Criminology
Criminology is a 2-year qualification, where you will understand the different types of crime and why people turn to criminal activities. You will learn about theories behind crime plus the processes that follow. You will discover how campaigns for change can influence law making, along with what makes someone criminal, whether it be a biological, a sociological or psychological cause. Additionally, you will have an overview of how the criminal justice system works.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Grade 5 in English Language.
- Preferably a social science subject at GCSE (Health and Social Care, Psychology or Sociology) but not essential.
RECOMMENDED SUBJECT COMBINATIONS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Prepare to read around the subject, research criminal cases and apply the academic theories to real case studies to show how theory explain criminality in essays. Case studies will be used throughout the course. Expect at least 5 hours of additional independent work a week.
UNITS STUDIED
The course is made up of 4 Mandatory Units which incorporate Controlled Assessments and External Examinations.
- Unit 1 Changing Awareness of Crime
- Unit 2 Criminological Theories
- Unit 3 Crime Scene to Courtroom
- Unit 4 Crime and Punishment
HOW IT IS ASSESSED
Units of work will be assessed through external examination and internally taught units with externally set controlled assessments which are internally assessed and externally moderated.
- Units 1 and 3 are Controlled Assessments
- Units 2 and 4 are External Examinations
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
This qualification allows students to gain valuable skills including group work, independent working, writing to persuade, and debating. Critical thinking and argument skills. Analyse and evaluate interpretations and theories. Discussion and debate.
PROGRESSION
Criminology students have numerous different career options at their fingertips. Exciting roles include: immigration, education, law enforcement, people protection, community planning, advocacy, policing, consulting, public administration and international development.
WHY CHOOSE THIS SUBJECT?
Study Criminology, and you can enter into a professional role that is of high value to society. You could be tackling crime, exploring why people break the law and improving systems in education, rehabilitation and crime prevention. Criminals and the crimes they commit are continuously changing – people are always looking for new ways to break the law. This means that your work could be dynamic and challenging, with many new research areas appearing regularly.