An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. This course has elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities. The course is designed primarily to support learners progressing to university and it focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system. However, alternatively, students can consider employment within some aspects of the criminal justice system, e.g. the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service.
A minimum of five GCSEs (with two at grade 6, and three at grade 4 or above).
GCSE English at grade 6.
Students do not have to have studied this subject before but we envisage it would particularly appeal to students who have studied and enjoyed GCSEs in Sociology, Law, Psychology, Citizenship, History or Humanities.
There are 4 units to study:
1. Changing awareness of crime
2. Criminological Theories
3. Crime Scene to courtroom
4. Crime and Punishment
Assessment
Units 1 and 3 are controlled assessments that are internally assessed.
Units 2 and 4 are externally assessed examinations.
Unit 4 is a synoptic paper which means that elements of Units 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be tested in the exam.
All elements must be passed and grading is awarded from A-E.
Coursework
No coursework.
Examination
Units 2 and 4 are assessed via examination: 1 hour 30 minutes each, taken in June.
Exam Board
WJEC
