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Level 3 Diploma

Criminology

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Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminals and the criminal justice system. An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice system and social and probation work. It also has relevance for those students seeking to progress into higher education in subjects such as sociology and psychology. Students targeting specific destination universities should check their admission policies before taking this subject; this is a level 3 course (not an A level).

Exam Board

WJEC

Entry Requirements

We have no specific entry requirements for Criminology.

Assessment

  • 50% Controlled Assessment
  • 50% Exams
About this course FAQs An introduction to Criminology

What is Criminology?  

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system. Criminologists investigate different types of crime and suggest ways in which crime can be prevented.  They try to provide explanations for criminal behaviour, whilst also identifying and supporting the victims. The Applied Diploma in Criminology is equivalent to one A level.

 

What will I study?

Criminology is a fascinating subject that explores big questions such as ‘Can you be born evil?’ and ‘How can we reduce the amount of crime in UK?’ Some course highlights include:

  • Why crime isn’t always reported e.g. due to shame or fear
  • How accurately the media portrays crime e.g. in newspapers and in crime dramas
  • How buildings can be designed to prevent crime e.g. through lighting, barriers and CCTV
  • Why prisons are deemed to be ineffective e.g. high reoffending rates and widespread drug use

 

Assessments

Unit 1 ‘Changing Awareness of Crime’ – Controlled Assessment 25%

The first unit of the course explores types of crime, assesses how crime reporting affects public perception and how campaigns are used to bring about change. You will plan, create, and justify a crime campaign of your own as part of this assessment, which is sat in December of year 12.

 

Unit 2 ‘Criminological Theories’ – Exam 25%

The second unit of the course focuses on explaining crime using a variety of biological, psychological and sociological theories. You will also explore how laws are different around the world and have varied over time. You will sit this exam in May of year 12.

 

Unit 3 ‘Crime Scene to Courtroom’ – Controlled Assessment 25%

The third unit of the course centres on understanding the process of criminal investigations from initial police response at the scene to forensic analysis at the laboratory and beyond. You will explore the job roles within the sector and examine the workings of both Magistrate and Crown Courts. The assessment is sat in December of year 13.

 

Unit 4 ‘Crime and Punishment’ – Exam 25%

The final unit of the course examines how laws are made and applied. As part of this unit, you will evaluate the effectiveness of different agencies including the police and probation service. You will explore four types of punishment; prison sentences, community sentences, fines, and discharges. This exam is sat in June of year 13.

 

Trips, visits and enrichments:

  • New York trip to examine the US criminal justice system and visit Ground Zero
  • Murder mystery enrichment ‘WHODUNNIT?’
  • Forensic science visit including analysis of a fictional crime scene
  • Trips to Magistrates’ and Crown Courts
  • Online workshops with UK Parliament
  • Serial killer shows
  • ZAKON ‘Crime Scene to Courtroom’ day

 

What can it lead to?

This course is particularly suitable for degrees in Criminology, Law, Psychology and Sociology. The qualification also provides the skills required to work within areas of the criminal justice system such as the police, probation, and court services.

FAQs

What is an Applied Diploma?
An Applied Diploma is an alternative qualification that is different to an A-Level or BTEC. The qualification is divided into exam units (50%) and controlled assessment units (50%). This qualification is modular, which means that at the end of each unit of study you are assessed on your learning. Lots of students prefer this structure as the assessments are spread evenly over the two years of study.
What is a ‘controlled assessment?’
This is how Unit 1 and Unit 3 are assessed as part of the Applied Diploma in Criminology. They are typed assessments that take place over two days.
Is this course equal to an A-Level?
Yes, the course carries the same number of UCAS points as an A-Level qualification. It is a Level 3 qualification, which is also true of A-Levels.
How is the course graded?
It is graded from A*-E.
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If you wish to apply for a place at King Ed’s for September 2025, use this link to access our application portal. We look forward to hearing from you.

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