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Applied Certificate in Criminology

Course Code

Applied Criminology

Course Type

Certificate

Course Duration

2 Years

Location

Central Saint Michael's Sixth Form

Start Date

1 September, 2025

Criminology is a practical subject where you can apply academic theories to better understand and challenge our current perspective of crimes. The course is designed for anyone who wants to pursue a career within the Criminal Justice System, focus on its current issues and challenges, and understand crime prevention. It is also ideal preparation for university, apprenticeships and careers in law, policing, forensic psychology or social work.

Content Overview

The course includes four units over two years:

• Understand the nature, types, and perception of crime in society
• Explore reasons why crimes are committed using criminological theories
• Examine real-world case studies and criminal investigations
• Learn how evidence is gathered, used and evaluated in court
• Understand the criminal justice system from crime scene to courtroom
• Study how laws are made and how punishment is applied
• Analyse the effectiveness of crime control and social policies
• Develop critical thinking, analytical and research skills

WJEC Level 3 Applied Certificate in Criminology (Year 1)

Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime

• Explore different types of crime (e.g. white-collar, moral, state crime)
• Understand why some crimes go unreported
• Examine media representation of crime
• Study campaigns for change (e.g. anti-knife crime campaigns)

Unit 2: Criminological Theories

• Learn about the main theories of why people commit crime (e.g. biological, sociological, psychological)
• Compare and evaluate different theoretical approaches
• Apply theories to real-life examples of crime
• Understand how criminological theories influence policy and crime prevention

WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology (Year 2)

Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom

• Understand the criminal justice process from investigation to verdict
• Examine the roles of personnel (e.g. police, forensics, legal professionals)
• Study the collection, use and admissibility of evidence
• Explore factors affecting trial outcomes, including media and expert witnesses

Unit 4: Crime and Punishment

• Examine how laws are made and enforced
• Study different forms and aims of punishment (e.g. retribution, rehabilitation)
• Analyse how criminal justice policies are developed and evaluated
• Explore the effectiveness of social control methods

You would need at least five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English Language. One of these subjects must be Science as you will cover biological aspects of Criminology in the first year of your course. You will also need to be comfortable with typing for a time pressured controlled assessment.

Guest Speakers: Talks from professionals such as police officers, probation officers, forensic psychologists or legal experts,
and guest speakers from Birmingham City University and the University of Law about a range of topics including tasering, understanding the PACE Code and suspects’ rights, and how profiling can be used to aid in criminal investigation.

Educational Visits: Trips to law courts, police stations, prisons, or criminology-related museums to see real-world applications

Workshops & Simulations: Crime scene investigation workshops or mock trials to enhance practical understanding, using on-site technology

Collaboration with Other Subjects: Projects or cross-curricular work with subjects like Law and Forensic Science

Volunteering or Community Work: Opportunities to volunteer in youth justice or community safety projects where available

2 Controlled Assessments (internally assessed, externally moderated)
– Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime (25%)
– Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom (25%)

2 Written Exams (externally assessed)
– Unit 2: Criminological Theories (25%)
– Unit 4: Crime and Punishment (25%)

We support you for each assessment with:
• Guided Preparation: Teachers guide students through practice tasks, provide exemplars, and help with understanding assessment criteria
• Structured Lessons: Lessons are designed to build knowledge gradually and apply it to assessment-style tasks
• Revision Sessions: Extra revision and exam practice sessions are often provided before the exam units
• Mocks: Mock exams will take place for both assessments to prepare students for their assessment. Feedback and feedforward will be given to develop exam practice and performance
• Feedback and Marking: Students receive detailed feedback on mock assessments and classwork to help them improve
• Resources: Access to study guides, past papers, model answers and digital tools (like online quizzes or videos)
• One-to-One Support: Extra help for individuals who need support with writing, time management or understanding complex topics

Students taking Criminology usually progress to university or Higher Education. The most popular destinations are:

University Degree Courses – Criminology, Law, Forensic Psychology, Sociology, Policing or Criminal Justice
Apprenticeships – Opportunities in policing, youth work, legal services or community justice
Careers in the Criminal Justice System – Police officer, probation officer, prison officer or court administrative roles
Legal Professions – Progress to roles such as legal executive, paralegal or solicitor (with further study)
Forensic and Social Work Roles – Pathways into forensic science (with additional qualifications), youth offending services or social work
Public Sector or Government Roles – Roles in community safety, crime prevention or local authority safeguarding teams
Further Education – Courses in psychology, sociology or specialist vocational training (e.g. victim support or criminal profiling)

Course Details

Department

Criminology, Young Professionals Academy

Exam Board

WJEC

Qualification

Level 3

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Located in West Bromwich, Sandwell College boasts best in class facilities and exceptional teaching standards.
Alongside delivering outstanding pass rates, the College is proud to offer unrivalled mental health services and welfare support, ensuring that every student has access to the advice and guidance they need.

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We are a university-style sixth form college based in the centre of West Bromwich, easily accessible from Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley, Halesowen, Sutton Coldfield & Great Barr.