Criminology
Qualification
WJEC Diploma
A*-C Grades: 68% (2019)
Results
Awarding Body
WJEC
Course Overview
WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of Psychology, Law and Sociology that complements studies in humanities related subjects. The qualification would support learners’ progression from any study at Level 2, particularly GCSEs in Sociology, Law or Psychology. The course will go beyond the traditional academic study with guest speakers from agencies involved in services/practice that the Criminology course material covers.
Assessment is made by a combination of controlled assessments and examination. In each year one module is graded by controlled assessment and the other module is externally examined. The grades awarded for the certificate or diploma will range from A*-E. This course is equivalent to one A Level.
Certificate (year 1)
Module 1 – Changing Awareness of Crime
Students will assess how the public, based on media portrayal, measurement by the state and social values, perceives crime. Study of these areas will culminate in the creation of a campaign to raise awareness, or change the perception of a specific criminal offence.
Module 2 – Criminological Theories Students are required to familiarise themselves with, and evaluate a wide range of socio-psychological theoretical explanations for criminal behaviour.
Diploma (year 2)
Module 3 – Crime Scene to Court Room
This unit will provide an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified, to the verdict. Learners will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information, in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases.
Module 4 – Crime and Punishment
Learners will apply their understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing the accused to court, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.
On successful completion of this course, many learners could apply to and be offered places at university on courses related to Criminology, Sociology, Law or Psychology. Alternatively, the course will enhance an application to work in the areas of the criminal justice sector, social and probation work.
6 grade C’s at GCSE, including a grade C in English.
A grade C in a discursive subject like History, Religious Studies or English Literature can be used as an alternative for English.