Criminology
LEVEL 3 EXTENDED CERTIFICATE (WJEC EDURAS)
This course is equivalent to one A Level and is taken as part of an A Level programme.
Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals. The discipline looks at the many reasons why a person commits a crime, and by understanding what motivates individuals to commit crimes, we can develop techniques to control crime in society and rehabilitate criminals.
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Key topics
understanding different types of crimes that take place in society and why they go unreported
learning criminological theories
understanding different investigative techniques used in criminal investigations
learning how evidence is processed and how decisions are made about sentencing
understanding more about the criminal justice system in England and Wales and how it operates to achieve social control
You will
apply what you have learnt to real life cases and situations
participate in discussion and debate
develop practical and academic skills
learn from practitioners in the criminal justice sector
take part in trips to the Magistrates/Crown Court
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A minimum of 5 GCSEs (average score of 5)
These must include:
English Language at grade 5
Maths at grade 4
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Assessment methods include:
Exams
Coursework
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This course can be taken as part of an A Level programme.
We recommend that students choose three A Levels or a combination of Level 3 Extended Certificates and A Levels. Depending on your GCSE grades and long-term destination, some students may be able to take up to four A Levels.
If you are planning on progressing to university, the majority of university courses do not require specific subjects. Most universities prefer that you are able to demonstrate skills and competence via the successful completion of related courses. Therefore we recommend that the most important thing when choosing course combinations is that you choose a range of subjects that your enjoy and excel in.
We do not recommend that your take two courses that are similar to each other in content.
Some courses and universities require that you take specific A Levels for entry onto their courses. Please visit: UCAS.com and explore individual university entry requirements for more information.
If you are planning on studying Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry or other competitive science based courses, most universities require you to take Biology, Chemistry and either Maths, Statistics or Physics.
If you want more information on choosing your A Levels, please speak to your schools career advisor or chat to us at any of our careers or open day events.
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Prepare to study many subjects that you have not come across before at school. Popular and interesting subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Law and Criminology will allow you to engage in a broad range of intriguing topics which explores behaviours, feelings and actions of citizens and criminals.
TRIPS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Criminology students: receive talks from a reformed criminal and a Rwandan genocide survivor as well as talks on honour crime and Jack the Ripper tour.
Law students: visit The Old Bailey court to view a live court case and understand how the judicial system works.
Psychology students: visit ZSL London Zoo and take part in sessions on hypnotherapy, phobias and animal intelligence.
Sociology students: visit to the Museum of Childhood to explore changes in the making of toys throughout history.
INSPIRATIONAL ACADEMICS
The Social Sciences team has over 150 years of teaching experience, supporting students with university applications and experience as examiners in sociology, business and psychology. All of the Social Science team have industry experience in a wide range of sectors.
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Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.
We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
Our specialist teams can help with:
Learning difficulties
Physical and sensory disabilities
Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Aspergers or other specific learning difficulties
Mental health, counselling and wellbeing
Exam access arrangements
Money, finance and bursary advice
Careers advice, job and university applications
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The Complete University Guide give university rankings each year. If you are planning on progressing to university, find out which universities are ranked most highly for Sociology.
+ Next steps
Students on this course will typically progress in to university. They will study subjects such as Law, Sociology, Psychology, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, and Applied Science alongside Criminology. This serves the purpose to gain the foundation knowledge to progress towards careers in the Police, Criminal Investigation, Forensics, Counter-Terrorism, Customs and other such roles.