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A LEVEL

Criminology – Diploma – Level 3

Start Date : September 2026
Location : Telford 6th, Wellington Campus

COURSE FEATURES

01

Contribute to crime prevention, rehabilitation, and justice.

02

Explores an exciting and evolving field

03

Opens up diverse career opportunities

04

Develops critical thinking and analytical skills

ABOUT
COURSE

WATCH NOW

Are you interested in exploring the different types of crime in our society?

This course – a combination of examinations and assessment – offers exciting and interesting experiences that focus learning through purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system. You’ll tackle questions like: how do we decide what behaviour is criminal, and what are the roles of the experts who become involved when a crime is detected?

Explore a range of crimes and why they may or may not be reported, considering factors such as fear of retaliation, lack of trust in authorities, and social stigma. Discuss the stereotypes entrenched within crime that are often reinforced by media representations, and critique how such reporting can distort public perceptions of criminality. Review how campaigns are used to create awareness and drive social change, and apply this knowledge by designing your own campaign aimed at influencing attitudes or behaviours.

Investigate how laws vary across different locations and historical periods, highlighting how cultural and social contexts shape legal systems. Explore a wide range of theories that explain criminality, including biological, sociological, and psychological perspectives. Explain how policies can be developed and implemented to prevent criminal behaviour and reduce reoffending, focusing on both intervention and prevention strategies.

Evaluate the roles of personnel involved in criminal investigations and examine the techniques they use to detect and solve crimes. Explore investigative methods such as forensic science, database analysis, and surveillance, and assess their effectiveness. Analyse the rights of suspects, victims, and witnesses within the criminal justice process, and assess key factors that influence case outcomes, including miscarriages of justice, unsafe verdicts, and unjust sentencing. Discuss the role and impact of laypeople, such as jurors, in criminal cases.
Understand the processes involved in law-making, from initial proposals to the implementation of legislation. Explore the roles of various agencies within the criminal justice system and how they work to maintain social control. Evaluate the aims and different types of punishment used to reduce reoffending, and examine the limitations these agencies may face in effectively achieving social control.
Progressing to: Higher or further education studies in law, or jobs with police forces, probation, civil or criminal law companies

Aspirational careers: MI6 agent, intelligence officer, police or private detective, probation officer, scenes of crime investigator, jury consultant, forensic scientist, customs official, fraud examiner
5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English language at grade 5 and maths.
Four exams over the two years – with two sat each year. Students will complete two traditional memory based exams which are externally assessed as well as two controlled assessments (open folder, two-day assessments) which are internally assessed.
Trips will include visits to universities and Shrewsbury Prison.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you are interested in applying for this course, please click ‘apply now‘ on this page or at the top of any page, and create a website account or sign in an account you have already created and complete the application form.

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