Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Bristol – St Brendan’s Sixth Form College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Bristol. Classes run at St Brendan's Sixth Form College, full-time during the day.

The course is for 16 to 18 year olds. You'll explore why people commit crime, the different types of crime, and how perceptions of crime are shaped. It also covers the criminal justice system, from crime identification through to verdict. The course draws on psychology, law, and sociology. It typically takes one year to complete.

You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology.

Who this course is for

This course has elements of Psychology, Law and Sociology that complement studies in humanities. The qualification is designed to offer exciting and interesting experiences. Throughout the course, students 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 - from crime identification through to the final verdict. It offers a fascinating insight into the world of crime, the causes of crime, and how to effectively prevent it.

Entry requirements

To study this course students need to have achieved the College's entry requirements of 5 grade 4's and above including English Language.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the causes of criminal behaviour and why people commit crime.
  • You'll study different types of crime and how they are classified.
  • You'll examine how the media and society shape perceptions of crime.
  • You'll learn how the criminal justice system works, from investigation to verdict.
  • You'll apply concepts from psychology to understand criminal minds.
  • You'll consider legal frameworks and how law responds to crime.
  • You'll draw on sociological theories to analyse crime in society.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, discussion, and case study analysis. The WJEC Diploma in Criminology is assessed through a mix of controlled assessments and written examinations. You'll build your understanding unit by unit, applying theory to real criminal cases and justice scenarios.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. St Brendan's Sixth Form 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, works with offenders to reduce reoffending.
  • Youth justice worker, supports young people in the justice system.
  • Crime analyst, reviews data to identify patterns in criminal activity.
  • Social worker, helps vulnerable people affected by crime or neglect.
  • Prison officer, manages and supports people in custody.

What you could study next

  • A-level Law, deepens your legal knowledge and supports a career in law or policing.
  • BA (Hons) Criminology, a university degree that builds directly on this qualification.
  • BA (Hons) Psychology, explores the psychological side of behaviour and crime in more depth.
  • BA (Hons) Sociology, examines the social structures that shape crime and inequality.

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