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Access to HE Diploma (Criminology): complete syllabus

Pursue the questions that drive criminal justice, what causes crime, how society responds, and how we build fairer outcomes. This Level 3 OCN London diploma takes you from where you are now to a criminology, law, or social science degree. 100% online, 12 to 18 months, up to 144 UCAS points, no exams.

Updated: 28 May 2026Last reviewed: 5 May 2026

15 units · 0 lessons · 60 total credits · 12 to 18 months

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Unit 1 · 3 credits · Level 3

Academic Skills for Social Science

Learning outcomes (3)

Structure and reference a social science essay to degree standard
Critically evaluate an academic criminology text
Develop a personal study schedule for a 12-month programme

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 2 · 6 credits · Level 3

Introduction to Criminological Theory

Learning outcomes (3)

Explain the key claims of classical and positivist criminology
Apply strain theory to explain youth crime in a deprived area
Evaluate labelling theory using empirical evidence

Lesson list coming soon.

Unit 3 · 6 credits · Level 3

The Criminal Justice System in England and Wales

Learning outcomes (3)

Trace the journey of a criminal case from arrest to sentencing
Explain the role of the CPS in charging decisions
Describe the sentencing options available to magistrates and Crown Court judges

Lesson list coming soon.

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Access to HE Diploma (Criminology): complete syllabus

Academic Skills for Social Science

Introduction to Criminological Theory

The Criminal Justice System in England and Wales

Psychology of Criminal Behaviour

Victimology and Victim Support

Youth Justice and Juvenile Offending

Social Policy and the Welfare State

Research Methods in Social Science

Introduction to Law and Legal Reasoning

Policing and Crime Prevention

Gender, Race, and Criminal Justice

Prisons, Punishment, and Rehabilitation

Organised Crime and Cybercrime

Terrorism and Political Violence

Extended Research Project