Criminology

 

The Level 3 Diploma in Criminology aims to give students a fascinating insight into criminality – beginning with the committed offence, through the trial and court system, and finally to the punishment of those found guilty of crimes. Students study a range of criminological theories on the nature and causes of criminal behaviours, as well as developing practical skills that allow students to analyse criminality and the justice system and to apply their knowledge to real world scenarios. 

The subject combines effectively with A Level Psychology and A Level Sociology, but allows students a less exam focused approach as the qualification is assessed through a combination of 50% coursework and 50% external examination. Level 3 Diplomas are accepted by universities as a valid equivalent to A Level and carry the same weighting in terms of UCAS points.

Course Content

The Diploma is taught in four Units, two in Year 12 and two in Year 13. 

Year 12: Applied Certificate in Criminology

Unit 1: Planning a Campaign for Change

The purpose of this unit is for learners to plan campaigns for change relating to crime. At the end of this unit, you will have gained skills to differentiate between myth and reality when it comes to crime and to recognise that common representations may be misleading and inaccurate. You will have gained the skills to understand the importance of changing public perceptions of crime and be able to use and assess a variety of methods used by agencies to raise awareness of crime so that it can be tackled effectively. You will have gained the skills to plan a campaign for change in relation to crime; for example to raise awareness, change attitudes or a change in the law.

Unit 2: Criminological Theories 

How do we decide what behaviour is criminal? How do we explain why people commit crime? What makes someone a serial killer, or abusive to their own families? At the end of this unit you will have gained the skills to evaluate some criminological theories and know there are debates within the different theories. You will understand how changes in criminological theory have influenced policy. You will also have gained the skills to apply the theories to a specific crime or criminal in order to understand both the behaviour and the theory.

Year 13: Applied Diploma in Criminology

Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom

Through this unit, learners will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases. At the end of this unit you will have gained the skills to review criminal cases, evaluating the evidence in the cases to determine whether the verdict is safe and just.

Unit 4: Crime and Punishment

Through this unit, you will learn about the criminal justice system in England and Wales and how it operates to achieve social control. You will have gained an understanding of the organisations which are part of our system of social control and their effectiveness in achieving their objectives. As such, you will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the process of social control in delivering policy in different contexts.