WJEC Criminology

WJEC Level 3 in Criminology

What will I learn?
An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. The WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology. Learning will be focused on the following key questions:

Not all types of crime are alike. What different types of crime take place in our society? 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 happens to those who commit a crime? Why and how do we punish people? What organisations do we have in our society to control criminality?

The course will allow learners to learn in such a way that they develop: 

• skills required for independent learning and development 
• a range of generic and transferable skills 
• the ability to solve problems 
• the skills of project based research, development and presentation 
• the fundamental ability to work alongside other professionals, in a professional environment 
• the ability to apply learning in vocational contexts

What are the entry requirements?
Level 3 Academic/Technical course entry requirements. 

How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed using a combination of internal and external assessment as follows:

Each unit within the qualification has an applied purpose which acts as a focus for the learning in the unit. The applied purpose demands learning related to authentic case studies. It also requires learners to consider how the use and application of their learning impacts on themselves, other individuals, employers, society and the environment. 

All units are equally weighted. 

What are the costs?
Students will be expected to purchase textbooks. They may be expected to pay towards any necessary trips or visits. There will be two conferences that they will be invited to attend in London. These are organised by external bodies. The cost of these conferences is £20 and £12.50. In addition there will be travel costs into London.  We may also visit a prison and the local and central London law courts. 

Is there anything else I need to know?
The course is designed to give you a clear understanding of criminology. You will be given class notes, your teacher will deliver the main aspects of each topic, and you will be expected to undertake individual and group work based on the teacher’s delivery. This may involve carrying out more detailed research.

There will be a variety of methods to deliver the subject. There will be lectures, question and answer sessions, individual task work, group work, discussions, role-play, student presentations in preparation for the controlled assessment for unit 1 and 3, timed exam questions and mock exams for units 2 and 4. You will be expected to make your own comprehensive revision notes; you will have to read a lot to reinforce your knowledge and understanding; apply the law to problems and issues; carry out independent research; willingly contribute to class discussions and activities and be committed to hard work. 

Future opportunities
The Criminology course has elements of Psychology, Law and Sociology that complement studies in humanities.  The main purpose of the qualification is to support access to higher education degree courses, such as:

• BSc Criminology
• BA Criminology
• BA Criminology and Criminal Justice
• BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
• LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology
• BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
• BA (Hons) Criminology
• BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology
• BSc Criminology with Law

Further Information

Course contact: Mrs Saggu kuldip.saggu@biddenham.beds.sch.uk

Examination Board: WJEC