The Curriculum

Which syllabus do we follow?

We follow WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology.

What is covered in the course?

Criminology is a fascinating interdisciplinary subject that draws on elements of Law, Psychology and Sociology to examine how crime is defined, why people commit crimes, the perceptions of crime, why some crimes are unreported, how society responds to criminal activity and how we punish offenders. We explore crime statistics and how we can reduce crime rates and successfully rehabilitate criminal individuals, as well as how physical evidence such as hairs, blood and fingerprints are collected from crime scenes and how this can prove innocence or guilt in the courtroom. There will be opportunities to debate the controversial criminological theories of crime and investigate their implications in our Criminal Justice System. Studying criminology will allow you to understand the culture of crime and the workings of the criminal justice system alongside giving you the opportunity to delve further into biological, individualistic and sociological reasons for criminal behaviour including exploring criminal personality traits, the born criminal and subcultures.

How will I be assessed?

This course is split into four sections:

Units 1 (year 12) and 3 (year 13) are internally moderated controlled assessment where learners are required to complete a timed piece of work under exam conditions. These are created from learner’s knowledge. Unit 2 (year 12) and 4 (year 13) are external exam units. Exams take place in May each year. Exemplar material can be found on the WJEC website.

Where can this subject take me?

Completion of this course can lead to careers in public services such as the police and prison service, legal professions, social work, working with young offenders, civil service, National Probation Service, Courts and Tribunals Service and the National Offender Management Service. It also provides access to further studies in criminology, criminal justice, psychology, law and sociology.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS

It is important that you are prepared to read around the content and consider how real-life crimes and court cases could be explained using criminological theories. This means articles in “quality” broadsheet newspapers and magazines, as well as books. An interest in current events is also helpful to gain inspiration for your assignments and apply your knowledge to real life practice. An interest in the criminal mind and behaviour is also beneficial, as is exploring historic and infamous crimes.