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Criminology (Applied Diploma)

This course will give you a core understanding of the criminal justice system, the psychology and sociology of crime and the different types of crime we observe in society.

An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology.

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 sixth form through applied learning. The applied purpose demands learning related to authentic case studies. It also requires you to consider how the use and application of your learning impacts on yourself, other individuals, employers, society and the environment.

Future Opportunities

This course compliments progression into higher education, onto courses with a criminological, sociological, psychological or law element.

Alternatively, the qualification allows you 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, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service.

What are the entry requirements?

Five or more GCSEs Grade 9 -4 or equivalent, including English.

What will I study?

  • Changing awareness of crime
  • Criminology theories
  • From the crime scene to the courtroom 
  • Crime and punishment

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of internal controlled assessment and external examinations:

  • Unit 1 and 3 are assessed through summative controlled assessment.
  • Unit 2 and 4 are assessed through external examinations.

Each unit is worth 25% of the diploma, and are graded A-E.

FAQs

What is the average class size?

We have two classes of over 20, therefore, expect classes to be a little larger than some courses. 

Are the teachers specialists in the subject area?

All our teachers are specialists in this field.

How successful have previous students been in this subject?

Students perform very well in Criminology. Many students have gone on to study it at degree level.

What other subjects compliment this course?

Criminology can be studied alongside other applied courses such as Health and Social Care due to the research elements required in both. Furthermore, you will find an overlap with A Level Sociology & Psychology in some areas, as well as complimenting courses that require a substantial amount of writing.  

Will studying this subject allow me to go to university?

Yes, the course is designed to allow for progression onto university courses. You will find the course compliments progression in Criminology, Criminal Investigation and Policing, Law, Sociology, Psychology and Forensics.  

Is the point score the same as an A Level course? 

Yes, we are graded A*-E, we are the equivalent of one A Level, and the UCAS Tariff Points are the same.  

What careers can the subject lead to? 

As suggested above, Criminology can lead to many post-18 options. Obvious courses and programs designed to get people into criminal investigation or law are popular choices. It can also lead to other careers linked to social sciences, such as research or social work.