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Social science APPLIED DIPLOMA For 16-19 Year Olds

Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology (Single)

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COURSE oVERVIEW

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.

EXAMINATION BOARD:

WJEC/Eduqas

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Standard college entry requirements plus Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

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Studying Applied Diploma in Criminology

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Why study Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology at Blackpool Sixth?

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.

How will I be taught?

Diverse range of teaching methods including:

  • Collaborative learning
  • Independent learning
  • Flipped learning
  • Presentations
  • Online learning via Google
  • Classroom Peer teaching

Teaching Expertise

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.

What skills will I develop?

  1. Skills required for independent learning and development
  2. A range of generic and transferable skills
  3. The ability to solve problems
  4. The skills of project based research, development and presentation
  5. The fundamental ability to work alongside other professionals, in a professional environment
  6. The ability to apply learning in vocational contexts
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How will I be assessed?

50% internally moderated coursework via controlled assessment and 50% externally moderated exam.

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What will you study and other information about Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology

Where does it lead?

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:

  • BSc Criminology
  • BA Criminology
  • BA Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
  • LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology
  • BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
  • BA (Hons) Criminology
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology
  • BSc Criminology with Law.


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.

Helping you to find your dream career

Blackpool Sixth is dedicated to helping students achieve their future goals. We offer support to our students to help them find the best path for their chosen career.

To see how this course links to career pathways and to career academies which you could join, click the links below.

Related career pathways

Related career academies

Our Alumni

KITTY HARRIS

• BTEC Music

After completing her studies, talented musician and performer Kitty Harris went on to study Musical Theatre at UCLan, where she continued to develop her skills and passion for performance.
Her career highlights already include exciting roles such as ‘Cinderella’ in the Grand Theatre’s Pantomime, ‘Standby Ali’ in @burlesquethemusicaluk, and ‘Young Heather’ in @greatest_days.

luke moore

• BTEC Performing Arts – Musical Theatre

Luke Moore, achieved an outstanding Triple Distinction* in Performing Arts. He is currently touring the UK with Cirque – The Greatest Show and plans to audition for top London performing arts colleges, aiming for a future career in the West End.

Daniel millard

• BTEC Dance
• BTEC Performing Arts
• A Level Drama

Daniel Millard, graduated with First Class Honours from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA). Since then, he has performed as a dancer at Eurovision and as a production dancer for P&O Cruises.

KENZIE NODWELL

• A Level Fine Art
• A Level Graphic Design
• A Level Photography

Kenzie Nodwell, achieved A* grades in all three art subjects at Blackpool Sixth. She’s now continuing her creative journey at the University of Central Lancashire, studying Illustration.

Jenny higgins

• BTEC FASHION, DESIGN AND MARKETING
• A LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Jenny Higgins studied at Blackpool Sixth before earning a First-Class Honours degree in Fashion Marketing from Leeds Beckett University. Now Head of Marketing at The Travel Village Group, she combines creativity and sustainability, recognised nationally as one of TTG Media’s 30 Under 30 for 2025.

Linda Copeland

Teacher of BTEC Art and Design

Mel Evans

Visual Arts Technician

ross allan

Teacher of BTEC Art and Design

Sarah Johnson

Teacher of BTEC Fashion Design, Promotion and Marketing

Gemma Lea

Teacher of BTEC Fashion Design, Promotion and Marketing and BTEC Art and Design

Alice Tomlinson

Teacher of A Level Photography

Lindsay dickinson

Assistant Head Of Visual Arts
Teacher of A Level Art: Fine Art and A Level Art, Craft and Design

Laura Goodinson

Lucinda Campbell


Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media Teacher of Performing Arts, Dance and Musical Theatre

Michael Handley

Assistant Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media
Teacher of A Level Film Studies and A Level Media Studies

Olivia Hylins

Teacher of Performing Arts, Dance and Musical Theatre

ASH GOODINSON

Teacher of A Level Music Technology and BTEC Music

Lewis Williams

Assistant Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media
Teacher of BTEC Film and TV Production

John Stevens

Teacher of BTEC Music

Helen Twist

Teacher of A Level Media Studies and Level 2 Creative Digital Media

Charlie Moore

Teacher of BTEC Film and TV Production

Lisa Carolan

Teacher of Musical Theatre

Sarah Mistry

Teacher of Performing Arts and A Level Drama and Theatre Studies

Joseph Wylie

Lead Theatre Technician

Rob Yeo

Theatre and Music Technician

JESSE MOSELEY

• FOUNDATION PROGRAMME
• BTEC FILM AND TELEVISION

Jesse Moseley began on the Foundation Programme before progressing to the Level 3 BTEC Film and Television Production, where she achieved a Triple Distinction*.
Jesse is now continuing her studies at Escape Studios (accredited by Coventry University), focusing on the Art of Visual Effects.

LUKE MOORE

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ELAINE DAVIES

Head Of Visual Arts
Teacher of A Level Art: Textiles and Level 2 Creative Skills

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