DEPARTMENT	COURSE NAME	COURSE LEADER	EXAM BOARD	QUALIFICATION
Social Science	Criminology	Ms Vincent	WJEC	Level 3 Diploma

What is it about?

Criminology is a course that combines the subjects of Psychology, Sociology, Law, Politics and Forensic Science to form a new discipline of its own.

This is a growing subject nationally and one of the first Criminology courses offered at Level 3.  It includes an exciting range of units covering: The Changing Awareness of Crime, Criminological Theories, From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom and Crime and Punishment.

Course Entry Requirements

To study the Diploma in Criminology you will have at least a grade 5 (strong pass C) or above in GCSE English and at least four other GCSE passes in essay based subjects (grade 4 or above).  Criminology is a Social Science and you will therefore have to be keen on reading and thinking about controversial and conflicting arguments.  You will have to be prepared to develop your ability in essay writing. 

Year 12 Criminology

Unit 1 The Changing Awareness of Crime	Students will be expected to understand: the difference between myth and reality when it comes to crime the importance of public perceptions of crime the methods used by agencies to raise awareness of crime how to plan a campaign for change in relation to crime
Unit 2 Criminological Theories	Students will be expected to understand: the difference between crime and deviance the different types of crime the different explanations that have been offered as to the causes of crime how to apply these explanations to real life scenarios

Year 13 Criminology

Unit 3 From the Crime Scene to the Court Room	Students will be expected to understand: what happens at a crime scene what happens to a suspect once they are charged the process which leads to a guilty or not-guilty verdict the roles of different personnel who determine the fate of a suspect
Unit 4 Crime and Punishment	Students will be expected to understand: the institutions we have developed to ensure most people obey the law what happens to those who violate the law and why we punish them how effective these institutions are in preventing criminality how to assess the different mechanisms, ideologies and policies we have in place

How is the course assessed?

Units 1 and 3 are assessed through controlled assessments.

Units 2 and 4 are assessed through examinations.

Each unit is worth 25% of the overall grade.

Units 1 and 2 are assessed in Year 12 and Units 3 and 4 are assessed in Year 13.

Progression and Careers

The two year diploma is equivalent to a full A Level.

This course is ideal for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in the Criminal Justice System e.g. the police, the courts, the probation service etc. It is also an excellent route into Higher Education to study subjects such as Criminology, Law, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Forensic Science and many other areas. The course would also provide an excellent basis for anyone wishing to pursue careers in Social Work, Youth Work or Community Development.

Exam Board

WJEC

Contact Name

For further information, please see Ms P Vincent - Head of Criminology