Criminology

Taught at Kenilworth School & Sixth Form

Exam Board: WJEC 

 
Assessment Method: 2 exams + 2 controlled assessments/open book exams (over 2 years) 

Level 3 Diploma - Equivalent to 1 A-Level and graded A* - U 

Why Choose Criminology? 

Criminology is one of the most popular Sixth Form choices at Kenilworth. It’s perfect if you’re interested in crime, justice, psychology, or law. If you’re curious about crime, justice, and how society works, this subject lets you explore the big questions: Why do people commit crime? How does society respond? What happens during a criminal investigation? How should crime be punished? 

By combining Psychology, Law, and Sociology, Criminology gives you the tools to look beyond the headlines of crime and think critically about the world around you. It’s a perfect choice if you want a subject that challenges your thinking and prepares you for university and future careers. 

What Will I Learn? 

On the course, you’ll dive into the detail of how crime works in the real world. You’ll explore theories of criminal behaviour, discover how views on crime and deviance have changed over time, and examine how the media influences public perceptions of crime. You’ll also study the criminal investigation process in depth, from forensic techniques and evidence collection to the workings of the courts, as well as considering how governments and organisations create policies to prevent and punish crime. Exploring a range of criminal case studies to continuously apply our criminological knowledge, theories and policies, is also a key element of this course. 

Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll build essential skills for university and beyond. These include essay writing and analysis, independent research, critical thinking, problem solving, and even project design, for example, creating your own crime-prevention campaign. Criminology not only develops your academic ability but also your reasoning, confidence, and the transferable skills valued in a wide range of careers. 

Where Can It Take Me? 

The Diploma supports university applications for a range of courses such as Criminology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminology and Psychology, Law with Criminology, as well as Sociology and other Social Sciences. 

It also provides an excellent foundation for future careers, preparing students for roles in the Police, Forensics, the Probation Service, Courts and Tribunals, and the National Offender Management Service. 

Entry Requirements 

• Standard Sixth Form entry requirements 

• Good literacy skills are essential for essays and analysis