Criminology

Course Outline
Criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector including police officers, probation and prison officers, and social workers. It is an opportunity to build on and further develop skills learnt at GCSE including critical thinking, analytical and communications skills.

Qualification Information:

Level: Applied Certificate (AS equivalent)
Applied Diploma (A2 equivalent)
Syllabus: WJEC
Duration: 1 Year for Applied Certificate.
2 Years for Applied Diploma

This is a Level 3 qualification (not an A level or BTEC) being half exam and half controlled assessment. The overall grades for the Level 3 Applied Certificate in Criminology will be recorded as a grade on a scale A to E and UCAS points are awarded accordingly.

Entry Requirements

Desirable
English GCSE grade C and above

What Will I Study?

Applied Certificate

Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime
You will gain the skills to plan a campaign for change in relation to crime; for example, to raise awareness, change attitudes or change reporting behaviour.

Unit 2: Criminological Theories
You will gain the skills to evaluate some criminological theories and know there are debates within the different theories. You will consider the mindset of criminals, why they commit crimes, and the factors that affect them.

Applied Diploma

Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom
You will gain the skills to review criminal cases, evaluating the evidence in the cases, to determine whether the verdict is safe and just.

Unit 4 Crime and Punishment
Through this unit, you will learn about the criminal justice system in England and Wales and how it operates to achieve social control.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Unit 1: Internally assessed via completion of a Controlled Assessment
Unit 2: Exam 1 hour 30 minutes. Written and on-screen.
Unit 3: Internally assessed via completion of a Controlled Assessment
Unit 4: Exam 1 hour 30 minutes. Written and on-screen.

Career Opportunities & Progression

This course offers a wide range of career pathways including the police force, immigration and customs, law, forensics and crime scene officers.