Criminology Level 3 Diploma

 A popular qualification which encompasses law, psychology and sociology.

Entry Requirements

5 x grade 4 including GCSE English Language and Maths

Assessment

This course is assessed through a mixture of written examinations and controlled assessments. All units are equally weighted. The grades awarded for the Certificate (1 year) or Diploma (2 years) will range from A*-E. The Diploma is equivalent to one A-level. The course is awarded UCAS tariff points.

Certificate Year 1

Internally assessed (Controlled Assessment) unit on Changing awareness of Crime Externally assessed (examination) unit on Criminological theories

Diploma Year 2

Internally assessed (Controlled Assessment) unit on Crime Scene to Court Room Externally assessed (examination) on Crime and Punishment

Progression to Higher Education courses (such as degrees) including criminology, psychology, sociology, law, political science, history, social policy and other related subjects.

Career routes can include the police, CSI units, forensic services, social work, the National Probation Service, the courts and Tribunal Service, the National Offender Management Service and the legal profession.

 Level 3 Certificate or Diploma

What makes a serial killer? Why are most offenders male? Why do some people report crime and others don’t? How much does the media influence our perception of crime? Should we try to recruit more police officers and judges from ethnic minorities? How have psychologists and sociologists explained crime? What happens during a criminal investigation? Who decides what laws to make? How do judges decide on the appropriate punishment for an offence? Does prison work?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals. We aim to help you to investigate these, and other related questions

Course Summary

Year 1: 

Unit 1 – Changing Awareness of Crime – Assessed by an 8 hour controlled assessment

In this unit you will plan a campaign for change relating to crime using the knowledge gained about different types of crime, the impact of the media and evaluating methods of collecting information about crime. 

Unit 2 – Criminological Theories – Assessed by a 1.5 hour examination

This unit covers criminal and deviant behaviour, social construction of criminality, theories of crime and the evaluation of these theories. You will look at how theories, social change and campaigns inform policy.

Year 2: 

Unit 3 – Crime Scene to Courtroom - Assessed by an 8 hour controlled assessment

In this unit you will explore issues within the Criminal Justice System, and gain the understanding required to examine verdicts in criminal cases. This includes the role of personnel in criminal investigations, how evidence is processed, the rights of individuals and the role of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Unit 4 – Crime and Punishment – Assessed by a 1.5 hour examination 

This unit draws on your knowledge of previous units, as you will need to apply an understanding of the theories and processes of bringing the accused to court. You will evaluate the effectiveness of social control, law-making processes, models of justice and aims of punishment.

Exam board: WJEC