L3 Applied Diploma in Criminology

Criminology A-Level looks at the types of crime that take place within our society and examines how we decide what behaviour is deemed ‘criminal’. It also looks at the roles of the personnel involved when a crime is detected. This course has been designed to prepare students for University study in Criminology and similar fields. If you have aspirations to work in the Police Force, legal profession or forensic sciences, or have a keen interest in crime and criminal behaviour, then this course could be for you.

General college entry requirements. GCSE English at grade 4 or above.

During the first year you will look at different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported. The second unit in year one will allow learners to begin to gain an understanding of the factors that may cause individuals to commit crime. For the second year of the course, you will start by gaining a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system, from crime scene to courtroom. You’ll look at the different processes and personnel involved from the moment a crime has been identified, all the way through to the verdict. In the final unit, you will apply your 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.

Through classroom based lectures, presentations, case studies, discussion and debate.

Through two 90 minute externally marked written examinations and teacher marked assignments.

You could apply for degree courses in criminology, criminal justice, psychology, sociology and law. There are employment and apprenticeship opportunities including those in the Police and other uniformed services, social services, the courts and criminal justice service, youth services and probation.