Course Live_AC_paperturn-3 - Flipbook - Page 21
CRIMINOLOGY
WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (equivalent to 1 A Level)
Criminology is the study of criminality, what the causes are
and how society deals with crime. This includes studying
a range of underreported crimes and how campaigns
can lead to changes in our criminal justice system. You
will be required to design your own campaign for change
on a particular crime. You will also consider why people
commit crime and whether the range of theories presented
are credible. The second year of the course looks at the
structure of our criminal justice system and how effective
different agencies are in a criminal investigation. It is an
interdisciplinary social science subject, drawing from
a range of sociological, psychological and biological
discussions as well as law. Lessons will be varied as per
any A Level subject. You will be required to undertake
independent research during lesson time and to present
your findings to the class.
Tutors will use a variety of teaching techniques such as
class discussions, group work and individual research.
These are also supported with outside speakers and a
variety of trips.
The course could be studied alongside other Level 3
qualifications. However, as there is overlap between
the material covered in Criminology and the material
covered in Sociology, Psychology and Law, it is advised
that a maximum of one of these three subjects is studied
alongside.
COURSE CONTENT
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
• cognitive and problem-solving skills:
using critical thinking, approaching nonroutine problems
• interpersonal skills: communicating,
working collaboratively, negotiating and
influencing, self-presentation
• intrapersonal skills: self-management,
adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring
and development.
• the ability to learn independently and
research actively and methodically
• the ability to give presentations and be
active group members
There are four units that make up
the Level 3 Diploma.
YEAR 1
• Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime
You will develop an understanding of
different types of crime, influences on
perceptions of crime and why some
crimes go unreported. You will also
plan and design your own campaign for
change.
• Unit 2: Criminological Theories
You will gain an understanding of theories
behind why people commit crime and
also the difference between criminal
behaviour and deviance.
YEAR 2
Unit 3: : Crime Scene to Courtroom
You will gain an understanding of the
criminal justice system from the moment a
crime has been identified through to the
verdict.
Unit 4: Crime and Punishment
You will examine the effectiveness of social
control to deliver criminal justice policy.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
CAREER PATHWAYS
Standard Advanced Level entry
requirements
This course would benefit students
looking to go straight into work. It could
lead to work with employers such as the
National Probation Service, the Courts and
Tribunals Service, or the National Offender
Management Service. For students
wanting to progress into higher education,
it is equivalent to an A level in terms of
UCAS points.
ASSESSMENT
100% exam and controlled assessment.
Units 1 and 3 assessed through computerbased controlled assessments lasting 8
hours in total for each unit.
Units 2 and 4 assessed through written
exams lasting 1½ hours for each unit. The
controlled assessment and external exam
marks are added together to give you an
overall grade.
VA R N D E A N S I X T H F O R M C O L L E G E 2 0 2 6
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