Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences) Psychology Sociology and Criminology - Bury St Edmunds - Evenings

About the course

Explore Psychology, Sociology and Criminology in the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Sciences, a flexible evening course designed for adults with busy lives. You will develop subject knowledge and strong academic skills while examining people, society and crime from different perspectives. Designed to fit around work, family or other commitments, the course provides a supportive pathway into university and future careers in the social sciences and related sectors.

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 Higher Education 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: AccesstoHE@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk

Days & times

Starting 01/09/2026