Criminology is the study of crime, criminal behaviour patterns and the law. It deals with understanding, explaining, preventing, and treating crime and criminal behaviour from a simple shoplifting to mass murder. Students learn socioeconomic and sociocultural influences that have affected crime over the years. Topics in this course also cover crime prevention, law enforcement, criminal justice systems and crime victims.

The course is a WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology. This is the equivalent of 1 A level, and is graded A* to E. It offers the same number of UCAS points as an A level when applying to university.

Criminology is not a linear course. Students will take two units in their lower sixth year, and two in the upper sixth year. Two of these units are assessed by a controlled assessment which involves students working independently in controlled conditions for a period of 8 hours to complete activities set by the exam board. The
other two are traditional style examinations. This assesses both their knowledge and skills gained across the teaching of the particular unit, and allows for students with different learning styles to showcase their abilities. Students must pass all four units to be awarded the qualification.

Many universities accept this qualification. However, entry requirements vary considerably across institutions. Students should always check with their chosen university to confirm their individual entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate courses.

The course does not require a high level of maths or science. Topics do include the measuring of crime, which involves some understanding of statistics and their usefulness. We also consider the biological explanations of criminal behaviour in one of the units, however this is not a fully science focussed course, and the
skills of extended writing and reading are most important.

Every lesson is different as the topics covered and skills developed are diverse. However, all students will be provided with high quality departmental resources, handouts and activities to support their learning. Activities will include discussion, research tasks, using documentaries for case studies, group work, stretch and challenge, as well as teacher led sessions will be included throughout the
course of the year.

Class sizes average around 20 students.

As with all Level 3 courses, our students are expected to spend around 4-5 hours per week on homework and revision for this course. Some directed tasks such as research, and exam practice questions will be set, however the most important aspect of
independent work for the Criminology level 3 diploma is the creation of a set of consolidated notes, which must be student led and can be taken into their controlled assessments