Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Level 3 Criminology Course in Bristol for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Bristol. Classes run at Downend School, full-time during the day.

The course explores why people commit crime, different types of crime, and how the criminal justice system responds. You'll also look at how perceptions of crime are shaped by society and the media. It runs over two years and covers topics that link to law, psychology, sociology, and forensic science. You'll need a grade 4 in GCSE English Language to join.

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

Who this course is for

Are criminals born or are they made? What really makes people commit crime? Once a crime has been committed how is it solved? Throughout the course, learners will gain an understanding of why people commit crime, different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and an understanding of the criminal justice system. The Level 3 Diploma in Criminology provides a good basis for university degree courses in Criminology, Sociology, Law, Psychology and Forensic Science. This course is ideal for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in the criminal justice system, social work, police force, education or the NHS.

Entry requirements

Grade 4 in English Language

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the causes of criminal behaviour and why people offend.
  • You'll study different types of crime and how they are categorised.
  • You'll examine how the criminal justice system works, from investigation to sentencing.
  • You'll analyse how the media and society shape perceptions of crime.
  • You'll look at key criminological theories and how they are applied.
  • You'll develop skills in research, analysis, and written argument.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom lessons, discussions, and case studies. Assessment is through written coursework and examinations. Your work is marked against the WJEC specification for the Diploma in Criminology.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Downend School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, investigates crime and supports communities.
  • Probation officer, works with offenders to reduce reoffending.
  • Youth justice worker, supports young people in the justice system.
  • Prison officer, manages and rehabilitates people in custody.
  • Crime analyst, reviews data to help police identify patterns.
  • Social worker, supports vulnerable people in difficult circumstances.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Criminology, for a deeper academic study of crime and justice.
  • A degree in Law, if you want to work in the legal system.
  • A degree in Psychology, which pairs well with criminological study.
  • A degree in Forensic Science, for a more scientific route into criminal investigation.
  • A degree in Sociology, exploring the wider social forces behind crime.
Apply on downend.com →
Apply now →

Related courses at Downend School

More courses near you