Why Study Criminology?

This is a qualification with elements of Psychology, Law and Sociology, focusing on a wide range of crimes. The course touches upon all aspects of crime including violent and sexual offences and crimes motivated by hatred, including sexually and racially motivated crimes, and is divided into 4 units:

  1. Changing Awareness of Crime – assessed via 8 hour controlled assessment (year 1)
  2. Criminological Theories – assessed via summer exam (year 1)
  3. Crime Scene to Courtroom – assessed via 8 hour controlled assessment (year 2)
  4. Crime and Punishment Mandatory - assessed via summer exam (year 2)

Unit 1 will enable you to individually research different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported. Unit 2 examines why people commit crime, while unit 3 provides an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. For unit 4, 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.

Why study Criminology at Worcester Sixth Form College?

The course is suitable for students who are interested in crime and the reasons why people commit crime. Many of our students have interests in subjects such as Psychology, Sociology and Law. A range of speakers from higher education and the related professions such as the Police have contributed to the course so far.

Progression Opportunities

The course supports access to higher education degree courses, such as Criminology itself, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminology and Psychology, Law with Criminology, Criminology and Sociology, Psychology and Sociology. 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.

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Natasha Finch

Criminology - Nunnery Wood High School
I chose to do Criminology because of my overwhelming passion for learning about crime, the reasons individuals commit crime, and the process from crime scene to courtroom. Criminology as a subject goes especially well with the other subjects I am studying which are Psychology and Biology. The structure of the course was also appealing, because in addition to traditional exam units there are controlled assessment units where I am able to demonstrate detailed and effective note-taking skills to ensure high quality answers are constructed. I particularly enjoyed the theories of criminality topics that I studied as part of Unit 2 which provided an interesting insight into the criminal mind. After college I am furthering my education by studying Criminology and Law at university.
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Entry Requirements

Essential Qualifications Other Desirable Qualifications / Combinations Skills & Attributes Required for Success Guidance on Costs or Commitments
GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above. Please also see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’General interest in the subject. Excellent attendance and punctuality. The ability to meet strict deadlines. To work as an individual or part of a team.

Qualification Levels & Enrolment Options

Qualification Name A Level Equivalence Duration Awarding Body
Certificate½ A Level (1 Block)1 yearEduqas
Diploma1 A Level (1 Block)1 year (studied after successful completion of Applied Certificate)Eduqas

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