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Level 3 Criminology Course in Darlington – Darlington College

CostFREE
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Criminology Course in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, full-time during the day.

This course builds on the Level 3 Certificate in Criminology, Policing and Law, which you must have completed first. It's free if you're 16 to 18 years old on 31 August when you start. If you're 19 to 23 years old, fees may apply. Over 34 weeks, the course explores why people commit crime, how the criminal justice system responds, and how rehabilitation works.

You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology at Level 3.

Who this course is for

This course is designed for those who are interested in why some people are more likely to commit or be victims of crime than others, how criminals can be rehabilitated, and the role of the criminal justice system. This course continues on from the Level 3 Certificate in Criminology, Policing & Law which you must have completed prior to starting this course.

Entry requirements

You must have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Criminology, Policing & Law (1st year).

What you will learn

  • You'll examine the social and psychological factors that lead to criminal behaviour.
  • You'll analyse why some people are more likely to become victims of crime.
  • You'll explore how the criminal justice system investigates and prosecutes offences.
  • You'll evaluate approaches to rehabilitating offenders.
  • You'll study crime prevention strategies and their effectiveness.
  • You'll assess how media and public perception shape attitudes to crime.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom through a mix of lessons, discussions, and case study analysis. Assessment is through controlled assessments and written tasks completed during the course. There are no formal exams in the traditional sense. Your work is marked against set criteria by WJEC.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, investigates crime and supports communities.
  • Probation officer, supervises offenders and supports rehabilitation.
  • Youth justice worker, works with young people in the justice system.
  • Crime analyst, reviews data to identify patterns in criminal activity.
  • Prison officer, manages and supports people in custody.
  • Social worker, supports vulnerable individuals and families.
  • Victim support worker, helps people affected by crime.

What you could study next

  • A Level Law, deepens your understanding of the legal system and opens routes into law degrees.
  • BA (Hons) Criminology, a university degree that leads to specialist roles in policing, justice, and research.
  • BA (Hons) Psychology, useful if you want to focus on the behavioural side of crime.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Sciences), an alternative university entry route for those who want to change direction.
Apply on darlington.ac.uk →
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