Digital Course Guide 2027 - Flipbook - Page 22
CRIMINOLOGY
WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (equivalent to 1 A Level)
Criminology explores the causes of criminal behaviour
and examines how society responds to crime. The course
includes the study of a wide range of underreported
offences, as well as an analysis of how campaigns can
influence and bring about change within the criminal
justice system. Students will have the opportunity to design
and develop their own campaign for change, focusing
on a specific crime. Students will also evaluate different
theories of criminal behaviour, considering why individuals
commit crime and assessing the credibility of these
perspectives. In the second year, the course focuses on
the structure of the criminal justice system and evaluates
the effectiveness of various agencies involved in criminal
investigations.
Criminology is an interdisciplinary social science, drawing
on sociological, psychological, biological, and legal
perspectives. Lessons are varied and engaging, in line with
A Level study, and students are expected to undertake
independent research and present their 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.
COURSE CONTENT
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
• cognitive and problem-solving skills:
using critical thinking, approaching nonroutine 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
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.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
CAREER PATHWAYS
Standard Advanced Level entry
requirements
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.
ASSESSMENT
100% exam and controlled assessment.
Units 1 and 3 assessed through computerbased 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.
VA R N D E A N S I X T H F O R M C O L L E G E 2 0 2 7
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