Level 3 Diploma in Criminology

Course summary

The WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is an Applied General Qualification. This means that each unit within the qualification has an applied purpose which acts as a focus for the learning in the unit. Students are required to look at causes of crime through the study of published cases in the media and beyond. They are also required to assess and evaluate campaigns that have led to changes in the law and the way society works. This subject draws from Law, Sociology and psychology. Skills required for independent learning and development. The applied purpose will also allow learners to learn in such a way that they develop:  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 All units within the WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology are vocationally relevant to Criminology and the criminal justice section Year 12 Unit 1: In Changing Awareness of Crime, learners develop an understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported. Knowing about the wide range of different crimes and the reasons people have for not reporting such crimes provides an understanding of the complexity of behaviours and the social implications of such crimes and criminality. Unit 2: Criminological Theories enables learners to gain an understanding of why people commit crime, drawing on way they have learned in Unit 1. Learners explore the difference between criminal behaviour and deviance and the theories behind why people commit crime. Year 13 Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom provides learners with an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. They develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases. Unit 4: In Crime and Punishment, learners apply their 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.