LEVEL 3 APPLIED DIPLOMA · CRIMINOLOGY Investigate crime. Understand justice. Explore why crime happens, how it is represented and how the criminal justice system responds.

QUALIFICATION Level 3 Applied Diploma

EXAM BOARD WJEC

DURATION Two years

ASSESSMENT Internal and external

Why choose Criminology?

Criminology brings together ideas from psychology, sociology and law to examine crime and the way society responds to it. You will investigate real-world scenarios, evaluate evidence and develop research, analysis and extended-writing skills through a combination of assignments and examinations.

What you will study

Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime Explore different types of crime, why some are under-reported and how campaigns can change public awareness.	Unit 2: Criminological Theories Examine explanations of criminal behaviour and evaluate how well different theories explain crime.
Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom Follow an investigation from evidence collection through prosecution, trial and verdict.	Unit 4: Crime and Punishment Consider how laws are made, how agencies maintain social control and whether punishment meets its aims.

Entry requirements

Standard PH6 entry requirements: at least five GCSEs at grades 9–5, including English and Mathematics.

What will help you succeed Strong literacy, confidence with extended writing and a willingness to analyse evidence and contrasting viewpoints.

This course suits you if you…

• are interested in crime, justice and the behaviour of individuals and society
• enjoy applying theories to real cases and contemporary issues
• can evaluate evidence and reach well-supported conclusions
• are organised and able to work independently on controlled assignments.

How you will be assessed

Unit	Assessment
Unit 1 Changing Awareness of Crime	Internally assessed assignment
Unit 2 Criminological Theories	90-minute external examination
Unit 3 Crime Scene to Courtroom	Internally assessed assignment
Unit 4 Crime and Punishment	90-minute external examination

Where Criminology can take you

The course supports progression to university and further training in criminology, law, social sciences and public services. It also develops transferable skills useful in careers that require investigation, analysis and an understanding of people and institutions.

Criminology Law Policing Probation Social work Psychology Criminal justice