WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology

Why choose Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology?

This qualification looks at the types of crime that take place within our society. How do we decide which behaviour is criminal? How do we explain why some people commit crime and how can we use different theories of criminality to explain this behaviour?

You will study real life cases in order to gain an understanding of the criminal justice system from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom and look at how social control is achieved within our society.

Criminology is an Applied General qualification primarily designed to support learners progressing to university; however, much of the course is vocationally relevant, offering opportunities to learn from practical activities and the expertise of professionals currently working in criminology. It offers exciting and interesting learning experiences in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system. If you are fascinated by the workings of crime and punishment, this course could be for you!

Desirable skills

Its important Criminology students are self-motivated, driven and organised to prepare for their NEAs.

Other subjects that work well with this course

Criminology combines particularly well with Law, Sociology and Psychology. However, it is also an excellent option for broadening your subject portfolio whatever you are studying, including science and art subjects.

Why study Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology?

The study of Criminology will equip you with a wide range of transferable skills:

• the ability to complete project-based research, and to present it
• the ability to collect, analyse and interpret data effectively
• the ability to construct well-informed and reasoned arguments substantiated by relevant evidence
• the ability to learn independently
• the ability to work alongside other colleagues in a professional environment
• the ability to apply your learning in vocational contexts.

Course Overview

• Unit 1: You will examine different types of crime and public perceptions of crime, gaining an understanding of why some crimes go unreported to the police and media. You will learn how we record crime and whether it is an accurate system. The learning in this unit concludes with you planning a campaign to raise awareness of an under-reported crime.
• Unit 2: You will learn about criminological theories, allowing you to gain an understanding of why people commit crimes. The theories will be applied to real-life situations and you will discover answers to questions such as ‘what makes someone a serial killer?’
• Unit 3: You will gain an understanding of the criminal justice system and you will develop the skills needed to examine criminal cases and review verdicts. You will look at the roles of personnel and processes involved from the moment a crime takes place until the verdict itself is passed. This unit concludes with you applying your learning to a case study of a crime.
• Unit 4: You will apply your knowledge of criminological theories to understand how and why we use punishment within the criminal justice system in order to achieve social control. You will also learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of social control agencies, such as the police and prisons, in achieving their aims.

How will I be assessed?

There are two Certificate units, each worth 50% of your Certificate qualification:

• Unit 1: This unit is assessed through an 8-hour controlled assessment (internally assessed at FUS and externally moderated)

• Unit 2: This unit is assessed through examination. The exam consists of short answer and extended writing questions and lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

If you decide to continue to study for the full Diploma, there will be two further units to complete. Further to the Certificate units (50% of the full Diploma) each Diploma unit is worth an additional 25%.

• Unit 3: This unit is assessed through an 8-hour controlled assessment (internally assessed at FUS and externally moderated)

• Unit 4: This unit is assessed through examination. The exam consists of short answer and extended writing questions and lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

Progression and future careers. Criminology can open the door to a wide variety of career paths that require understanding of the criminal justice sector. These may include careers in the police force or in police support roles, the field of forensic psychology, social and probation work or the prison services. The course also provides an excellent foundation to go on to further study at university, particularly in Criminology, Law, Sociology, Psychology, and Professional Policing.