Criminology

Level 3 BTEC Diploma
Are you interested in law, sociology AND psychology, but can’t decide which to study in the Sixth Form?

The two-year WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that is designed to primarily support learners progressing to University, and complements studies in humanities.

This course offers an exciting and interesting base, from which students will gain the required knowledge and understanding of areas linked to the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales. If you are interested in why people commit crimes, the criminal justice system and criminal related cases in the media, then this modern course offers an interesting mixture of topics.

Course content: The two-year course covers the following modules:-
• Unit 1 – Changing awareness of crime: different types of crimes; perceptions of crime; unreported crime. Media representations of crime and official data on crime. Crime prevention and awareness campaigns.
• Unit 2 – Criminological theories: understanding why people commit crimes based on theories from biology, psychology and sociology.
• Unit 3 – Crime scene to Courtroom: the criminal justice system from investigation to verdict – personnel and techniques involved in criminal investigation. You will also develop an understanding and skills required to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases.
• Unit 4 -Crime and Punishment: apply your understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing the accused to court in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.
Assessment: The WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is assessed using a combination of internal and external assessment and is comprised of:-
• Two 90 minute examinations on Units 2 & 4 (50%)
• Two controlled internal assessments on Units 1 & 3 (50%).
Why study criminology? The qualification will allow students to consider employment within some aspects of the criminal justice system, e.g. the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service, the police service. It can also be used to access higher education degree courses, particularly if you are interested in studying Criminology at University.
For more information on the course: wjec.co.uk – level 3 Applied DIPLOMA IN CRIMINOLOGY.