Criminology and Criminal Justice (Cert HE)

The Certificate in Higher Education (Cert HE) in Criminology and Criminal Justice is a new type of qualification available to students wishing to start a Higher Education Criminology and Criminal Justice qualification. The course is validated by Lancaster University.  

You will be able to complete this qualification in just one year of full-time study which makes it ideal if you are looking to start a new career sooner. If, at the end of the year of full-time study, you wish to continue your Higher Education journey with us, you will be able to join the second year of our Foundation Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. This will enable you to achieve a Foundation Degree in two years of full-time study.  

This is a new, flexible type of qualification for students who may not be able to commit to three years of full-time academic study. 

Do you want to develop your criminological knowledge? On this course you will further your ability to interpret and apply principles of human rights and social justice. It will equip you with the essential skills and attributes for a career as an ethical, professional practitioner in the justice sector. 

This course should appeal to you if you need to fit studying around other commitments or if you are looking to take your first step into Higher Education after a gap of study.   

You will study a range of introductory modules designed to familiarise you with Criminology and Criminal Justice topics.  

As part of your course, you will complete an appropriate Work Placement. The justice sector is diverse and the range of services provided are varied, for example, you may choose to work in youth settings that provide diversionary or other activities for children and young people and/or work in support services linked to courts. 

The Certificate in Higher Education (Cert HE) in Criminology and Criminal Justice comprises 6 mandatory modules. 

Modules include: 

• Understanding Criminology 
• Principles of Criminal Justice 
• Working with People who have Offended 
• Policing the Risk in the Justice Sector 
• Principles of Criminology Research 
• Applied Criminal Justice Practice 

You’ll need a minimum of 32/48 UCAS Tariff points.  

If you have 32 points that are directly related to social science subjects or practice-based criminal justice, policing, offender management and science subjects such as NVQ and BTEC qualifications, this is sufficient for entry.  

Otherwise, 48 points will be required.  

In addition, for this programme, you will be required to have a GCSE (or equivalent qualification) at Grade 4 (C) or above in English or demonstrate a competent level of written English. 

If English is not your first language you will need to demonstrate the ability to study in English.  

Applications from those without formal qualifications: 

Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have relevant work/life experience will be considered on an individual basis and will be invited to interview.  

You may additionally be expected to show evidence that you are able to use Word and emails at a basic level; however, ICT support will be provided throughout the year in the form of tutorials. This will be dependent upon your level of prior experience and will be judged on a case by case basis to ensure fair and equitable access.

This qualification is a higher education qualification in its own right and it may be appropriate that some students take this 1+1+1 route to achieving their honours. Even if an application to a foundation degree is made you may advise that this route is better for the potential student and make the offer of the Cert HE.

Care Leavers or Young Carers

We want students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to go to University. If you have spent three months or more in local authority care OR are a young carer, you will be eligible for a contextual offer. This is a grade reduction of 1-A Level grade below our standard entry requirements. For example, a standard offer of CCC, would become CCD. MMM at Level 3 Extended Diploma would become MMP. To apply we advise that you tick the box on your UCAS application which identifies you have spent time in care and to help identify you as eligible for our contextual offer.

Assessment will be undertaken through a range of established methodologies at various stages throughout the student learning experience. This incorporates standard practices through initial, diagnostic, formative and summative stages. Examples of assessment activity includes but is not limited to: 

• Essays 
• Examinations 
• Sentence Planning Exercises  
• Case Study Exercises 
• Critical Reflections 
• Portfolio 

The Certificate in Higher Education (Cert HE) Criminology and Criminal Justice is a valuable qualification in its own right preparing students for employment with critical thinking, analytical and communication skills.  

For those wishing to continue with their studies at Blackburn University Centre, entry onto the Foundation Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, which is delivered for one academic year, full-time, is permitted.  

Job opportunities across the  

• Local government 
• The police 
• Prison and probation services  
• The court services 
• Security services 
• Non-profit-making organisations, including the NHS and charities that work with young offenders or victims of crime

For those wishing to continue with their studies at University Centre at Blackburn College, you must have successfully completed the Certificate of Higher Education Criminology and Criminal Justice to gain entry onto Year 2 of Foundation Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, which is delivered for one academic year, full-time.

Going to University is not as expensive as you think. There are no upfront fees to pay if you take out a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance England. Don't forget to apply as early as possible to secure your fees before you start your course.