Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology

Sandbach College

Curriculum

Why study this course?

The WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology has been designed to provide learners with underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills to progress to further study and training. It offers exciting and interesting experiences and a unique chance to learn about the criminal justice system.

Students will also develop:

  • skills required for independent learning and development
  • a range of generic and transferable skills
  • the ability to solve problems
  • the skills of project-based research, development and presentation
  • the fundamental ability to work alongside other professionals, in a professional environment
  • the ability to apply learning in vocational contexts

This course, in combination with other Level 3 qualifications such as two A levels or a BTEC National Diploma,  will allow access to a multitude of different higher education courses such as:

  • BSc Criminology
  • BA Criminology
  • BA Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
  • LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology
  • BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
  • BA (Hons) Criminology
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology
  • BSc Criminology with Law

Sandbach College at Sandbach High School Entry Requirements

We ask that all students achieve 4 GCSE at Grade 4 (or level 2 pass) or higher.

What will I learn on this course?

You will develop an understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported. Knowing about the wide range of different crimes and the reasons people have for not reporting such crimes provides an understanding of the complexity of behaviours and the social implications of such crimes and criminality.

 You will also gain an understanding of why people commit crime and explore the difference between criminal behaviour and deviance and the theories behind why people commit crime.

 You will learn about the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. You will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases.

 

Examinations & Coursework

The subject is assessed using two exams and two controlled assessments.

Potential career paths

An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, including police officers, probation and prison officers, and social workers. With their critical thinking, analytical and communication skills, criminology graduates are also attractive to employers outside the criminal justice sector in areas such as social research and politics.

Enrichment opportunities

There are regular visits to police stations and headquarters. Students have taken part in a stop and search discussion group to consider procedures. The college is visited by professionals such as police officers, prison workers, pathologists, forensics and crime reduction officers / professionals, including Neighbourhood Watch. You will also get the unique opportunity to interview ex-offenders to hear about their experiences from behind bars and to link the course content to their reflections. Practical activities like solving crimes through exploring available evidence will be a part of the delivery of the course.