Level 3 WJEC Applied Diploma in Criminology

In Year 1, you will study the psychological and sociological theories of crime as well as how crime is portrayed through media. The course will enable you to understand different types of crime and the reasons why crimes go unreported. You will make an examination of statistical sources about crime and produce a campaign for change of your choice of crime type. You will also study different theories of criminal behaviour and assess the strength of these theories in influencing crime policy.

In Year 2, you will evaluate and assess the roles and techniques involved in criminal investigations including forensics and forensic scientists and specialists, surveillance and the Police, criminal profiling, the role of the specialist agencies and limitations of interview techniques. You will also consider the effectiveness of different strategies used to reduce criminality from custodial sentences, aims of punishment and the impact of community orders. You will apply this knowledge where the journey of suspects, victims and witnesses in the criminal investigation process through to conviction and appeals. You will also learn about miscarriages of justice and evidence, alongside the strengths and limitations of roles and techniques involved in criminal investigations. In the final unit you will learn different methods of reducing and preventing crime, the success of imprisonment and the relationships between different agencies in the criminal justice system.

2 Years

You will learn through teacher-lead content lessons, class discussions, interactive case scenarios, guest speakers and external trips. You will participate in topic debate and complete case profiles, and supplement your learning through documentary sources, podcasts and readings texts.

Criminology is an Applied General Qualification assessed through examinations and controlled assessments.

Unit 1: This unit is assessed through an 8-hour controlled assessment (internally assessed at your centre and externally moderated)
Unit 2: This unit is assessed through examination. The exam consists of short answer and extended writing questions and lasts 1 hour 30 minutes
Unit 3: This unit is assessed through an 8-hour controlled assessment (internally assessed at your centre and externally moderated)
Unit 4: This unit is assessed through examination. The exam consists of short answer and extended writing questions and lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology

Through studying the processes involved in criminal justice and the opportunity to meet Police and their specialist units, Magistrates, Probation and CPS personnel you will gain a greater insight into the industry sectors related to Criminology.

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.

It is also attractive to employers outside the criminal justice sector in areas such as social research and politics. Degree courses are particularly popular with students to pursue these careers including Criminology, Criminal Justice, Law, Psychology, Sociology, Crime and Forensics, Social Policy and Crime and Investigative Studies.

Level 3

You will prepare a folder of study notes which you are able to use during each of the controlled assessments.