AccessCoursesOnline
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Public Services)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Public Services)
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Course Outline
Course Outline
Our Access to Higher Education Diploma – Public Services is designed to provide learners with a strong foundation in the key social, political, and ethical issues that shape the public services sector. Whether you aspire to work in law enforcement, social policy, local government, or community services, this course equips you with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to pursue a career dedicated to public service and social justice. Throughout the course, you will explore essential topics such as Crime and Deviance, Criminal Justice & Social Policy, and Crime and the Media, gaining an understanding of how crime is represented, regulated, and addressed in modern society. You will also examine Political Participation and Decision Making in the UK, helping you develop insights into how policies are shaped and the role of governance in public services. A strong emphasis is placed on Multiculturalism in Modern Britain, Social Welfare, and Prejudice and Discrimination, allowing you to analyse the challenges and opportunities within diverse communities and assess the effectiveness of social policies in promoting equality and inclusion. Additionally, you will study Ethical Issues in Social Policy, preparing you to navigate complex moral dilemmas that professionals in public services often face. The course also includes a Research Topic unit, providing you with the opportunity to develop independent research skills that are essential for higher education and professional roles in the sector. Upon completion of this diploma, you will be well-prepared to progress into degrees and careers in policing, criminal justice, social work, public administration, local government, community outreach, and related fields. Whether you aim to work in law enforcement, policy-making, or advocacy, this course provides the foundational knowledge to make a meaningful impact in public service
Modules
Modules
To achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Public Services), learners must achieve:
45 credits which must be graded, academic subject content at Level 3 only.
15 credits which must be either at Level 2 or Level 3 ungraded (U).
The following are the Unit titles for this Diploma:
SKILLS FOR LEARNING
- Academic Study Techniques – Develop essential study skills to succeed in higher education.
- Developing Critical Thinking – Learn how to analyse information and form well-reasoned arguments.
- Progressing to Higher Education – Gain guidance on the transition to university study.
- Independent Research – Build confidence in conducting research and presenting findings.
Sociology and Psychology
- Understanding Crime & Deviance – Explore the reasons behind criminal behaviour and societal responses.
- Sociology of Identity – Examine how identity is shaped by culture, society, and personal experiences.
- The Sociology of Mass Media – Investigate how media influences public perception and social norms.
Policing and Criminology
- Crime and Media – Understand the relationship between crime, law enforcement, and media representation.
- Criminal Justice & Social Policy – Explore policies shaping the criminal justice system.
Social Policy
- Social Welfare in the UK – Learn about the structure and impact of welfare policies.
- Multiculturalism in Modern Britain – Examine diversity and cultural integration in contemporary society.
- Ethical Issues in Social Policy – Discuss moral dilemmas in social policy-making.
ADDITIONAL
- Research Topic (Social Science) – Conduct an independent research project in a social science area of interest.
Click on any module title to learn more about what you'll study! Each module is designed to build your knowledge, skills, and confidence, preparing you for a successful future in public services.
Enrolment Requirements
Enrolment Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for students applying for the Cambridge Online Education Access to H.E. Diplomas. Tutors are nevertheless, required to ensure that learners admitted onto the Diploma possess the necessary skills and personal qualities to cope with the demands of the course.
Assessments
Assessments
All Access to HE Diplomas require the achievement of 60 credits. 45 of the 60 credits must be graded at Level 3 (pass, merit or distinction). Such credits will arise from the Academic Subject Content Modules. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded and can be achieved at either Level 2 or Level 3. Students may only be registered against units with a maximum combined total credit value of 60. In terms of the length of time required for a learner to complete their diploma, for all Access to HE Diplomas the notional learning hours are 600. Notional learning hours comprise all learning that may be relevant to the achievement of the learning outcomes including directed and private study, practical and project work, assignments and assessment time. The assessment methods used for each unit of your course will be detailed in the Programme Handbook. Your tutor will provide you with formative feedback and provisional grades. Your grades will be then evaluated by the Examination Board. Final grades will be released to students after the External Moderation Visit.
Qualification
Qualification
On successful completion of the course, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma (Public Sector Services and Policing) at level 3 awarded by the Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group.
Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications. Cambridge Online Education is a fully accredited education provider for this qualification
Careers
Careers
Possible career options include:
- Police officer
- Probation Service officer
- Prison Service officer
- Prison warden
- Intelligence analyst
- Security manager
- Police community support officer
- Personal assistant
- Policy officer
- Politician's assistant
- PPC specialist
- Public affairs consultant
- Public relations officer
- Security officer
- Court officer
- Security consultant
- Security company director
- Security Lecturer
- Academic specialising in Social policy, Polcing, Law, Security, Criminology, Social sciences and more




Our Guarantees
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Affordable Learning
We offer flexible payment plans to make learning more accessible and affordable. Spread the cost of your course over manageable monthly payments, so you can focus on achieving your goals without financial stress.
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Application Support
We provide UCAS application support to help you navigate the university admissions process with confidence. From personal statement guidance to application tips, we’re here to support your journey to higher education.
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Exam Free Learning
Our courses are completely exam free. Instead of exams, you'll complete assignments and coursework designed to develop your knowledge and skills in a supportive and flexible learning environment.
FAQ Social Sciences
University
Will I be able to apply to university with this Access Course?
Yes, our students get accepted to universities across the UK.
Which university courses can I apply to?
All courses related to social science, humanities, social work etc. Here are examples of some courses: journalism, politics, international relations, law, history, sociology and many others.
Will I be able to cope once at the university?
Yes, we will teach you how to write at an academic level, how to do independent research, how to reference your work etc. By the end of the course you will be able to manage academically when at uni.
Have Access Courses Online students been offered university places for 2023?
Yes!
University of Exeter: politics, Philosophy and Economics
University of Manchester: Politics, Philosophy and Economics
SOAS University: Politics, Philosophy and Economics
UCAS
Will you help me with my UCAS application?
Yes, we will help you with the application and your personal statement.
What are Credits and Units?
Each Access to Higher Education course comprises of smaller specific thematic Units. Each unit has an allocated level and credit value. Some Units are graded and some units are ungraded. All Access to HE Diplomas require the achievement of 60 credits. 45 of the 60 credits must be graded at Level 3 (pass, merit or distinction). Such credits will arise from the Academic Subject Content Modules. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded and can be achieved at either Level 2 or Level 3. Students may only be registered against units with a maximum combined total credit value of 60.
How do the Access credits convert to UCAS points?
This predominantly depends on the grades (pass, merit or distinction) you will get on the Level 3 graded units.
For more information see: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/entry-requirements/ucas-tariff-points#what-are-ucas-tariff-points
Which Course is for me?
Which Access social science course should I choose?
It depends on what do you want to do after. If you see yourself working as a counselor, social worker, HR personnel or psychologist, then go for social science. If your passion is e.g. journalism, media, philosophy, law, international relations, then social science and humanities will be a better choice for you.
Can I complete the course while working?
Yes, all our students work part-time or full-time. Our main goal is to support working students and help them in their goal of getting the qualifications they need to be able to go to university.
Will I cope?
How long it will take me to complete the course?
Access to HE Diplomas can be studied full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years). Our qualifications allow learners to fit their studies around their home and work commitments.
Will I be able to complete the course in one year?
You will be able to do that if you follow the study plan and meet the deadlines.
What if I fall behind?
Much of the course is working one on one with your tutor. The deadlines, tutorials etc. will be arranged and, if needed, adjusted according to your schedule. So even if you fall behind, we will come up with a ‘rescue’ plan.
Can I complete the course while working?
Yes, all our students work part-time or full-time. Our main goal is to support working students and help them in their goal of getting the qualifications they need to be able to go to university.
My last couple of years in school weren’t great, I am scared that I will not manage academically.
You should not worry about it. We understand it and we have policies and practices in place to help you. You will have plenty of one-on-one support from your tutor, and in no time, you will become a fully independent learner.
Does my location matter?
No. The entire course is provided online. But you must be a UK resident
How will I attend?
A live lesson will take place every week online. This lesson will be recorded. If you can’t attend our live lessons, you will be able to watch the recordings. To allow for flexible study, attendance is not monitored interms of live lesson attendance. Learners are expected to participate through submission of assignments and regular communication. Discussion of progress will determine that learners are following their agreed study plan and, therefore, the pace of study.
Tutoring
Who are the tutors?
Each course has a dedicated tutor. Our tutors are qualified subject professionals with extensive work experience in their respective fields. Their biographies are available on our website. You can also read their content in our blog.
Are you accredited?
All our courses are accredited. On successful completion of the course, you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 awarded by the Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group which is Cambridge Online Education's awarding body. Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group 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.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
You can contact our support team and have a chat with a Social Sciences tutor:
dr.elerian@chsonline.org.uk
jemma.graham@accesscoursesonline.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 637029