Exam Board – WJEC

Qualification – Level 3 Certificate and Extended Certificate

Entry requirements – Standard entry requirement

Who to contact – Miss Cook: jcook@retfordoaks-ac.org.uk

Course specification

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. With their critical thinking, analytical and communication skills, Criminology graduates are also attractive to employers outside the criminal justice sector in areas such as social research and politics.

The Level 3 Diploma in Criminology has been designed to provide learners with underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills to progress to further study and training. It offers exciting and interesting experiences through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system.

In year 12, students look at types of crime, reasons for crime, and the media’s input to crime. They will also learn about criminological theories.

In year 13 students will focus on the crime scene to the courtroom. This piece of work will consider who is involved in criminal investigations, what are the techniques used, trials and evidence in court and the rights of the witnesses, suspects and victims. They will also study the criminal justice system, types of punishment and whether different types of punishment can really have a positive effect on an offender.

Syllabus content:

  • changing awareness of crime
  • criminological theories
  • from the crime scene to the courtroom

Students are examined by:

  • examinations
  • controlled assessments