Criminology

Level 3 Applied Diploma | WJEC

The course is equivalent to a full a level. Topics over the two year course include:

Changing Awareness of Crime: You will develop an understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes go unreported.

Criminological Theories: You will gain an understanding of theories behind why people commit crime and the difference between criminal behaviour and deviance.

Crime Scene to Courtroom: You will gain an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified through to the verdict.

Crime and Punishment: You will examine the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.

Progression Opportunities

Criminology would benefit students looking to go straight into work when they leave College. It could lead to work with employers such as the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service, or the National Offender Management Service. For students wanting to progress onto higher education, this qualification is equivalent to an A level in terms of UCAS points. Criminology students could go into a wide range of jobs including: law enforcement, forensics, the legal profession, charities, the prison service or youth and social work.

Subject Visits and Enrichment Opportunities

Students will have the opportunity to explore the legal and criminal justice system in practice by gaining an experience of how law courts work. The subject is further supported by live and virtual visits from professionals that are involved in the legal and criminal justice system. Entry Requirements

• Grade 5 in English Language or

English Literature

Assessment Overview

Criminology is not taught at GCSE, therefore teaching staff within the department work hard to prepare students for this new subject and the requirements of Level 3 Applied Diploma qualification. The course examines students through a mixture of internal controlled assessments which provide 8 hours writing time and external written exams.

Unit 1 (25%) - 8hr Controlled Assessment • Changing awareness of crime Unit 2 (25%) - 1hr 30m Exam • Criminological Theories

Unit 3 (25%) - 8hr Controlled Assessment • Crime Scene to Courtroom

Unit 4 (25%) - 1hr 30m Exam • Crime and Punishment