Criminology

WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities.

This is an Applied General qualification, which 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- to 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. The qualification would support learners’ progression from any study at Level 2, particularly GCSEs in Sociology, Law, Psychology, Citizenship, History and Humanities.

WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology (2-year course)
Unit number Entry code Unit title   Assessment GLH
1 Changing Awareness of Crime Mandatory Internal 90
2 Criminological Theories Mandatory External 90
3 Crime Scene to Courtroom Mandatory Internal 90
4 Crime and Punishment Mandatory External 90

Learners must complete ALL units.

The first mandatory unit will enable the learner to demonstrate understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported. This will be tested through a controlled assessment during Year 12 of the course.

The second mandatory unit will allow learners to gain an understanding of why people commit crime, drawing on what they have learned in Unit 1. This will be tested at the end of Year 12 through a 90-minute external exam.

The third mandatory unit will provide an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. Learners will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases. Learners will complete a controlled assessment relating to this unit during Year 13 of their studies.

In the final mandatory unit, learners will apply their understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy. This will be assessed through a 90-minute external exam at the end of Year 13.

Each unit within the qualification has an applied purpose which acts as a focus for the learning in the unit. The applied purpose demands learning related to authentic case studies. It also requires learners to consider how the use and application of their learning impacts on themselves, other individuals, employers, society and the environment.

The applied purpose will also allow learners to learn in such a way that they 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

For further information regarding the Criminology course please contact a member of the Criminology department.

[fancy_header]Staff[/fancy_header]

  • Mrs Annie Willcox – Head of Sociology, Psychology & Criminology
  • Mr Nick Wright – Teacher of History and Criminology