Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Bury

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Bury. Classes run at Holy Cross Sixth Form College, full-time over two years.

The course explores why crime happens, how society defines criminal behaviour, and how the justice system responds. You'll look at policing, the legal process, and forensic science. It covers the WJEC Diploma in Criminology, building the analytical and research skills universities look for.

You'll need GCSE English at grade 4 or above to join. You finish with a Level 3 Diploma in Criminology.

Who this course is for

Criminology A-Level looks at the types of crime that take place within our society and examines how we decide what behaviour is deemed ‘criminal’. It also looks at the roles of the personnel involved when a crime is detected. This course has been designed to prepare students for University study in Criminology and similar fields. If you have aspirations to work in the Police Force, legal profession or forensic sciences, or have a keen interest in crime and criminal behaviour, then this course could be for you.

Entry requirements

General college entry requirements. GCSE English at grade 4 or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll examine how society defines criminal behaviour and why laws exist.
  • You'll study different types of crime and their causes.
  • You'll explore the roles of police, courts, and the justice system.
  • You'll analyse forensic science and how it supports criminal investigations.
  • You'll develop research and critical thinking skills used in university-level study.
  • You'll evaluate media representations of crime and their impact on public perception.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom lessons, discussion, and case study analysis. The WJEC Diploma in Criminology is assessed through a mix of controlled assessments and written examinations. Controlled assessments are completed in class under supervised conditions. Written exams test your knowledge and analytical skills at the end of the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Holy Cross 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.
  • Legal assistant, supports solicitors and barristers in legal cases.
  • Crime analyst, reviews data to help police identify patterns.
  • Social worker, supports vulnerable people through the care system.
  • Forensic technician, collects and analyses evidence at crime scenes.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Criminology, the natural next step for university study in this subject.
  • BA (Hons) Law, for those interested in the legal side of criminal justice.
  • BA (Hons) Psychology, which pairs well with the behavioural focus of this qualification.
  • BA (Hons) Sociology, exploring the wider social forces behind crime and inequality.