Course Overview

If you choose to study criminology, you will achieve a Diploma qualification taken in place of an A Level subject and therefore should be taken alongside two other subjects. This subject works particularly well with the humanities.

Criminology is the perfect qualification if you are interested in all things criminal and are considering a career within the criminal justice system.

The qualification involves the study of criminal behaviour and its effects, patterns of crime, criminal statistics, and various processes within the criminal justice system.

The subject draws together criminal aspects of psychology, law and sociology in seeking answers to academic and societal questions, such as what causes criminal behaviour, what is the effect of crime on society, and how crime has changed in the last 100 years.

The Diploma involves study of four mandatory units:

Changing Awareness of Crime
In the first unit will you will study the different types of crimes, learning the difference between individual offences, white collar crimes and technological crimes. You will also consider which types of crimes are the most unreported, and the reasons for this, specifically consider the role of the media in this context.

Criminological Theories
In the second unit you draw upon your understanding of what crime is gained in Unit 1 and consider why individuals commit crime, drawing up psychological and sociological theories. You will also consider how these theories and social change affect policy development in crime.

Crime Scene to Courtroom
The third unit will provide you with an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified, to the verdict.
In this unit, you will learn about the personnel involved,the techniques used to gather evidence in criminal cases, alongside the procedures to effectively investigate a crime.

You will also develop an understanding of the criminal trial process with an outline of the role of the different types of legal personnel and lay people within this process.

Crime and Punishment
In the final mandatory unit, you will apply your 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. In this unit you will further consider the processes of the criminal justice system alongside the processes of law-making, you will also study theories of social control with the aims and types of punishment available.

Assessment Methods

The assessment is 50% external examination and 50% internal controlled assessment.

Progression Options

This course is designed for any student who is considering a career within the criminal justice system or criminology as a topic for further study.

It is important to note that this qualification is not recognised by all universities, particularly the most elite, so this course may not be suitable for all students undertaking an A Level programme.