.
6 modules · 18 units · Approximately 15 hours per week study time
How you'll learn
Online Materials
Study at your pace with interactive content
Instant Study Support
Ask a question any time — get a clear answer in seconds, 24/7
Expert Tutors
Qualified humans mark your work within 5 days
Flexible Schedule
Learn around your life, work, and family
Mobile Friendly
Study anywhere on any device
Regular Feedback
Know exactly where you stand at all times
Where this course takes you
The Access to HE Diploma (Criminology) is your first step to a rewarding career.
Average graduate starting salary for UK criminology degrees
UK universities accept Access to HE for criminology degree entry
Per month — everything included, no hidden fees
Your next step: university
This Access to HE Diploma is your pathway into a criminology degree — here's what awaits you.
Now: Access to HE Diploma
Study online with Qualvera for £69.99/month. No A-levels needed — this Level 3 qualification is the equivalent of three A-levels and is accepted by universities across the UK.
Next: Criminology Degree at University
Apply to criminology degrees using your Access to HE Diploma (up to 144 UCAS points). You can also apply for student finance to cover tuition and living costs — and your Access to HE loan is written off when you complete your degree.
Then: Criminal Justice Professional
Graduate and pursue a career in probation, policing, social work, or criminal justice. Average starting salary: £26,000+.
Support included with your subscription
Ask a question at midnight, get a clear answer in seconds. And if you ever need deeper help, your named human tutor is never more than a business day away.
| What you need | How it works | Response time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick question about your coursework | Intelligent study assistant | Instant — 24/7 |
| Feedback on practice work | Instant review with detailed notes | Instant — 24/7 |
| Stuck on a complex concept | Step-by-step explanation with examples | Instant — 24/7 |
| Need human guidance or reassurance | Your named, qualified tutor | Within 1 business day |
| Formal assessment marking | Human tutor reviews and grades | Within 3 business days |
Frequently asked questions
You don't need any formal qualifications. This course is designed for adult learners aged 19 and over who want to progress to a related degree at university.
The course is designed to be completed in 12 months studying around 15 hours per week. You can study at your own pace and start anytime.
Yes. The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification accepted by UK universities for entry onto relevant degree programmes.
After completing the Access to HE Diploma and a relevant degree, you can pursue a career as a Criminology Graduate. Starting salaries are typically around £26,000+.
Start your criminology journey today
You've already made the hardest decision — to start. Let us help you get there.