Overview

Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals. Ever thought why different people commit different crimes? Why do serial killers commit crime? Why do some people report crime and others don’t? How much does the media influence our perception of crime? How do psychology and sociology explain crime? What happens during a criminal investigation? Who decides what laws to make? How do judges decide on the appropriate punishment for a criminal? You can explore the answers in this interesting and thought-provoking course.

What will you learn?

Specific units you will study are as follows:

Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime

Knowing about the wide range of different crimes and the reasons people have for not reporting such crimes will provide an understanding of the complexity of behaviours and the social implications of such crimes and criminality. At the end of this unit, you will have gained the skills to differentiate between myth and reality when it comes to crime and to recognise that common representations may be misleading and inaccurate.

Unit 2: Criminological Theories

How do we decide what behaviour is criminal? What is the difference between criminal behaviour and deviance? How do we explain why people commit crime? What makes someone a serial killer, or abusive to their own families?

Criminologists have produced theoretical explanations of why people commit crime, but which is the most useful?

Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom

Develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases. What investigative techniques are available to investigators to help to identify the culprit? Do techniques differ depending on the type of crime being investigated? The criminal trial process involves many different people and agencies. Learning about the roles of these will give you a clearer insight into what happens once a crime is detected and the process that leads to either a guilty or non-guilty verdict.

Unit 4: Crime and Punishment

Why do we punish people? How do we punish people? What organisations do we have in our society to control criminality or those who will not abide by the social rules that most of us follow? You will learn about the criminal justice system in England and Wales and how it operates to achieve social control.

Who is the course aimed at?

This course is for you if you want to expand your knowledge of crime, criminal behaviours, how crimes are investigated and the criminal justice system. If you are considering a degree and/or employment, it is a fascinating and valued area of study.

Entry Requirements & Other Info

Entry Requirements

You must have a minimum of five GCSEs grades 9-4, including English Language and Maths. Ideally you will also have gained a high grade in History, English Literature or Sociology with evidence of extended written work.
Experiences

This course will provide you with the opportunity to hear from academic and industry professionals in talks and workshops, as well as visiting the courts and leading universities across the UK.
Progression

Students who complete the L3 qualification in Criminology can go on to complete a degree in an area like Criminology or Forensics, as well as entering into higher level apprenticeships with companies like the police.
Outcomes

Students who complete a qualification in Criminology go on to a wide variety of jobs. These can include: Detective, Police Officer, Social Worker, Youth Worker or Crime Scene Investigator.