Level 3 Criminology Course in Darlington

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

About this course

Level 3 Criminology Course in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, full-time during the day. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply. This criminology qualification runs for 34 weeks and covers why people commit crime, how criminals can be rehabilitated, and how the criminal justice system works. You'll study criminology alongside law and policing, building the knowledge to move into roles in policing, investigation, law, or government.

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 one-year introductory course enables you to combine a study of criminology, law and policing providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to enter the criminal justice sector - from policing and investigation to law and government.

Entry requirements

GCSE English Language at grade 5 or higher AND 4 x GCSE's (or equivalent) at grade 9-4 which must include Maths

In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by Darlington College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore why some people are more likely to commit or become victims of crime.
  • You'll study how the criminal justice system operates, from courts to sentencing.
  • You'll examine policing methods and criminal investigation.
  • You'll look at how offenders can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
  • You'll analyse the role of law and government in responding to crime.
  • You'll develop skills in evaluating evidence and forming reasoned arguments about criminal behaviour.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom at Darlington College, with regular assessment throughout the course. Darlington College carries out early-stage assessments to make sure you're on the right programme for your abilities. The WJEC Certificate in Criminology is assessed through a combination of controlled assessments and written examinations set 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, working in community safety and law enforcement
  • Crime scene investigator, gathering and analysing evidence
  • Probation officer, supporting offenders through rehabilitation
  • Court usher or legal administrator, working within the justice system
  • Youth justice worker, helping young people who have offended
  • Prison officer, managing and supporting people in custody
  • Victim support worker, helping people affected by crime

What you could study next

  • A Level Law, deepening your legal knowledge for university or legal careers.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services, broadening your options in policing and the armed forces.
  • A degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or Law, building on this criminology qualification for graduate-level roles.
  • A degree in Policing, now a direct entry route to becoming a police officer.

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