WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology

Why choose this course?

WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology. The course complements studies in humanities. Criminology is a popular subject for students who have a keen interest in understanding crime. The course supports access to higher education degree courses such as, Criminology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminology and Psychology, Law with Criminology, Criminology and Sociology, Psychology and Sociology.

Skills

Students on the Criminology course develop a wide range of valuable skills that are highly transferable to both higher education and future careers. They build strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, interpreting data, evaluating evidence, and applying criminological theories to real-life scenarios. The course enhances research skills, teaching students to investigate issues independently and use credible sources effectively.

Learners also develop communication and teamwork skills, presenting ideas clearly, participating in discussions, and collaborating on group projects. Through case studies and practical activities, students improve problem-solving, decision-making, and ethical judgment, while gaining a practical understanding of criminal investigations and the justice system. Overall, the course equips students with the confidence, insight, and competencies needed for success in a wide range of professional and academic pathways.

Prospects

This 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, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service. Many students progress to study a criminology degree at university which can be combined with other subjects, such as psychology, and used as entry into a range of crime related careers, such as criminal profiling, and forensic investigators.

Course Content

You will get the chance to explore several types of crime in society and how people's perceptions of crime are shaped by the societies they live in and how we decide what behaviour is criminal.

You will get the chance to explore the reasons why people commit crime and what makes someone a serial killer, or abusive to their own families.

Criminologists have produced theoretical explanations of why people commit crime. You will look at how society tackles crime through the law, policing, and punishment, exploring what a 'miscarriage of justice' is and why such a thing occurs?

You will consider what organisations we have in society to control criminality or those who will not abide by the social rules that most of us follow.

In Year 12 learners will study:

• Unit 1, Changing Awareness of Crime- Types of crime; how crime is perceived by the public; why some crime is under-reported; media / social influences on perception.
• Unit 2, Criminological Theories -Theories explaining why people commit crime; the distinction between criminal behaviour and deviance; applying theories to real-life contexts.

In Year 13 learners will study:

• Unit 3, Crime Scene to Courtroom - How a crime is investigated; roles of different criminal justice personnel; gathering of evidence; how cases proceed through the system to verdicts; reviewing verdicts and justice.
• Unit 4, Crime and Punishment - How society responds to crime: punishment, rehabilitation, social control; evaluating how effective different agencies (police, courts, prisons) are in achieving justice or deterrence.

How is the course assessed

50% controlled assessment, 50% examination.

Unit 1 & 3 Assessed in the form of a controlled assessment (coursework) which will be completed at the end of the teaching of that unit.

Unit 2 & 4 (External) are assessed in a 90-minute exam paper. There will be 3 questions on the paper, which will involve short and extended questions based on an applied problem-solving scenario. You will be awarded grades A*-E at the end of the two-year course.

Support and challenge

Students studying Criminology are supported through clear guidance, structured resources, and regular feedback that helps them build confidence in both the theoretical and practical elements of the course. Teachers provide step-by-step support with research tasks, essay writing, and exam preparation, ensuring all learners have the tools they need to succeed. At the same time, students are challenged to think critically, apply criminological theories to real cases, and evaluate the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

Through debates, independent projects, and the analysis of complex case studies, learners are encouraged to question assumptions, develop their own perspectives, and refine higher-level skills such as problem-solving, critical analysis, and ethical reasoning. This balance of support and challenge helps students to grow in confidence and prepare for progression to university or careers in law, criminology, and the wider justice sector.