Criminology
Criminology is the study of criminality, what the causes are and how society deals with crime. This includes studying a range of underreported crimes and how campaigns can lead to changes in our criminal justice system. You will be required to design your own campaign for change on a particular crime. You will also consider why people commit crime and whether the range of theories presented are credible. The second year of the course looks at the structure of our criminal justice system and how effective different agencies are in a criminal investigation. It is an interdisciplinary social science subject, drawing from a range of sociological, psychological and biological discussions as well as law. Lessons will be varied as per any A Level subject. You will be required to undertake independent research during lesson time and to present your findings to the class.
The course could be studied alongside other Level 3 qualifications. However, as there is overlap between the material covered in Criminology and the material covered in Sociology, Psychology and Law, it is advised that a maximum of one of these three subjects is studied alongside.
There are four units that make up the Level 3 Diploma.
Year 1
- Unit 1 – 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. You will also plan and design your own campaign for change.
- Unit 2 – Criminological Theories: You will gain an understanding of theories behind why people commit crime and also the difference between criminal behaviour and deviance.
Year 2
- Unit 3 – 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.
- Unit 4 – Crime and Punishment: You will examine the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.
Course Essentials
Courses Available
WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (equivalent to 1 A Level)
How The Course is Assessed
100% exam and controlled assessment.
Units 1 and 3 assessed through computer-based controlled assessments lasting 8 hours in total for each unit.
Units 2 and 4 assessed through written exams lasting 1½ hours for each unit. The controlled assessment and external exam marks are added together to give you an overall grade.
Career Pathways
This course would benefit students looking to go straight into work. 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 into higher education, it is equivalent to an A level in terms of UCAS points.
Transferable Skills
- cognitive and problem-solving skills: using critical thinking, approaching non-routine problems
- interpersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation
- intrapersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development
- the ability to learn independently and research actively and methodically
- the ability to give presentations and be active group members
Other Information
Tutors will use a variety of teaching techniques such as class discussions, group work and individual research. These are also supported with outside speakers and a variety of trips.
Enquiries To
Sophia Smith: scs@varndean.ac.uk