About the course
Whatever your background and however complicated and busy your life may be, there is always a way back into education.
Access to Higher Education courses are a great starting point to retrain for a new and exciting career or get the degree that you promised yourself. Access to Higher Education makes it possible.
Designed for students aged 19 and over, these courses lead to a 60 credit Level 3 Diploma and are a flexible alternative to A Levels. The qualifications are widely recognised by UK universities and earn up to 144 UCAS points.
If you are not sure that you a ready to take the step to apply for an Access to Higher Education full year programme, why not join our fully funded 12 week Pre-Access course, to brush up on your study skills and get ready to get back into education.
This course combines the popular subjects of Psychology, Criminology and Sociology as its core subjects. You will also cover maths, statistics, and study skills as well as an individual Research Project. The course will give you the opportunity to develop a range of skills that will be essential for progression to university.Entry requirements
Applicants must be 19 or over as at 31 August.
A level 2 qualification in English and Maths is required for this course. Find out more about Maths and English qualifications offered at the college.
Qualifications
Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Criminology) Access to HE Level 3
What you'll learn (core modules)
Modules include:
- Criminology Offender Profiling
- Criminology Theories of Crime
- Criminology Criminal Justice System
- Psychology Abnormal Psychology
- Psychology Cognitive Psychology -Research & Memory
- Psychology Social Psychology
- Sociology Social Class
- Sociology Research Methods
- Sociology Sociology of Disability
- Research Project
- Maths Level 2
- Statistics Level 3
- Study Skills
How will I be assessed?
A number of different assessments are used on the Access course. These include essay writing; presentations; exams; an e-portfolio of Higher Education Study Skills; and an Independent Research Project. These assessments will develop your academic skills in line with university expectations ensuring a smooth transition into degree level study programmes.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
The course is delivered at:
University Studies Campus
73 Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3SP
Where will this course take me?
You will be able to progress to our UEA validated degrees at University Studies at West Suffolk College in subjects such as Psychology, Psychology & Criminology, Sociology & Criminology, and Early Childhood Studies.The course will give you the skills and confidence for careers in Psychology, Criminology, Law, Policing, Social Work, Mental Health and the Civil Service.
If you need help with funding
We offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of fees.
If you are aged between 19 and 23 and studying for your first full Level 3 qualification, your course will be fully funded through our Adult Education Budget and you will not incur any fees.
If you are 19-23 and already have a full level 3 qualification or are over 24, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to fund your course.
For students studying Access to HE diplomas, Student Finance England will write off any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances taken out to pay for an Access course should you complete a degree. This means that you would not have to repay your access loan.
Study is hard enough without struggling to pay for the things that you may need to undertake your course. A discretionary bursary fund, depending on household income and family circumstances may provide support for travel, childcare and materials required for your course. Apply for a Bursary..
I'm interested. What should I do now?
Please apply online, or email us to find out more: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Days & times
Starting 10/09/2025
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00