Key details
- Course area
- A Levels
- Student types
- 16 - 18 coursesA Levels
- Course type
-
A Level course
- Course level
-
Level 3
- Start date
- Tuesday 1st September 2026
- Location
- High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
- Course code
- Parent course code:C000450 Child course code: Q050714
Course introduction
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 Applied Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements many other studies.
This is an Applied General qualification, designed primarily to support learners progressing to university or into higher level apprenticeships. The WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is equivalent to one A-level and consists of four mandatory units.
- Changing Awareness of Crime (Internally assessed)
- Criminological Theories (externally assessed)
- Crime Scene to Courtroom (internally assessed)
- Crime and Punishment (externally assessed)
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.
You will be encouraged to undertake 30+ hours of work placement while you are studying.
Read moreCourse information
2 years
WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology
You will need 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Maths at Grade 4 and English Language at Grade 5.
Assessment will be through internally marked controlled assessments and external examinations. The weightings for assessment are 50% external, 50% internal. Students can achieve grades A – E on each unit. The final grade is an aggregate of all the unit grades to give an overall grade of A* - E.
Criminology links well with other A Level subjects such as Law, Psychology and Sociology and provides a pathway into a variety of higher education and degree courses. The qualification allows learners to gain the required understanding and skills to be able to 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.
Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
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Careers related to this course
Select career:
Solicitors and Lawyers
Potential Earnings
£78,538.31
Average Earnings
£43,182.04
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Pathways
Public Services
People in these occupations administrate government programmes and services, work in the justice system, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Law and Legal Studies
People in these occupations judge court cases, represent clients in legal proceedings, and provide legal administrative and research services.
Skills
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
