Key Facts
Qualification Summary
Learners must complete 45 graded credits at level 3 from 'academic subject content units. 27 credits must be taken from the Mandatory Graded group, a maximum of 6 credits must be taken from the Mandatory Graded Research Group and the final 12 credits must be taken from the Graded Optional group. Learners must complete 15 credits from the Ungraded group. 3 credits from the Mandatory Ungraded group and 12 credits from the Optional Ungraded group.
Why choose this qualification?
The diploma allows learners to undertake study related to policing and criminology topics. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree level programmes. The mandatory units include a mixture law, criminology and policing units. These include: Crime Statistics, Criminal Investigation and the Criminal Justice System, Ethics and Values within Policing, Foundations of Law, Introduction to Criminology, Introduction to Policing and Professional Interpersonal Skills.
The Rules of Combination have been developed so the majority of the indicative content for the College of Policing requirements are met. A separate mapping document has been created to show where the requirements are met. In addition, it is strongly recommended that those centres wishing to meet the requirements of the College of Policing should take the Study Skills for Higher Education and the Mathematics – Calculations units to meet the literacy and numeracy requirements.
A wider range of units has been included within the optional section than in the original diploma. This includes new units on crime statistics and the power of the police. We have also included a youth justice unit to illustrate the range of policing and a fitness unit to support those who wish to apply for the police service.
Many learners join degrees related to policing and criminology after following A level study, so the diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A level studies.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills. There is only one mandatory unit, Preparation for Higher Education, to allow centres the flexibility to select units that are relevant to their students.