Why choose Level 3 criminology?
This course has a strong focus on applied learning and students will acquire knowledge of the criminal justice system in purposeful contexts. You will study four mandatory units that cover different types of crime including social perceptions of crime; theories on criminal behaviour and deviance; the criminal justice system; and crime and punishment including the effectiveness of social control.
This course is suitable for students who have a keen interest in law.
How will this subject be delivered?
This course is made up of four mandatory units:
• Changing awareness of crime: students develop an understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported
• Criminological theories: study of such theories enables students to gain an understanding of why people commit crime; students explore the difference between criminal behaviour and deviance and the theories behind why people commit crime
• Crime scene to courtroom: provides students with an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict; students develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases
• Crime and punishment: students apply their understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy
How is it assessed?
Graded A-E – all units carry equal weighting towards total marks. The Diploma is assessed through a combination of two written external examinations and two internally assessed, controlled assessments.
Progression
The qualification has elements of psychology, law and sociology that complement studies in humanities. The main purpose of the qualification is to support access to higher education degree courses, such as BA/BSc criminology, law, psychology, and so on. It is a pathway to careers in the criminal justice sector, including police officers, probation, prison officers, social workers, social research and politics.
Course type: Level 3 Applied Diploma
Board: WJEC
Entry requirement: Grade 6 or above in GCSE English language and a humanities subject
