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Criminology

The WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in other areas of the humanities.

Criminology is the scientific study of crime; it seeks to study crime within the context of the society in order to understand how best to address and eliminate criminal behaviour.

Within this qualification, you will study the how, why, when, what and who of crime. It is a multidisciplinary course that allows you to gain aspects of sociology, psychology and law. There is a variety of assessments, with both a controlled assessment and an external exam in each year of the course. By the end of the course, you will have gained an understanding of how society operates within the criminal justice system.

Entry Requirements

Grade 4 in GCSE English Literature or English Language
Grade 4-4 in GCSE Science

What will I study?

You will learn about different types of crime and reasons why people do not report them, including theories of why people commit crime and how crimes change over time, place and even in different cultures.

You will also learn about many aspects of the criminal justice system including the process of a case through court and the role of agencies such as the police and prison service.

How will I be assessed?

  • Unit 1 – Changing Awareness of Crime (8-hour controlled assessment; worth 25% of the qualification)
  • Unit 2 – Criminological Theories (1.5-hour external examination; worth 25% of the qualification)
  • Unit 3 – Crime Scene to Court Room (8-hour controlled assessment; worth 25% of the qualification)
  • Unit 4 – Crime and Punishment (1.5-hour external examination; worth 25% of the qualification)

Further Education and Careers in Criminology

Courses you could study at university include:

  • Criminology
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Careers which require a Criminology qualification include:

  • Civil Service Administrator
  • Community Development Worker
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Detective
  • Police Officer
  • Prison Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Social Worker
  • Youth Worker

Preparation Work

You need to complete these tasks over Summer to prepare you for your studies.