Criminology (Diploma) - Level 3
Overview
High demand, limited places - Apply now for September 2025!
With record-breaking applications in recent years, many courses for September 2024 were already full by spring time. Due to an increasing number of school leavers in our local area, the same high demand is expected for September 2025.
Apply early to secure your place and avoid disappointment!
This course is part of our 2+1 offer and must be studied alongside two other A Level courses. It is the equivalent to 1 A Level.
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 learners’ progression from any study at Level 2, particularly GCSEs in Sociology, Law, Psychology, Citizenship, History and Humanities.
What does it combine with?
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 the learner to demonstrate understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported.
The second unit will allow learners 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. Learners 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, learners will 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.
Entry requirements
- GCSE English Language and Maths grade 4-9
- GCSE Double Science grade 4/4 plus another GCSE grade 4-9
OR
- GCSE Triple Science grade 4/4/4.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
If you’re aged 16-18 (or 19-25 with an EHC Plan), we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.
Therefore, if you do not have GCSE grade 4-9 in either English Language or Maths, you will study one or both of these courses alongside your full-time study programme. If you do have GCSE grade 4-9 in English Language and Maths then you will not be required to undertake these subjects. By doing so, you'll be building a stronger set of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.
Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.
How long is the course?
Two years.
How will I be assessed?
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.
What does the course lead to?
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.
What can I progress onto?
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 or discover more about this benefit here.
How do I apply?
You don’t need to apply for each A Level course you are interested in individually.
Once we have received your application form we will invite you into college where we will be able to discuss every aspect of the courses you have chosen as well as any alternatives you may be considering.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the areas of the college used for your course choices.
Apply online