Criminology Diploma (A Level equivalent)
In unit one you will study different types of crime including e-crime, influences on the perceptions of crime and why some crimes go unreported. In unit two you will gain an understanding of crime and deviance and in particular biological and sociological explanations of criminality. In unit three you will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases. You will consider the evidence to help identify criminals using DNA, forensic information, offender profiling and eye witness testimonies. You will also investigate the criminal trial processes and the strict rules governing these. In unit four you will investigate organisations of social control and their effectiveness in preventing and protecting us from criminality.
All students will study four units:
• Changing awareness of crime
• Criminological theories
• Crime scene to courtroom
• Crime and punishment
You will need five GCSEs grade 5 (C) or above including maths and English language, or a BTEC in a relevant subject with distinction grades and GCSE maths and English grade 5 or above. You will also be required to have an interview prior to enrolment. Please note, you will need to pass year one successfully with merit and distinction grades in order to progress to the second year. This course is particularly useful for students who already have GCSEs in history, sociology, law, psychology, citizenship or other humanities subjects but these are not mandatory.
Students who achieve this qualification may use it as part of the requirement to progress to university. The course is particularly suitable for degrees, including: youth work, criminology, law, humanities, human rights, social policy, probation, social work, psychology or sociology. This course is also suitable if you wish to progress to HNC/HNDs or Foundation degrees in Criminal Justice and other Humanities subjects.
