Certificate Criminology L3

Course overview

An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology.
The WJEC Level 3 Applied Certificate & Diploma in Criminology are qualifications with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies other public sector-related studies.

This course is studied alongside a Diploma in Policing which provides an additional insight into the work of Police Officers and Staff within the criminal justice sector.

Criminology is an Applied General qualification which 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 both 16-19 year-old learners as well as adult learners through applied learning, i.e. through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system.

In year one of study, students will work towards the Level 3 Applied Certificate in Criminology moving onto the Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology in their second year at College. The Diploma in Policing is studied alongside Criminology and the combined programme of study provides the opportunity for learners to gain sufficient UCAS points to progress to university or other Higher Level study upon completion.

For more details visit: Public Services/Criminology - Bishop Auckland College (bacoll.ac.uk)

Course requirements

A minimum of four GCSE's 9-4 (A-C), or a BTEC/NCFE Level 2 at Merit or above - Life experience will also be taken into account when considering applications from mature students. A genuine interest in the subject is essential - and an interview will take place.

What will I do?

The Certificate in Criminology L3 is taught across 3 days per week. You may be required to attend additional days if you have not achieved grade A-C or 9-4 in Maths and English.

Level 3 Applied Certificate in Criminology (Year One of study):

Module 1 - Changing Awareness of Crime (Internal Assessment)

Module 2 - Criminological Theories (External Assessment)

Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology (Year Two of study):

Following completion of the above two units in year one, students will then continue their studies with the following two modules:

Module 3 - Crime Scene to Courtroom (Internal Assessment)

Module 4 - Crime and Punishment (External Assessment)

Students studying Criminology will also work towards a Level 3 Certificate in Public Services in their first year, and a Level 3 Diploma in Public Services in your second year of study. This is to ensure that you have the opportunity to gain sufficient credits should you wish to continue your studies at university.

You will also be required to complete a Work Experience placement during each academic year of your studies. Current students have worked with Durham Constabulary Training Centre acting as perpetrators and victims of crime for new police recruits, Durham County Council in the Emergency Planning Department and with Durham Police Cadets to name a few.

You will also be given the opportunity to experience various visits and guest speakers during your programme of study in Criminology. Previous trips have included HMP Durham Prison, Durham Police Training Centre, Durham and Teesside Crown Courts, as well as a visit to London to complete a Houses of Parliament tour and a Jack the Ripper Crime Trail.

There is also the opportunity for any students who are interested, to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) from Bronze up to Gold standard during your time at College. (NB - a small fee will apply).

There will be an opportunity for you to undertake some certificated 1st aid training whilst on your course. This will ensure you stay ahead of the competition when applying for jobs and will enable you to respond in an emergency situation - a skill which is valued by any employer.

What will it give me?

Successful completion of this course will give you the WJEC Level 3 Applied Certificate in Criminology (after year one of study) and the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology (after year two of study), as well as the Level 3 Certificate in Uniformed Services (after year one of study) and the Level 3 Diploma in Uniformed Services (after year two of study). This is equivalent to 2 A-Levels across the two years of study.

Materials needed

Students will need all basic stationery items for studying. There will be some cost implications for some of the trips across the two years of study, however this will be discussed for individual visits with students at the time.

It is also mandatory to purchase a uniform consisting of a navy hoody, polo shirt and jacket (help towards this will be available for some learners); tutors will organise uniforms once courses commence.

You will also need a leaver arch file.

What can I do when I finish?

Following year one of study and completion of the Level 3 Applied Certificate in Criminology study programme, you can move onto the second year of study and completion of the Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology study programme. Following the second year of study, students who achieve high enough grades and UCAS points will be able to apply for Higher Education courses of study at the College or via UCAS to various universities. You may also choose to apply for employment or an apprenticeship opportunity following your studies.

What next?

If you gain suitable grades you may progress onto the Level 3 Diploma in Public Services which involves one more year of study at Level 3 and by the end of that second year, learners would have the equivalent of 2 x A-Levels, which may then allow you to progress onto Higher Education at College on the HND in Public Services, or other Higher Education courses such as Foundation or Honours Degrees in Criminology, Law, Leadership and Management at University, or employment in one of the Armed or Emergency Services.