Criminology (WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma)

 

Why Study Criminology?

Criminology explores some of society’s most pressing questions: What causes crime? How should we respond to it? How do we balance justice with fairness?

The WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology combines psychology, sociology and law to give you a deep understanding of crime and justice.

  • It carries the same UCAS tariff points as an A level.
  • It complements other humanities and social science subjects such as Law, Psychology, Sociology and Politics.
  • It’s designed to give you skills that are valued by both universities and employers: independent learning, critical thinking, research, analysis, communication and project-based work.

What Students Study in Year 12

Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime (Controlled Assessment)

  • Explore how crime is reported and perceived in society.
  • Investigate why some crimes go unreported.
  • Plan and design a campaign to raise awareness or bring about change.

Unit 2: Criminological Theories (External Exam)

  • Study a range of theories of crime (biological, psychological, sociological).
  • Apply these theories to real-world examples and media representations.
  • Understand how theories influence policy and public perception.

What Students Study in Year 13

Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom (Controlled Assessment)

  • Follow the journey of a criminal case from investigation to verdict.
  • Examine how evidence is collected, processed and presented in court.
  • Evaluate the reliability of verdicts in real criminal cases.

Unit 4: Crime and Punishment (External Exam)

  • Study the criminal justice system in England & Wales.
  • Explore different aims of punishment (deterrence, rehabilitation, retribution, etc.).
  • Assess how effective social control is in maintaining order and justice.

How Students Are Assessed

  • Units 1 & 3: Internally assessed through controlled assessments completed in class under supervision.
  • Units 2 & 4: Externally assessed through formal written exams.
  • Assessment is 50% controlled assessment and 50% examination, giving a balance between coursework-style tasks and traditional exams.

Where Can Criminology Take You?

This course is the equivalent of an A level and is widely accepted by universities. It opens doors to further study and a wide range of career pathways.

Degree Courses

Students often progress to:

  • BSc / BA Criminology
  • Criminology & Psychology
  • Criminology & Sociology
  • Law (LLB)
  • Forensic Science
  • Social Policy, Politics or related Social Sciences

Degree Apprenticeships

Criminology also provides a strong foundation for higher and degree apprenticeships in areas such as:

  • Policing and Criminal Investigation
  • Probation Practice
  • Youth Justice
  • Social Work
  • Community Safety
  • Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics

Career Pathways

Graduates of criminology often move into roles such as:

  • Police or law enforcement
  • Forensic science and criminal investigation
  • Prison and probation service
  • Youth and social work
  • Legal professions and court services
  • Charities, NGOs and victim support services