Access to Higher Education Diploma (Public Services)

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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