Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) - Psychology with Criminology
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) - Psychology with Criminology
This Course at a Glance
- Learn about the internal and external influences that impact behaviour
- Explore factors that lead to criminal and deviant activities
- Get qualified to work with criminals and victims of crime
- Study a degree without A Levels
- 100% online learning
- No exams
About Your Diploma
The way we think and why we behave in the ways we do is something that a myriad of professionals from a number of sectors have been trying to understand for years, especially when it comes to deviant and criminal behaviour. By understanding what leads people to live life on the wrong side of the law, we can be better positioned to prevent these events from occurring.
By studying social science, we can spot influential elements and patterns in behaviour in those that commit these acts. When we combine social science with crime and psychology studies, we gain more of a comprehension of how criminal actions and deviant behaviour impacts society.
If you would like to work towards a career dealing with criminals, victims of crime and the related systems that exist around them, the online Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) Psychology and Criminology Pathway will help you on your way.
As an equivalent to three A Levels, it will enable you to study a degree, and with the range of modules covered, it will help you hit the ground running in university level study. You will learn all about the explanations, theories and perceptions of crime and deviance, the difficulties faced by psychologists in the definition and diagnosis of abnormal behaviour, the effects of imprisonment, and more.
Once you complete this course and a related degree, you will understand the many reasons people commit crimes, the knock-on effect of criminal and deviant activity and the importance of the rehabilitation process.
Getting Started
learndirect is the leading UK online course provider, helping thousands of students every year achieve their academic and career goals. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) Psychology and Criminology Pathway, is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification that is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
As an online course, you have the complete flexibility to tailor your study schedule around your existing commitments. So, no matter if you are looking to change careers and study outside of your current work commitments, or while you care for your children, you can comfortably complete the course that will help you reach your goal.
Once enrolled, you will have access to all the course materials required to complete the Access to Higher Education Diploma. You will also receive an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) outlining the submission deadlines for each of your assignments, to help you stay on track. Outside of these deadlines, you can move through the course at your pace, which is why despite having two years to complete the course, most of our learners are finished in 9 months.

Modules
Unit 1: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas
Unit 2: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 3: Health and Well-being
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the relationship between resilience and mental wellbeing
- Understand the expression of feelings and emotions and how these could be managed
- Understand how mental well-being can be supported and managed
Unit 4: Introduction to Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of research in psychology
- Understand the main approaches in psychology
- Understand ethical issues in psychological research
Unit 5: Understanding Crime and Deviance
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand explanations of crime and deviance
- Understand theories of crime and deviance
- Understand perceptions of crime and deviance
Unit 6: The Origins of The Welfare State
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand what is meant by the term social welfare
- Know the purpose of the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act and its effects on society
- Understand early twentieth century Liberal Reforms and their effect on society
- Understand the social problems which the Welfare State attempted to address
- Understand the significance of the Beveridge Report
Unit 7: Introduction To Cognitive Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand research in an area of cognitive psychology
- Understand how the findings of research into cognitive processes can be applied to real-life issues
Unit 8: Sociology of Mass Media
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the patterns of ownership and control of the mass media
- Understand the role of the mass media
- Understand the process of selection and presentation of the news
- Understand how media stereotypes are presented
Unit 9: The Criminology of Prisons
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the philosophical approaches to imprisonment
- Understand the categories of prison and their relative costs
- Understand the effects of imprisonment on the individual and society
Unit 10: Foundations of Social Policy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the historical origins of social policy in the UK
- Understand the key influences on social policy in the 18th and 19th Centuries
- Understand changes in the political order
- Understand different types of voluntary action and the role of poverty surveys
Unit 11: Measurements of Crime
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand sources of crime statistics
- Understand the reliability of published statistics on crime
- Understand factors that are not reflected in criminal statistics
Unit 12: The Brain and Nervous System (Psychology)
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the major sub divisions of the nervous system
- Understand the structure and function of glial cells and neurons
Unit 13: Criminal Justice and Social Policy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand models of crime prevention
- Understand theories of crime control
- Understand criminal justice theories as informed by different political perspectives
Unit 14: Abnormal Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the difficulties faced by psychologists in the definition and diagnosis of abnormal behaviour
- Understand a psychological disorder
- Understand possible treatments used to treat people with psychological disorders
Unit 15: Sociology of Education
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of education as a socialising agency
- Understand the roles of education in contemporary society
- Understand the social explanations of labelling and the use of stereotypes
- Understand the concept of meritocracy
Unit 16: Criminal Law and Procedures
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the criminal court process and its personnel
- Understand sentencing policy and procedures
Unit 17: Psychobiology of Stress
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand common physiological and psychological responses to stress
- Understand the relationship between stress and illness
- Understand methods used to reduce stress
Unit 18: Contemporary Issues in Social Policy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand current issues in social policy
- Understand current legislation in relation to current issues in social policy
- Understand the economic context of a contemporary issue
Unit 19: Sociology of The Family
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the changes in family structure
- Understand sociological explanations of the family to include Functionalist, Marxist, feminist, interactionist and postmodern views
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic report, essay, case study analysis, academic poster, timed test, journal article, experiment, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course.
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Your work will be assessed through your end of unit assignments. These will provide you with the opportunity to check up on your knowledge and advance. After each assignment, your tutor will offer feedback to help you not only progress further but also improve your skills. This Access to Higher Education Diploma is a Level 3 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated qualification.
To successfully achieve your qualification, you will need a total of 60 credits. Of these, 45 will come from graded units of academic content, while the following 15 will be drawn from ungraded units concerning study skills.
Open College Network West Midlands

On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) Psychology and Criminology Pathway, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: 40012554). This course has been assigned 60 credits.
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.

With this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) Psychology and Criminology Pathway, under your belt, and a related degree, you will be able to pursue professional opportunities in a number of important areas.
Studying these two different yet connected subjects will enable you to secure jobs related to criminal activity, psychology, the justice system, and certain ones in-between. You could work in the police force, victim and offender support, academic research, the prison service and other fascinating areas.
Some of the jobs you could secure include:
- Counter Fraud Intelligence Analyst
- Defence and Security Analyst
- Investigative Data Analyst
- Offender Case Administrator
- Police Officer
- Probation Officer
- Youth Offending Support Officer
Further Qualifications and Prospects
As the mind and behaviours are incredibly complex and varied, there are numerous ways you can continue to develop your knowledge. Mental health issues and enduring disorders are a large influencers of human behaviour. By gaining a detailed understanding of these conditions, you will be able to support people experiencing mental health issues and anticipate how they will act or react in certain situations.
learndirect provide online courses in:
- Mental Health and Social Care
- Mental Health and Counselling Level 3 Diploma (RQF)
- TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
- TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health, and more
You can also take online courses to help understand certain behaviours, and provide more effective support to people who have experienced traumatic events.
- Anger and Aggression Management
- Grief and Bereavement Counselling
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Understanding Domestic Abuse and the Restorative Process
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) - Psychology with Criminology
This Course at a Glance
- Learn about the internal and external influences that impact behaviour
- Explore factors that lead to criminal and deviant activities
- Get qualified to work with criminals and victims of crime
- Study a degree without A Levels
- 100% online learning
- No exams
About Your Diploma
The way we think and why we behave in the ways we do is something that a myriad of professionals from a number of sectors have been trying to understand for years, especially when it comes to deviant and criminal behaviour. By understanding what leads people to live life on the wrong side of the law, we can be better positioned to prevent these events from occurring.
By studying social science, we can spot influential elements and patterns in behaviour in those that commit these acts. When we combine social science with crime and psychology studies, we gain more of a comprehension of how criminal actions and deviant behaviour impacts society.
If you would like to work towards a career dealing with criminals, victims of crime and the related systems that exist around them, the online Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) Psychology and Criminology Pathway will help you on your way.
As an equivalent to three A Levels, it will enable you to study a degree, and with the range of modules covered, it will help you hit the ground running in university level study. You will learn all about the explanations, theories and perceptions of crime and deviance, the difficulties faced by psychologists in the definition and diagnosis of abnormal behaviour, the effects of imprisonment, and more.
Once you complete this course and a related degree, you will understand the many reasons people commit crimes, the knock-on effect of criminal and deviant activity and the importance of the rehabilitation process.
Getting Started
learndirect is the leading UK online course provider, helping thousands of students every year achieve their academic and career goals. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) Psychology and Criminology Pathway, is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification that is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
As an online course, you have the complete flexibility to tailor your study schedule around your existing commitments. So, no matter if you are looking to change careers and study outside of your current work commitments, or while you care for your children, you can comfortably complete the course that will help you reach your goal.
Once enrolled, you will have access to all the course materials required to complete the Access to Higher Education Diploma. You will also receive an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) outlining the submission deadlines for each of your assignments, to help you stay on track. Outside of these deadlines, you can move through the course at your pace, which is why despite having two years to complete the course, most of our learners are finished in 9 months.
Modules
Unit 1: Academic Writing Skills
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas
Unit 2: Preparing a Written Assignment
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 3: Health and Well-being
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the relationship between resilience and mental wellbeing
- Understand the expression of feelings and emotions and how these could be managed
- Understand how mental well-being can be supported and managed
Unit 4: Introduction to Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of research in psychology
- Understand the main approaches in psychology
- Understand ethical issues in psychological research
Unit 5: Understanding Crime and Deviance
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand explanations of crime and deviance
- Understand theories of crime and deviance
- Understand perceptions of crime and deviance
Unit 6: The Origins of The Welfare State
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand what is meant by the term social welfare
- Know the purpose of the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act and its effects on society
- Understand early twentieth century Liberal Reforms and their effect on society
- Understand the social problems which the Welfare State attempted to address
- Understand the significance of the Beveridge Report
Unit 7: Introduction To Cognitive Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand research in an area of cognitive psychology
- Understand how the findings of research into cognitive processes can be applied to real-life issues
Unit 8: Sociology of Mass Media
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the patterns of ownership and control of the mass media
- Understand the role of the mass media
- Understand the process of selection and presentation of the news
- Understand how media stereotypes are presented
Unit 9: The Criminology of Prisons
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the philosophical approaches to imprisonment
- Understand the categories of prison and their relative costs
- Understand the effects of imprisonment on the individual and society
Unit 10: Foundations of Social Policy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the historical origins of social policy in the UK
- Understand the key influences on social policy in the 18th and 19th Centuries
- Understand changes in the political order
- Understand different types of voluntary action and the role of poverty surveys
Unit 11: Measurements of Crime
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand sources of crime statistics
- Understand the reliability of published statistics on crime
- Understand factors that are not reflected in criminal statistics
Unit 12: The Brain and Nervous System (Psychology)
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the major sub divisions of the nervous system
- Understand the structure and function of glial cells and neurons
Unit 13: Criminal Justice and Social Policy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand models of crime prevention
- Understand theories of crime control
- Understand criminal justice theories as informed by different political perspectives
Unit 14: Abnormal Psychology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the difficulties faced by psychologists in the definition and diagnosis of abnormal behaviour
- Understand a psychological disorder
- Understand possible treatments used to treat people with psychological disorders
Unit 15: Sociology of Education
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of education as a socialising agency
- Understand the roles of education in contemporary society
- Understand the social explanations of labelling and the use of stereotypes
- Understand the concept of meritocracy
Unit 16: Criminal Law and Procedures
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the criminal court process and its personnel
- Understand sentencing policy and procedures
Unit 17: Psychobiology of Stress
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand common physiological and psychological responses to stress
- Understand the relationship between stress and illness
- Understand methods used to reduce stress
Unit 18: Contemporary Issues in Social Policy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand current issues in social policy
- Understand current legislation in relation to current issues in social policy
- Understand the economic context of a contemporary issue
Unit 19: Sociology of The Family
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the changes in family structure
- Understand sociological explanations of the family to include Functionalist, Marxist, feminist, interactionist and postmodern views
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic report, essay, case study analysis, academic poster, timed test, journal article, experiment, portfolio, presentation (video and audio recording), academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course.
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Assessment
Your work will be assessed through your end of unit assignments. These will provide you with the opportunity to check up on your knowledge and advance. After each assignment, your tutor will offer feedback to help you not only progress further but also improve your skills. This Access to Higher Education Diploma is a Level 3 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated qualification.
To successfully achieve your qualification, you will need a total of 60 credits. Of these, 45 will come from graded units of academic content, while the following 15 will be drawn from ungraded units concerning study skills.
Qualifications
Open College Network West Midlands

On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) Psychology and Criminology Pathway, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: 40012554). This course has been assigned 60 credits.
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.

With this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Science) Psychology and Criminology Pathway, under your belt, and a related degree, you will be able to pursue professional opportunities in a number of important areas.
Studying these two different yet connected subjects will enable you to secure jobs related to criminal activity, psychology, the justice system, and certain ones in-between. You could work in the police force, victim and offender support, academic research, the prison service and other fascinating areas.
Some of the jobs you could secure include:
- Counter Fraud Intelligence Analyst
- Defence and Security Analyst
- Investigative Data Analyst
- Offender Case Administrator
- Police Officer
- Probation Officer
- Youth Offending Support Officer
Further Qualifications and Prospects
As the mind and behaviours are incredibly complex and varied, there are numerous ways you can continue to develop your knowledge. Mental health issues and enduring disorders are a large influencers of human behaviour. By gaining a detailed understanding of these conditions, you will be able to support people experiencing mental health issues and anticipate how they will act or react in certain situations.
learndirect provide online courses in:
- Mental Health and Social Care
- Mental Health and Counselling Level 3 Diploma (RQF)
- TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
- TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health, and more
You can also take online courses to help understand certain behaviours, and provide more effective support to people who have experienced traumatic events.
- Anger and Aggression Management
- Grief and Bereavement Counselling
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Understanding Domestic Abuse and the Restorative Process

learning
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