Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology

What is it?

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.

Why study this course at Blackpool Sixth?

Criminology is an up-and-coming popular subject which allows students to engage with contemporary issues within society. We have links with The University of Cumbria who visit us regularly to offer Offender Profiling Masterclasses which allow students to apply their knowledge from the classroom to the real world.

What skills will I develop?

The applied purpose will also allow learners to learn in such a way that they develop: 

• Skills required for independent learning and development 
• A range of generic and transferable skills 
• The ability to solve problems 
• The skills of project based research, development and presentation 
• The fundamental ability to work alongside other professionals, in a professional environment 
• The ability to apply learning in vocational contexts

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

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed via 50% examination and 50% externally moderated coursework.

 Trips, projects and employability opportunities

• Elizabeth Loftus ‘Memory Matters’ Educational Psychology Conference in London
• Student participation in psychological research in conjunction with Liverpool John Moores University
• Range of guest speakers from academic specialists and professionals, including speakers from Lancaster University and Greater Manchester Police
• Visits to a range of universities within the North West to gain an insight into studying criminology at degree level, or pursuing a professional career in law enforcement

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.

Equipment

The department is part of the ‘technology for learning’ scheme, therefore you will need to have an electronic device (e.g. Chromebook) to study this subject.

Examination board

WJEC/Eduqas