CRIMINOLOGY

LEVEL 3: Extended Certificate (Applied Diploma)
EXAMINING BOARD: WJEC

Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behaviour, on individual, social and natural levels, and how it can be managed, controlled and prevented.

This course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of crime and the criminal justice system.

It covers all aspects of crime, from what kinds of people commit a crime, through to crime scenes, courtrooms, punishment and prisons. You will compare criminal behaviour and deviance and learn to explain the social construction of criminality.

It has elements of Sociology, Psychology and Law and will be a good choice if you are interested in the Social Sciences or Humanities.

There will be opportunities for trips to Shepton Mallet Prison, to receive talks from guest speakers who work in the Criminal Justice System and a chance to explore crime scene methods.

Unit 1 – Changing Awareness of Crime

The focus of the unit is on unreported crimes and the consequences of such crimes.

It will introduce media representation of crime and how campaigns for change can raise awareness of unreported crimes in society.

You will plan a campaign for change relating to crime. You will be required to apply the knowledge and understanding you acquire to a given scenario for the controlled assessment.

Unit 2 – Criminological Theories

This unit focuses on why people commit a crime and includes a study of a range of theories of criminality.

You will learn about biological, sociological & individualistic theories used to explain crime and weigh up the strengths and limitations of each theory.

You will learn about the impact of these theories on policy development to tackle criminal behaviour.

Unit 3 – Crime Scene to Courtroom

The focus of this unit is the Criminal Justice System from the identification of the crime through to the verdict.

You will begin by evaluating the role of personnel involved in the Criminal Justice System and assessing the usefulness of investigative techniques.

You will study the court system, rules of evidence and impact of influences on a criminal trial.

You will also gain the understanding and skills to examine the validity of verdicts given in criminal cases.

Unit 4 – Crime and Punishment

This unit covers the law-making process (judicial & parliamentary) and the organisation of the criminal justice system.

You will study the aims of punishment and the extent to which different punishments meet the aims.

For example, do prisons achieve the aim of rehabilitation?

In addition, you will study crime prevention and the limitations of agencies in the criminal justice system

As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 4
  • GCSE English Language grade 4
  • plus three more GCSEs at grade 4

 

Units 1 and 3 are internally assessed, each through a controlled assessment completed under controlled conditions over a period of 8 hours.

Units 2 and 4 are externally assessed through synoptic examinations (short & long answer questions) each 1 hour 30 minutes in duration.

Studying Criminology opens up a wide range of careers such as within the National Probation Service, Police, Courts and Tribunals Service, National Offender Management Service, or Prison Service.

You may progress to study courses such as Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology and Forensic Studies, Criminology and Sociology, or Criminology with Law.