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Holmer Green Senior School

Holmer Green Senior School

Criminology Level 3 Applied Diploma

Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behaviour,  on individual, social and natural levels, and how it can be managed, controlled and prevented. This course enables students to use theories of criminality to analyse criminal situations and make recommendations for policy. Students develop the knowledge and skills to research policy in practice, assess campaigns for changes in awareness and examine information to review verdicts in criminal cases. 

Course content
Graded A* - E , the course is comprised of four units in total, two internally assessed units and two externally assessed units 

Year 12 

Unit 1:  Changing Awareness of Crime (Controlled assessment)  

In this unit you will study the different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported. You will plan a campaign for change in relation to crime; for example to raise awareness, change attitudes or change reporting behaviour 

Unit 2:  Criminological Theories (Exam) 

This unit examines reasons why people commit crime. You look at criminological theories and know there are debates within the different theories. You will understand how changes in criminological theory have influenced policy. You will also have gained the skills to apply the theories to a specific crime or criminal in order to understand both the behaviour and theory. 

Year 13 

Unit 3 - Crime Scene to Courtroom (Controlled assessment) 

The third unit will provide an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. You will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases.  

Unit 4 - Crime and Punishment (Exam) 

In the final unit, you will apply your understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.   

Assessment criteria

Unit 1 - Changing Awareness of Crime 

8 hour-controlled assessment - tests ability to apply knowledge and understanding to a crime scenario. Candidates are allowed to take their class notes in to the assessment to support them. 

Unit 2 - Criminological Theories  

Paper 1 – 90-minute examination. 

Unit 3 - Crime Scene to Courtroom  

8 hour-controlled assessment - tests ability to apply knowledge and understanding to a crime scenario. Candidates are allowed to take their class notes in to the assessment to support them. 

Unit 4 - Crime and Punishment  

Paper 2 – 90-minute examination

Head of Subject: Miss N Shahbazi

Exam Board: WJEC

Entry Requirements

At least 5,5 in Science overall,  4 in English Lit or Lang  

Are you interested in?

Understanding why some groups are more likely to become criminal and why others are more likely to become victims of crime?  Debating different policies which could impact crime rates and reduce offending?  Assessing research into criminality and critically evaluating their relevance in contemporary society?  

Leading to a career in:

Policing, Social Policy, Law, Social Work, Youth Work

This subject goes well with:

History, Politics, Sociology, Psychology, Business, PE, Science, Philosophy