Subject
Criminology
Course
WJEC level 3 Applied Diploma in CriminologyÂ
Exam Board
WJEC
For more information contact Head of Department:
Mrs B Tanda
Brief introduction to subject:
An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. This Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities. The qualification involves applied learning, i.e. through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system.Â
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, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service.
Course Requirements
Grade 4 in English and Science and other subjects
Assessment
Year 12 Content
Controlled Assessment
Unit 1: Changing awareness of crime. This will enable the learner to demonstrate understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported.Â
External Exam
Unit 2: Criminological Theories. This unit will allow learners to gain an understanding of why people commit crime, drawing on what they have learned in Unit 1.
Year 13 Content
Controlled Assessment
Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom. This unit will provide an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. Learners will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases.
External Exam
Unit 4: Crime and Punishment. In this unit, learners will apply their understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.
Progression
 Police Officer – Understanding criminological theories and crime scene processes is directly relevant to policing.
Probation Officer – Skills in analysing criminal behaviour and rehabilitation strategies are useful in probation services.
Social Worker – Knowledge of crime, social issues, and psychology helps in supporting vulnerable individuals.
Prison Officer – Insight into criminal behaviour and justice processes supports work in correctional facilities.
 Youth Justice Worker – Applying criminological theories to prevent reoffending and support young offenders.
