Access to Higher Education Diploma (Public Services and Policing)

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This Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification designed to help you progress to university and pursue a new future career.

Earn up to 144 UCAS tariff points and prepare for degree-level study through coursework-based assessment, without the need for traditional exams.

Course Options

£1,199.00

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Course duration

This course is typically completed within one year. You should plan to dedicate around 10 hours per week to independent study alongside your coursework.

An assessment schedule will be provided at the start of your course, clearly outlining when assignments are released and their submission deadlines to help you stay organised.

Course outcome

On successful completion, you will achieve an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business and Management, a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that supports progression to university study.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be aged 19 or over. You will usually need GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, although equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths may also be accepted.

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, our team will be happy to advise you.

Assessment

This course is assessed entirely through coursework, with no formal exams. You will complete a range of assignments, including written tasks, presentations and reports, designed to prepare you for degree-level study.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Public Services and Policing is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification designed for adults who want to progress to university and pursue a career in the public sector.

Whether you’re looking to join the police, armed forces, emergency services or wider public services, this course provides a clear and supportive pathway into higher education. You’ll develop an understanding of how public services operate, alongside the academic skills needed for degree-level study.

Delivered online, the course allows you to study flexibly while preparing for progression to university courses such as policing, criminology, law, public services and security studies.

This diploma combines knowledge of public services with essential academic skills to prepare you for university and future career pathways.

You will complete a total of 60 credits, including graded subject units and ungraded study skills modules.

Core study skills modules

  • Preparing for higher education
  • Academic writing and research skills
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Communication in professional settings

Public services and policing units

  • The structure and role of public services in the UK
  • Policing and the criminal justice system
  • Law and legal frameworks
  • Criminology and crime prevention
  • Public safety and emergency response
  • Ethics, diversity and professional standards

You’ll explore how different public services work together to protect communities, maintain law and order, and respond to emergencies.

Flexible units to support your progression

Units can be adapted to align with your chosen university degree and its specific entry requirements. If you have a particular course or career pathway in mind, our team can help tailor your studies to support your progression.

On successful completion, you will achieve an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Public Services and Policing), a Level 3 qualification awarded by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

This qualification is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and is widely accepted by universities across the UK.

Flexible online learning

Study from anywhere in the UK with full access to your learning materials online. The course is designed to fit around your lifestyle, allowing you to balance study with work and other commitments.

This course supports progression to a range of university degrees and career pathways, including:

  • Policing and Criminal Investigation
  • Criminology
  • Law
  • Public Services
  • Security and Risk
  • Management

It can also lead to careers within:

  • Police services
  • Armed forces
  • Fire and rescue services
  • Border force and security services
  • Emergency and public sector roles

 

You’ll receive ongoing support from experienced tutors, including one-to-one sessions, personalised feedback and guidance throughout your course to help you stay on track and succeed.

There are no formal exams. Instead, you will be assessed through coursework such as essays, reports, case studies and presentations, helping you develop the skills needed for university-level study.

Do I need previous experience in public services?

No prior experience is required. The course is designed to introduce key concepts and build your understanding from the ground up.

You can apply to university degrees in policing, criminology, law and other public service-related subjects.

You must be aged 19 or over. Most universities will require GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) when applying for a degree.

Assessment is based entirely on coursework, with a range of assignments completed throughout the course.

Most learners complete the course within 9–12 months, depending on their pace of study and personal commitments.