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Criminology (Diploma) - Level 3

Overview

IMPORTANT
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This course is part of our 2+1 offer and MUST be studied alongside two other A Level courses only. It is the equivalent to 1 A Level.

Please note - Criminology is made up of elements of Psychology, Sociology and Law. Therefore, you will only be able to choose one of these subjects to study alongside Criminology. 

Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals.

The WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities.

The qualification would support you progressing from any study at Level 2, particularly GCSEs in Sociology, Law, Psychology, Citizenship, History and Humanities.

What does it combine with?

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What will I study?

You will study four mandatory units:

  • Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime
  • Unit 2: Criminological Theories
  • Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom
  • Unit 4: Crime and Punishment.

The first unit will enable you to demonstrate understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported.

The second unit will allow you to gain an understanding of why people commit crime, drawing on what they have learned in Unit 1.

The third unit will provide an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. You will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases.

In the final unit, you will apply your 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.

  • Entry requirements
    • GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths grade 4-9
    • GCSE Double Science grade 4/4 plus another GCSE grade 4-9

    OR

    • GCSE Triple Science grade 4/4/3 with 4 in Biology
    • An overall average of a grade 4*.

    *To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Assessment

    Students study four units and two are externally assessed:

    The Criminological Theories unit and the Crime and Punishment unit are both assessed with a 90-minute exam worth 75 marks in the June of each year.

    The exams include short and extended answer questions, based on stimulus material and applied contexts. Each question will have an applied problem-solving scenario.

    Internal assessments are through controlled assessments.

  • Progression

    Further study at university-level* in criminology, law, psychology, sociology or a combination of these areas and many more.

    *As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626.

  • Careers

    Careers are often pursued in courts and tribunal service, probation and offender management, law, crime scene investigation, psychology and counselling, social work and intelligence services.

  • Qualifications gained
    • Diploma in Criminology
    • WJEC - a leading awarding organisation providing assessment, training and educational resources in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and elsewhere.
  • Studying A Levels at WNC

    Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.

    You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.

    Visit the subject area page

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

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