Level 3 Criminology Course in Bristol for 16 to 18 Year Olds – The Olympus Academy Trust Abbeywood Community School

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
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.

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Bristol. Classes run at Abbeywood Community School, full-time during the day over two years.

The course explores crime and the criminal justice system through real case studies. You'll draw on psychology, law, and sociology to understand why crime happens and how society responds. Topics include criminal behaviour, victimology, crime prevention, and the role of the courts and police. You'll need a grade 4 in English to join.

You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology.

Who this course is for

Criminology is designed for students who have a desire to explore issues about crime and the criminal justice system through an applied learning approach. Students will be able to acquire the necessary knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts, they will be linking learning to authentic case studies. The qualification is varied and combines elements of psychology, law and sociology.

Entry requirements

4 in English

What you will learn

  • You'll explore theories of criminal behaviour and what drives people to offend.
  • You'll study the criminal justice system, including the courts, police, and sentencing.
  • You'll examine victimology and the impact of crime on individuals and communities.
  • You'll analyse crime prevention strategies and how they are applied in practice.
  • You'll apply concepts from psychology, law, and sociology to real case studies.
  • You'll evaluate how the media portrays crime and its influence on public perception.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, case study analysis, and applied tasks that link theory to real situations. Assessment is through a combination of controlled assessments and written examinations. The WJEC Diploma in Criminology uses an applied learning approach, so much of your work will be grounded in authentic scenarios rather than abstract theory alone.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Olympus Academy Trust Abbeywood Community 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.
  • Crime analyst, reviews data to help police identify patterns.
  • Social worker, helps vulnerable people affected by crime or neglect.
  • Victim support worker, provides practical help to people affected by crime.

What you could study next

  • Degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice, the natural next step after this Diploma for those wanting to go deeper into the subject.
  • Degree in Psychology or Sociology, closely related disciplines that build on what this course covers.
  • Degree in Law, a strong option if the legal elements of the course sparked your interest.
  • Level 3 qualifications in Social Work or Public Services, for those who want to move into practice-based roles sooner.

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