Criminology Level 3

Why should I study Criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behaviour, on individual, social and natural levels, and how it can be managed, controlled and prevented. The course is suitable if you are interested in why people commit crime, what types of crime they commit and how those crimes are dealt with or punished. It also enables you to use theories of criminality to analyse criminal situations and make recommendations for policy. You will assess campaigns for changes in awareness of crime and review verdicts. It is an excellent foundation if you want to pursue the study of criminology at university level.

Course Outline

Unit 1: Changing awareness of crime

The focus of the unit is on unreported crime and its consequences. We will examine white collar crime and organised crime as well as media representation of crime. Internally assessed controlled assessment.

Unit 2: Criminological theories

The aim of this unit is to explore the reasons why people commit crime from a variety of different perspectives such as biological, sociological and psychological. Students apply these theories to real life situations answering questions such as “what makes someone a serial killer? Externally assessed examination.

Unit 3: Crime scene to courtroom

In this unit we examine the Criminal Justice System, from the identification of the crime through to the verdict. Students evaluate the validity of verdicts given in criminal cases (including miscarriages of justice in real life) and gain an understanding of techniques used by police and throughout the CJS. Internally assessed controlled assessment.

Unit 4: Crime and punishment

This unit focuses on the roles of different agents of social control such as the police, CPS, probation and prison service. Students will also learn how to evaluate the limitations and effectiveness of these agents. Externally assessed examination.

What skills will i gain?

The course encourages you to develop a great range of transferable skills that are desired in higher education and employment. For example skills of independent learning and development, the ability to solve problems and analyse theories, the research, development and presentation of projects, teamwork and an ability to apply learning in vocational contexts.

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above; including English and/or maths
National data suggests successful students will have achieved an average points score of 5.0 or more

Other courses that go well with Criminology

Criminology is highly compatible with social sciences such as law, sociology and psychology as well as sciences.

What you can do after the course

This course can lead to job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. Further occupations within the criminal justice system such as the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service will also be accessible after studying criminology.