Applied Diploma in Criminology

Introduction – why choose this subject?

This is an exciting course designed for students with an academic interest in crime and its impact on society. Criminology is a social science and invites us to study crime and criminal behaviour in an analytical way. We explore a range of criminological theories to help explain why people commit crimes and assess policies designed to reduce crime. We examine the process of criminal investigations and the prosecution of suspects and consider how and why criminals are punished. We also study the criminal justice system in Britain and understand the role those different agencies play in tackling the problem of crime in society.

Whilst many students choose Criminology purely for interest, others have a particular pathway in mind such as joining the police as a uniformed officer or detective. A large number of our students go on to study law, social work and other social science subjects at university. Many are interested in careers in law, and others are considering roles in the civil service or local government. Some students have pursued careers in other areas such as forensic psychology, social work, journalism, education, forensic science, youth work and even cyber security.

Criminology offers an exciting and intriguing learning experience; if you are fascinated by the workings of crime and punishment, this course could be for you!

How is the course examined?

Criminology is 50% exam based and 50% based on controlled assessment

Unit 1: Internal controlled assessment - Changing Awareness of Crime

Learners develop an understanding of different types of crime and public perceptions of crime, gaining an understanding of why some crimes go unreported to the police and the media.

Unit 2: External written exam - Criminological Theories

Learners will gain an understanding of why people commit crime. They will study a wide range of criminological theories which we will apply to a range of different criminal behaviours studied in Unit 1

Unit 3: Internal controlled assessment - Crime Scene to Courtroom

Learners will gain understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. They will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases.

Unit 4: External written exam - Crime and Punishment

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

Equipment

For each unit you will need a ring binger (4 required in total) and dividers.

Recommended books:

- Criminology Book 1 & 2 – Napier Press – Rob Webb & Annie Townsend

- Level 3 Applied Certification & Diploma in Criminology – Illuminate Publishing – Carole A Henderson

Homework

Students will be set 2-3 hours of homework each week which will include research, note taking and planning assessment answers. The controlled assessment modules require the student to provide a portfolio of research which you will bring to the exam, therefore much of the homework is centred on this. For exam modules you will be set revision activities such as exam questions.

Learning outside the classroom

• We host guest speakers who come to speak to our students about careers in the criminal justice system.
• Crime scene investigation enrichment opportunity.