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Key details

Course areas
Access to Higher Education and EmploymentHumanities and Social Sciences
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date

Tuesday 1st September 2026

Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Course code
Parent course code:C039245 Child course code: Q039246
Apply now

Course introduction

This Access to Higher Education (HE) course is designed for adults aged 19 and over who have clear university ambitions but may not yet have the qualifications needed to progress. It provides a supportive, structured route into higher education for those looking to build a future in policing, criminal justice, criminology, or related fields.

All students begin with an Introduction to Policing and Criminal Justice, a focused 4-week programme designed to prepare you for study and assess whether the most appropriate route for you. Progression decisions are made by considering key criteria such as attendance, meeting deadlines, and the standard and consistency of your work. 

The first four weeks is a pre-access course, which you must pass to progress to the full Access course.

Throughout the course, you will explore key subject areas, including:

  • Theories of Crime
  • Criminology
  • The Criminal Justice System
  • Human Rights
  • The Powers of the Police
  • Crime and Deviance

You will also develop essential academic skills required for university-level study, such as:

  • Essay writing and academic referencing
  • Research and critical analysis
  • Debate, discussion, and presentation skills

Learning is brought to life through practical debates, analysis of current legal issues, and the study of significant historical and contemporary cases, helping you connect theory to real-world practice.

This course is designed to help students build the key skills needed for both higher education and future careers:

  • Analytical Skills – You will evaluate theories, legislation, and case studies, developing the ability to think critically and form well-reasoned arguments.
  • Leadership Skills – Group work, debates, and presentations encourage initiative, teamwork, and the confidence to lead discussions.
  • Confidence – Regular participation, academic writing, and constructive feedback help you grow in self-belief and communication.
  • Accountability – Independent study, deadlines, and assessed work promote responsibility, organisation, and self-discipline.
  • Respectful Communication – Structured debates and collaborative learning foster professionalism, empathy, and respect for diverse viewpoints.

Course information

1 year

CAVA Access to HE Diploma: Criminal Justice and Policing Studies

  • You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C) including English and Maths (equivalents may be considered).
  • It is not possible to study both GCSE English and Maths on this course.
  • You must be aged 19 or over to apply for this course.

You will compile a portfolio of evidence of your work.

A Supportive Pathway to University

With experienced tutors, a clear progression structure, and a strong focus on both academic and personal development, this Access to HE course offers a transformative stepping stone into higher education and a meaningful career within the criminal justice sector.

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of your Access to HE course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.

If you progress on to degree level study and complete a full degree, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe. This means you do not have to repay it.

You may be able to study this course for free if you are aged 19-23 and planning to study towards your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
 

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Police Community Support Officers

Potential Earnings

£49,839.72

Average Earnings

£30,290.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Health, Social and Child Care Services

People in these occupations provide care and support services for children, healthcare patients, and the elderly, and administrate social programmes.

Public Services

People in these occupations administrate government programmes and services, work in the justice system, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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