CRIMINOLOGY (Level 3 Applied Diploma WJEC)

Cottingham and Hessle Sixth Form College

Who is the course aimed at?

Criminology is a popular subject, interesting to those who:

• Are keen to learn about criminology as the scientific study of criminal behaviour and how it can be managed, controlled and prevented.

• Would like to understand more about what and why individuals behave as we do

• Wish to develop the key skills of analysis, evaluation and application of research

• The Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is equivalent to one A Level.

What will you learn?

You will study four units to complete this course:

• Changing Awareness of Crime: You will explore four key approaches in psychology - social, cognitive, learning and biological - and apply these to issues relevant to contemporary society.

• Criminological Theories: You will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the scientific process and in psychological research methodology through completing your own psychological research project.

• Crime Science to Courtroom: You will explore psychological approaches, theories and studies related to lifestyle choices,  unhealthy behaviours and behavioural change, linking them to their specific contexts.

• Crime and Punishment: Planning a scientific investigation, data collection, processing and analysis/interpretation,  drawing conclusions and evaluation.

The course content will enable you to concentrate on the development of your knowledge and understanding of psychology, as well as the application of skills that are important in this subject area.  

How will you be assessed?

Assessment is as follows:

• Changing Awareness of Crime: Controlled assignment, internally assessed / 90 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

• Criminological Theories: Written exam 1.5 hours, externally marked / 90 GLH

• Crime Scene to Courtroom: Controlled assignment, internally assessed / 90 GLH

• Crime and Punishment: Written exam 1.5 hours, externally marked / 90 GLH

How will you learn?

• Taking part in discussions and debates
• Group and pairs work
• Some teacher led activities
• Practical research - Plan and conduct experiments and then analyse data to draw conclusions
• Giving presentations about researched material
• Taking part in debate and discussion
• Variety of video and films
• Examination questions, mark schemes and past papers

Enrichment activities and independent learning?

Additional reading outside of lessons will be expected and we offer a number of resources for independent learning.

We also provide guidance on examination technique and have revision classes to consolidate classroom learning.

Staff are available for additional support as and when required both class based and to individual students.

What or where next?

You could go on to university to study a related degree course, for example - criminology, criminal psychology, sociology or law. Future careers in the field of criminology could include:

• Criminologist
• Police officer
• Prison officer
• Probation or social work
• Community or youth work
• Forensic science assistant

Criminology is also useful for a wide range of other careers, for example - data scientist, local government officer, solicitor, chaplain, data scientist, researcher, charity worker.

More information

For more information about this course please see the specification below or contact the sixth form team.