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Criminology

Introduction

The Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology will provide you with an introduction to criminal justice. It is designed to provide learners with the understanding and skills that will enable them to pursue a career in criminal justice and law. Learners will begin to understand the different types of crime, the impact the media has on crime, theories of criminality, the impact of certain factors on the accuracy of a verdict, and the aims and effectiveness of punishment.

Key Stage 5 

What will I study?

In Year 12, you will study the following topics;

Unit 1: Changing awareness of crime

  • Crime reporting affects the public perception of criminality
  • Campaigns are used to elicit change
  • Campaigns for change relating to crime

Unit 2: Criminological theories

  • Social constructions of criminality
  • Theories of criminality
  • Causes of criminality
  • Causes of policy change

In Year 13, you will study the following topics;

Unit 3: Crime scene to courtroom

  • The process of criminal investigations
  • The process for prosecution of suspects
  • Reviewing criminal cases

Unit 4: Crime and Punishment

  • The criminal justice system in England and Wales
  • The role of punishment in a criminal justice system
  • Measures used in social control
What skills will I develop?

Year 12:

  • Planning and designing campaigns using IT software
  • Evaluating real life campaigns for change
  • Improving understanding of examination skills such as improving command verb understanding
  • Analysing criminological theory in relation to real life criminal cases
  • Ability to complete set tasks in exam condition timed sessions

Year 13:

  • Analysing and evaluating real life crime case studies
  • Creating synoptic links between Y13 content and content from Unit 1 and 2 in Y12 to ensure holistic understanding of Criminology
  • Time management skills when preparing for the internal and external assessments
How will I be assessed?

Year 12:

  • Internal 8 hour Controlled Assessment for Unit 1 accounting for 25% of overall grade
  • 1hr 30-minute external exam on Unit 2 accounting for 25% of overall grade

Year 13:

  • Internal 8 hour Controlled Assessment for Unit 3 accounting for 25% of overall grade
  • 1hr 30-minute external exam on Unit 4 accounting for 25% of overall grade