Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals. We cover a range of topics including: changing awareness of crime, criminological theories, crime scene to courtroom, and crime and punishment.
WJEC/Eduqas
Grade 4 in GCSE English Language. requirement details
Criminology is an up-and-coming popular subject which allows students to engage with contemporary issues within society. Criminology can give you a range of skills and knowledge that can prepare you for further study in higher education or for any career within or outside the criminal justice system in the UK.
Diverse range of teaching methods including:
Our teaching staff have a range of specialisms such as Law, Psychology and Sociology which helps inform the many crime related topics in this course such as Theories of Criminal Behaviour, Criminal Justice Processes and Forms of Punishment which helps keep our lesson interesting and relevant.
A number of our staff are also examiners and moderators for the exam board for this course which informs the teaching of the course in relation to exam technique and content which ensures all our students are best prepared for assessments.
50% internally moderated coursework via controlled assessment and 50% externally moderated exam.
In Criminology students study 4 units throughout the two-year course.
During the first academic year we focus on unit 1 where we investigate different types of crime, why certain crimes go unreported and what influences our perception of crime. We analyse how crime statistics are collected and evaluate their reliability.
The second unit focuses on the biological, sociological and psychological reasons why people commit crime and the implications of this. Furthermore, we consider how social changes influence government policies and examine the impact of campaigns for change.
Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime
September-December
Controlled Assessment- 25%
Unit 2: Criminological Theories
January- May
External Exam- 25%
In the second academic year students follow unit 3 which gives them a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system. They examine the various roles and personnel involved in criminal investigations, assess different techniques and evaluate how evidence is collected and processed. Students will learn about the role of the CPS and understand the trial process in court. They will investigate the use of evidence in legal cases and consider the role of magistrates and juries. Students then apply this knowledge to real life case studies and evaluate and assess actual trial verdicts.
In the final unit, students apply their understanding of the awareness of criminality and criminological theories. They consider the structure of the criminal justice system and how laws are constructed and implemented. They focus on forms of social control and examine the use of various punishments. Students assess the impact of various organisations and their contribution in achieving social control.
Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom
September-December
Controlled Assessment- 25%
Unit 4: Crime and Punishment
January- May
External Exam- 25%
Criminology is a ‘Technology for Learning’ course which requires an electronic device to complete notes in class. It is recommended that laptops are used rather than iPads and Tablets due to some formatting issues with the lesson resources.
We run a range of different opportunities for trips as part of the Social Sciences department such as Krakow and New York as well as subject specific trips including Salisbury Prison, Preston Crown Court, Blackpool Magistrates and Manchester Police Museum.
We have links with multiple Criminology related agencies that take part in sessions and guest speaker talks such as the Crown Prosecution Service, Lancashire Constabulary, the Prison and Probation Service and the Ministry of Defence. We also book interactive crime scene sessions with outside agencies for a hands-on experience of Criminal Justice processes.
An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities. This is an Applied General qualification. This means it is designed primarily to support learners progressing to university. It has been designed to offer exciting and interesting experiences that focus learning for 16-19 year-old learners through applied learning, i.e. through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system. The qualification would support learners’ progression from any study at Level 2, particularly GCSEs in sociology, law, psychology, citizenship, history and humanities.
One main purpose of the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is mainly to use the qualification to support access to higher education degree courses, such as:
Alternatively, the qualification allows learners to gain the required understanding and skills to be able to consider employment within some aspects of the criminal justice system, e.g. the National Probation Service.
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