Criminology

This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in the criminal justice system, those aiming for a career in areas such as social work, probation, the police, or if you're planning to study criminology, law, psychology or sociology at university. It will give you an opportunity to apply theoretical learning to real life problems and develop a set of transferable skills including research, analytical thinking and communication that are essential for university study and most careers.

Criminology is the study of criminal behaviour and its impact. If you are interested in exploring why some people commit crime and answering questions such as: Why are some people more likely to commit crimes that others? Why do some crimes go unreported? Which methods of punishment are most effective? What happens in a courtroom? Then Criminology could be the course for you.

What skills will I acquire?

• Written and verbal communication

• Research

• The ability to analyse information and consider alternative points of view

• Critical thinking

• report writing

• Communication

You will study 4 units over 2 years.

In year one you will study unit 1 Changing awareness of crime and unit 2 Criminological theories.

Unit 1 – Is a controlled assessment and will give you an understanding of the different types of crime and why some crimes go unreported.

Unit 2 – Is a 90 minute exam and will give you an understanding of why people commit crime.

In year two you will study unit 3 Crime scene to courtroom and unit 4 Crime and punishment.

Unit 3 – is a controlled assessment and will give you an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been committed to the verdict.

Unit 4 - Is a 9- minute exam and will give you a deeper understanding crime and punishment by evaluating theories and methods.

You'll explore the reasons why people commit crime, critically evaluating theories from psychological, biological and sociological perspectives. You'll get an understanding of how society tackles crime through the law, policing and punishment. You'll explore the changing public perceptions of crime and what is regarded as criminal. You'll investigate the role of the media and the ways crime is represented and investigate methods used by agencies to raise awareness of crime so that it can be tackled effectively. The course will give you an understanding of the roles of personnel involved from crime scene to courtroom and develop analytical skills to critically evaluate evidence used to bring people to trial. You'll look at policies of social control and review their effectiveness. You'll plan and design your own campaign for change relating to crime, producing materials and presenting your case for action.

Entry

5 GCSEs 9-4 (must include a 4 in English and Maths)

You could apply for degree courses in criminology, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, Forensic Science and law. There are employment and apprenticeship opportunities including those in the Police and other uniformed services, social services, the courts and criminal justice service, youth services and probation.

Careers criminology qualifications can lead to:

• Civil service administrator

• Community development worker

• Crime scene investigator

• Detective

• Police officer

• Prison officer

• Probation officer

• Social worker

• Youth worker

• Adult guidance worker

• Border Force officer

• Charity officer

• Counsellor

• Housing manager/officer

• Local government officer

• Paralegal

• Political risk analyst

• Social researcher

• Solicitor