Criminology (Vocational) - Level 3
Overview
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 4 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
You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including:
- English Language (Grade 4)
- Maths (Grade 4)Double Science (Grade 4/4) or TripleScience (4/4/4)
- Plus, one other GCSE at grade 4 if you only have GCSEs in Double Science.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
As an entry requirement on some of our courses, you will need a GCSE in both English and maths with at least a grade 4/C (please see entry requirements above).
If this isn’t displayed under the entry requirements and you don’t currently have a GCSE in both English and maths at grade 4/C or above before joining us, you will then study English and maths as part of your programme with the aim of achieving a qualification with at least a grade 4/C. This is to help improve your chances of employment once you leave us.
In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.
How long is the course?
2 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.
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.
Careers
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