Criminology

An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. WJEC Level 3 Applied Certificate in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities. This is an Applied General qualification. This means it is designed primarily to support learners progressing to university. It has been designed to offer exciting and interesting experiences that focus learning for 16-19 year-old learners and adult learners through applied learning, i.e. through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system.

IDEAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Although each application will be considered individually it would be beneficial for students to have a grade B in the Core subjects as a minimum.

Why choose Criminology?

This qualification looks at the types of crime that take place within our society. How do we decide which behaviour is criminal? How do we explain why some people commit crime and how can we use different theories of criminality to explain this behaviour? You will study real life cases in order to gain an understanding of the criminal justice system from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom and look at how social control is achieved within our society. Criminology is an Applied General qualification primarily designed to support learners progressing to university; however, much of the course is vocationally relevant, offering opportunities to learn from practical activities and the expertise of professionals currently working in criminology. It offers exciting and interesting learning experiences in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system. If you are fascinated by the workings of crime and punishment, this course could be for you!

What will I study?

During the first year you will study two Certificate units. Within these units you will look at different types of crime and public perceptions of crime, gaining an understanding of why some crimes go unreported to the police and media. The second Certificate unit, through its focus on a series of criminological theories, also allows learners to gain an understanding of why people commit crimes. During the second year of the course, the Diploma units will foster a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and you will develop the skills needed to examine criminal cases and review verdicts. You’ll look at the roles of personnel and processes involved from the moment a crime takes place until the verdict itself is passed. In the final unit, you will apply your knowledge of criminological theories to understand how and why we use punishment within the criminal justice system in order to achieve social control. You will learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of social control agencies, such as the police and prisons, in achieving their aims.

What skills will I develop?

The study of Criminology will equip you with a wide range of transferable skills:

·         the ability to complete project-based research, and to present it

·         the ability to collect, analyse and interpret data effectively

·         the ability to construct well-informed and reasoned arguments substantiated by relevant evidence

·         the ability to learn independently

·         the ability to work alongside other colleagues in a professional environment

·         the ability to apply your learning in vocational contexts.

How will I be assessed?

There are two Certificate units, each worth 50% of your Certificate qualification:

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.

If you decide to continue to study for the full Diploma, there will be two further units to complete. Further to the Certificate units (50% of the full Diploma) each Diploma unit is worth an additional 25%.

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.

Careers with Criminology

Criminology can open the door to an array of career paths that require understanding of the criminal justice sector. These may include careers in the police force or in police support roles, the field of forensic psychology, social and probation work or the prison services