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Access to HE Psychology & Criminology

Diploma – Open Award

Study Area: Higher Education

Duration: 1 Year

Attendance: Part Time

Course Overview

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma in Psychology and Criminology gives you the opportunity to apply for a degrees in Psychology, Criminology, and other related pathways. This could lead to a career working in the NHS, private practice, the charity and voluntary sector, education, or research. You can specialise in a variety of areas, from clinical, educational and occupational psychology, to forensic and neuropsychology as well as counselling if you choose to specialise in psychology. If your preference is to specialise in Criminology, then you could consider work in the prison or probation service, youth offending teams, criminal justice system and forensic sciences.

Access to HE- Psychology

Whilst studying the Access to HE Diploma (Psychology and Criminology) you will complete a range of units which may include topics such as:
• Psychological Perspectives
• Mental Health
• Forensic Science

In addition to these subject specific modules, the course includes developmental units to support you in developing your academic skills in preparation for university.
When applying to university, we will support you with completing your UCAS application, personal statement and we will provide you with an academic reference. It is important to note that successfully completing your Access to HE Diploma does not guarantee you a place at university. While most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas, it is your own responsibility to check that your UCAS application meets the current entry requirements for your university course choices.

Start Date

One Year:

Next Start Date: Week Beginning 8th September 2025

12 hours per week; – mainly face-to-face with some online learning
Daytime sessions: 9.30 to 14.30

All undertaken at Calderdale College Campus.

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above or a Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent. You are also recommended to have GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or Functional Skills Level 2, however you may undertake GCSE Maths/Functional Skills Maths alongside the Access to HE Diploma.

All applicants will have opportunity to discuss their application during an interview with one of the tutors, where any questions about the course can be answered.

Applicants who are aged 18 will be considered based on interview

You are highly advised to check, prior to enrolling, the entry requirements of any courses you wish to apply for at degree level.

Progression

Progression opportunities at the University Centre:

Early Years Foundation Degree

Foundation Degree Community, Public Health and Social Care

HNC Counselling and Applied Psychology (HTQ) | Calderdale College

Progression to other HE providers:

Degree programmes in Psychology, Child Psychology, Educational Psychology, Disability Studies, Education, Autism and many others.

Assessment Methods

Work is assessed throughout the course via a variety of methods such as assignments, presentations, portfolio building and examinations.

Course Fees

Tuition Fee: £3,380

Registration Fee: £200

An Advanced Learner Loan is available to cover the cost of the Tuition Fee on this course. The Registration Fee is a separate fee, which you may not need to pay depending on your circumstances. Advice will be given about this during enrolment.

When you complete a HE qualification the Advanced Learner Loan is written off and you will not need to repay it.

Awarding Body

This diploma is validated by Open Awards and Skills & Education Group.

Career Opportunities

Counsellor, Teacher, Mental Health Support, Child, Adolescent and Mental Health Support, Youth & Community Worker , Community Project worker , Police, Probation, Pathology, Crime Scene Investigation, Youth Offending Services