CRIMINOLOGY

Level 3 Diploma

Overview

Our sixth form centre is brand-new for the city of Birmingham and the surrounding areas. According to Thomas Reuters, 88% of UK law firms want to see more diversity in their recruits.

Criminal behaviour has a significant detrimental impact on our society, our communities, our institutions and on victims. The reduction of crime is a key focus of any government as the achievement of this key goal is fundamental to the health, happiness and success of our citizens. On this Level 3 Criminology course, you will explore how our awareness of crime changes over time, investigating the methods used to reduce crime.

On the course, you will study aspects of psychology and sociology that apply to criminal behaviour and how this informs government policy. You will also learn about the process of a criminal case from the crime scene through to trial and will develop an understanding of the sentences available to the courts when dealing with convicted offenders. On completion, you can go onto degree level, an apprenticeship or go directly into a career within the criminal justice sector.

Why choose A-levels at our sixth form centre?

• PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
• AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
• OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES – We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
• MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY– Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level equivalent course will support your progression to degree level

Course Breakdown

To achieve your Criminology Level 3 Diploma, you must study the following topics:

Changing Awareness of Crime

• Types of crime
• Reasons for and consequences of unreported crime
• Media representation of crime
• Crime statistics
• Campaigns for change

Criminological Theories

• Crime and deviance
• Social, biological, individualistic and sociological theories of criminality
• Causes of criminality
• Development of policy on the reduction of crime

Crime Scene to Court Room

• The process of criminal investigations
• The processing of evidence
• The rights of suspects, victims and witnesses
• The decision to prosecute
• The trial process

Crime and Punishment

• The law-making process
• Models of criminal justice
• Forms of social control
• Aims and types of punishment
• The role of different agencies in achieving social control

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language and Maths.

Supporting Documents Required

• School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.

Guaranteed Progression

Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.

Key Information

Teaching and Assessment

You will be assessed throughout your course, there will be one assessment per unit:

Year 1

Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime

This unit will be assessed through an internally assessed controlled assessment. You will have 8 hours in which to complete your assessed work for this unit. Assessment will be scheduled at fixed times over a number of days.

Unit 2: Criminological Theories

This unit will be assessed through an externally assessed examination. The exam paper will include short answer and extended writing questions.

Year 2

Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom

This unit will be assessed through an internally assessed controlled assessment. You will have 8 hours in which to complete your assessed work for this unit. Assessment will be scheduled at fixed times over a number of days.

Unit 4: Crime and Punishment

This unit will be assessed through an externally assessed examination. The exam paper will include short answer and extended writing questions.

Your class work and directed learning are designed to prepare you well for your assessments and to help you to develop a range of skills that will help you in your future studies and work.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our **Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy **.

Centre of Opportunities

Our sixth form centre taps into the wider university's networks to enhance student opportunities and gives you access to world-class university facilities.

What Will This Course Prepare You For?

On completion of this Level 3 Diploma in Criminology, you could choose to study a degree in criminology or a related subject such as law, psychology, sociology, criminal justice or social policy. You may also wish to explore other career options within the legal system such as the police force, probation, prisons or the courts service.

If, at the end of your A-level studies, you are keen to enter the world of work, you could explore apprenticeship options.

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Psychologist

Average Salary: £49,000

Sociologist

Average Salary: £41,000

Criminologist

Average Salary: £37,000

Police Officer

Average Salary: £30,000

Lawyer

Average Salary: £50,000

A-Levels This Goes Well With:

Psychology A-Level

Studying A-level Psychology, you will delve into topics such as memory, perception, social influence, abnormal behaviour and more. By embarking on this captivating journey of discovery, you will explore the complexities of human behaviour and the inner workings of our minds.

Law A-Level

Get yourself ready for working in the legal system with our Law A-level college course. Learn about the nature of law, criminal law, tort and the English legal system, as well as boosting your real-world experience through work placements.

Sociology A-Level

The study of sociology provides a lens through which we can critically analyse the structures, institutions and interactions that shape our world. An understanding of sociology is beneficial for everything from policing, law and politics to teaching, social work, journalism and business.

University College Birmingham

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Overview:

University College Birmingham (UCB) is a vibrant and welcoming institution located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship, and college courses. UCB is known for its world-class facilities, which have been significantly enhanced through a £200 million investment.

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Services Offered:

The context does not provide specific details about the services offered to students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCB boasts a supportive and friendly student community, where students can forge lifelong friendships and find a sense of belonging. The institution offers campus tours led by student ambassadors, who provide insights into student life and facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

UCB has invested heavily in its campuses, equipment, and resources, providing students with a high-quality learning environment.

University of Warwick accreditation:

Many of UCB's programs are accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university, ensuring high academic standards.

Location:

Situated in the heart of Birmingham, UCB offers students access to a thriving business environment, beautiful green spaces, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural scene.

Student choice:

UCB is the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice, as recognized by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.

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Academic Programs:

UCB offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

A variety of undergraduate degree courses.

Postgraduate:

A selection of postgraduate degree courses.

Apprenticeships:

Higher level apprenticeships.

College:

College courses.

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Other: