What will I be learning? 

How do we decide which behaviour is criminal? How do we explain why some people commit crime and how can we use different theories of criminality to explain this behaviour? You will study real life cases in order to gain an understanding of the criminal justice system from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom and look at how social control is achieved within our society. 

Criminology is an Applied General qualification primarily designed to support learners progressing to university; however, much of the course is vocationally relevant, offering opportunities to learn from practical activities and the expertise of professionals currently working in criminology. 

You will look at different types of crime and public perceptions of crime, gaining an understanding of why some crimes go unreported to the police and media. You will develop an understanding of why people commit crimes. You will learn about the criminal justice system and you will develop the skills needed to examine criminal cases and review verdicts. You’ll look at the roles involved from the moment a crime takes place until the verdict itself is passed. You will evaluate the effectiveness of the police and prisons. 

How will I be assessed?

Year 12: Unit 1: This unit is assessed through an 8-hour controlled assessment (internally assessed and externally moderated) Unit 2: This unit is assessed through examination. 

Year 13: Unit 3: This unit is assessed through an 8-hour controlled assessment (internally assessed at your centre and externally moderated) Unit 4: This unit is assessed through examination. 

What skills will I develop? 

The study of Criminology will equip you with a wide range of transferable skills: the ability to complete project-based research, and to present it; the ability to collect, analyse and interpret data effectively the ability to construct well-informed and reasoned arguments substantiated by relevant evidence; the ability to learn independently the ability to work alongside other colleagues in a professional environment the ability to apply your learning in vocational contexts

What careers could this lead on to? 

Criminology can open the door to an array of career paths that require understanding of the criminal justice sector. These may include careers in the police force or in police support roles, the field of forensic psychology, social and probation work or the prison services. 

What grades do I need for this course? 

An Average Point Score of a grade 4 at GCSE.