Criminology Level 3 Diploma
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Discover the fascinating world of crime, justice and criminal behaviour. This exciting two-year course is designed for students with an academic interest in crime and its impact on society. You'll explore a range of criminological theories to understand why people commit crimes and assess policies designed to reduce crime. You'll examine the process of criminal investigations, the prosecution of suspects and how and why offenders are punished. You'll also study the criminal justice system in Britain and understand the role that different agencies play in tackling the problem of crime.
What will I study in Criminology Level 3 Diploma?
Unit 1 - Changing Awareness of Crime
Why do some crimes dominate the headlines while others are rarely mentioned? In this unit, you'll explore crimes that are under-reported and often misunderstood, and investigate the reasons why. You'll examine the impact these crimes have on individuals and society, as well as the role of media and campaigns for change in bringing issues into the spotlight. By the end of the unit, you'll create your own campaign linked to an under-reported crime, designing materials and justifying your decisions to convince others why your campaign could make a real difference in society.
Unit 2 - Criminological Theories
Why do people commit crime? Are criminals born that way, shaped by society, or simply making choices? In this unit, you'll investigate some of the biggest criminological theories and put them to the test using real-life crimes and criminals. You'll analyse infamous cases, debate what theories actually work in practice, and explore how governments and criminal justice agencies try to reducing crime using criminological theories. This unit is where Criminology meets Biology, Sociology, and Psychology.
Unit 3 - Crime Scene to Courtroom
How does a criminal case move from the crime scene to a verdict in court? In this unit, you'll explore the entire criminal justice process in England and Wales. Starting at police investigations and forensic evidence, you'll follow the process through to courtroom procedures and sentencing decisions. You'll learn how evidence is collected and analysed, how the court system works, and how juries and magistrates make decisions. You'll investigate real-life cases, assess the reliability of the evidence and investigative techniques used, and examine miscarriages of justice to decide whether the right outcomes were reached.
Unit 4 - Crime and Punishment
Who really has the power to control crime, and does the system actually work? In this unit, you'll explore all of the agencies responsible for justice, including the police, courts, probation, prisons, and charities, and investigate how effective they are. You'll debate which punishments are most effective, examine how laws are created, and explore the different ways that society attempts to maintain control. You'll discuss whether punishment should be about revenge, protection, deterrence, rehabilitation, or repairing the damage done, and evaluate which forms of punishment meet those aims.
Entry Requirements
At least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above from the core subjects including English Language and
Maths.
How will I learn?
Throughout the two years in Criminology you will learn through a wide range of guided, interactive, and independent activities designed to develop both your criminological knowledge and the skills needed for university and future careers. Lessons include debates, discussions, presentations, research task, presentations, group work, case study analysis, and assessment skill activities, giving you the opportunities to think critically and apply knowldge to real-life situations.
A key feature of the course is the use of real criminal cases, allowing you to investigate crime, criminal behaviour, punishment, and criminal justice agency involvement in depth. You will regularly apply criminological theories and concepts to contemporary and historical case studies, helping you to develop analytical and evaluative skills.
Most importantly, you will build strong independent learning skills through research, note-taking, extended reading, and lesson preparation tasks. The internal Controlled Assessment processes (in Units 1 and 3) require you to produce formal written reports under timed conditions and will develop valuable skills in organisation, academic writing, time management, and attention to detail. These skills will be highly transferrable to whatever your next step is after college.
Throughout the course, you will develop confidence in communicating ideas, constructing arguments, evaluating evidence, and working collaboratively as well as independently. Knowledge, application, and evaluation skills are assessed through a variety of methods including essays, presentations, quizzes, research activities, and exam-style questions, helping you to prepare for both the internal Controlled Assessments (in Units 1 and 3) and external exams (in Units 2 and 4).
How will I be assessed?
Each of the 4 units are worth 25% of the Diploma. 50% of the assessment is through externally marked exams and 50% through internally marked Controlled Assessments. The assessment timings are as follows:
Unit 1 (Controlled Assessment): Between November and January of the first year. This is an 8 hour typed exam completed in college under supervised conditions across a number of days. Students will prepare approved reports that follow exam board regulations for each assessment criteria during the unit, which they can take into the exam with them.
Unit 2 (External Exam): Between May and June of the first year. This is a 90 minute written exam completed under standard exam conditions with no notes.
Unit 3 (Controlled Assessment): Between November and January of the second year. This is an 8 hour typed exam completed in college under supervised conditions across a number of days. Students will prepare approved reports that follow exam board regulations for each assessment criteria during the unit, which they can take into the exam with them.
Unit 4 (External Exam): Between May and June of the second year. This is a 90 minute written exam completed under standard exam conditions with no notes.
Any trips?
We are committed to giving students opportunities to experience Criminology beyond the classroom and to develop a deeper understanding of crime, punishment, and hte criminal justice system in real-world contexts.
Previous Criminology students visted former prisons, university taster days, rehabilitation projects, and courts. These experiences help students to connect classroom learning with real criminal justice processes and careers.
We are currently expanding our enrichment programme and are actively exploring a range of new educational visits and opportunities for future students. Alongside trips, we regularly invite external speakers into college, including professionals from across the criminal justice system. They provide valuable insight into careers, real cases, and the realities of working within Criminology related fields.
Are there any costs involved?
Students are required to purchase course booklets throughout the two year programme. These are essential for lesson activities, independent study, revision and assessment preparation. They are designed specifically to support success in the WJEC Criminology qualification. Further information regarding costs and payment will be provided at the beginning of the first year.
There is no requirement to purchase a textbook, and some are available to use in the library.
For those students who prefer to have their own copy of a textbook at home, the WJEC approved textbook costs about £26 and covers both years of the course. It can be purchased independently from a variety of bookstores and online - 2023 revised edition. WJEC Level 3 Applied Certificate & Diploma Criminology - Student Book - Illuminate Publishing
There is a charge for each trip, although this is kept to a minimum.
Educational visits and enrichment activities offered throughout the course may require a contribution towards transport, entry, or associated costs. Full details, payment information, and support available with costs for those eligible will always be provided in advance and costs will be kept as low as possible.
Device Requirements
Due to the Controlled Assessment report writing phase, it is beneficial to have a laptop device that runs Windows.
Information about what device may be required for this course, where available, can be found on our Bring Your Own Device guidance page.FAQs
What other subjects will Criminology go well with?
Criminology is a Social Science and so combines particularly well with subjects that explore society, behaviour, and justice. Popular combinations include Sociology, Psychology, Law, and Politics, as many of the skills and themes overlap.
Students interested in Forensic Science based careers should be aware that most university Forensic Science courses will expect at least one science-based subject (such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics) alongside Criminology.
For those interested in a career in criminal justice, policing, law, or related fields, Criminology is an excellent subject alongside courses such as Law and Uniformed Protective Services.
Do I need any particular knowledge or experience?
No previous knowledge of Criminology is needed as the course is designed to introduce students to the subject from the beginning. All you need is an interest in crime, society, and the criminal justice system, alongside a willingness to engage with current issues and real-life case studies.
However, Criminology is a demanding Level 3 qualification and students are expected to be motivated, organised, and committed to working independently outside of lessons. In addition to classroom learning, students should expect to complete approximately 4.5 hours of independent study in Criminology per week. This may include research, pre-reading, note-taking, Controlled Assessment preparation, revision, and application of content.
Students who are curious, willing to contribute to discussions, and prepared to put consistent effort into the course are most likely to succeed.
Is Criminology similar to any other subjects?
Criminology is often described as an "umbrella subject" because it combines elements from a range of different disciplines. You'll explore topics linked to Sociology, Psychology, Law, Politics, and aspects of Science, all through the lens of crime and criminal justice. This meanst hat the course suits students with a variety of interests. If you enjoy analysing human behaviour, debating social issues, exploring how laws are created and enforced, or examining real-life case studies, you are likely to enjoy Criminology.
Many students find that Criminology complements and overlaps with subjects such as Sociology and Psychology in its focus on behaviour and society, while also sharing links with Law through the study of the legal system, punishment, and justice. However, Criminology is unique in the way it brings these areas together into one applied subject focused specifically on crime, deviance, social control, and the criminal justice system. Rather than studying these topics separately, you'll explore how they connect in real-life cases and contemporary issues.
I am very keen. What extra work can I do?
Students who are particularly interested in Criminology are encouraged to engage with crime and justice issues beyond the classroom. Following current affairs and developing wider knowledge of crime, policing, punishment, and social issues will help to strengthen your understanding across all units of the course.
We regularly discuss high-profiles criminal cases and contemporary issues in lessons, linking real-life events to criminological theories and concepts as they happen. Reading newspapers, following reliable news sources, and engaging critically with media coverage of crime can therefore be extremely beneficial.
Some examples of where to find material to engage with include:
- Documentaries such as 24 Hours in Police Custody, Forensics: The Real CSI, and Murder 24/7
- Podcasts such as RedHanded, Casefile, and Bad People
- Current affairs programmes such as Panorama and BBC News investigations
- Wider reading around crime, punishment, policing, investigations and trials
Students will also be provided with a recommended reading and viewing list to support independent study and wider exploration of the subject.
We encourage students to take opportunities to experience the criminal justice system first-hand where possible, such as observing a court case at a Magistrates' or Crown Court, attending university taster events, or engaging with Criminology related talks and enrichment activities.
What sort of careers do students go into with Criminology?
Criminology can lead to a wide range of university courses, apprenticeships, and careers linked to crime, justice, society, and public services. The course develops valuable transferable skills which are useful across many professions.
Students with Criminology qualifications have progressed into areas such as:
- Criminology and Criminal Justice related degrees
- Law and Politics related degrees
- Sociology and Psychology related degrees
- Policing and law enforcement
- Probation and prison services
- Law and legal services
- Forensic Psychology and wider Psychology related careers
- Social work
- Youth work
- Public sector careers
- Teaching and education
- Journalism and investigative media
- Victim support, advocacy, and safeguarding roles
- Intelligence and security services
A particular strength of the course at Cirencester College is that several members of the Criminology teaching team have previous professional experience within criminal justice and related sectors, allowing students to benefit from real-life insight alongside academic study.
Awarding Body
WJEC
Available As
Diploma
[112 UCAS pts. available]
[112 UCAS pts. available]
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What can I do after I have taken this course?
Available As
Diploma
[112 UCAS pts. available]
[112 UCAS pts. available]
Add to Application
DO NOT DELETE OR EDIT THIS ROW OR ITS CONTENTS
