Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Carlisle. Classes run at Caldew School, full-time during the day, over one year. You'll need 4 to 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above to enrol. This criminology qualification covers how crime is understood, investigated, and responded to by the criminal justice system. You'll apply theory to real cases and build research, analytical thinking, and communication skills. The course is designed to support progression to university study in criminology, law, psychology, or sociology.
Who this course is for
Anyone with an interest in the criminal justice system or aiming for a career in areas such as social work, probation, the police, law, psychology and sociology. It's particularly useful if you're planning to study criminology, law, psychology or sociology at university and it will give you an opportunity to apply theoretical learning to real life problems. You'll also develop a set of transferable skills including research, analytical thinking and communication that are essential for university study and most careers. The course is generally taken alongside courses such as A levels.
Entry requirements
4-5 GCSE's at grade 4 (C) or above.
What you will learn
You'll explore how crime is defined, measured, and understood in society.
You'll examine how the criminal justice system operates, including policing, courts, and sentencing.
You'll analyse criminological theories and apply them to real-life cases.
You'll develop research skills, including gathering and evaluating evidence.
You'll practise analytical thinking and structured written communication.
You'll study the role of social factors such as psychology, sociology, and law in shaping criminal behaviour.
How you will learn
The WJEC Level 3 Criminology Certificate is assessed through a combination of controlled assessment units and written examinations. Controlled assessments require you to produce written work under supervised conditions, applying your learning to set briefs. You'll attend classroom-based criminology classes at Caldew School, where teaching draws on case studies and applied learning activities.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Caldew School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Police officer, supporting crime prevention and investigation
Probation officer, working with offenders in the community
Social worker, supporting vulnerable individuals and families
Legal assistant, working in law firms or courts
Youth justice worker, working with young people in the justice system
Crime analyst, researching patterns and data for agencies
Community support officer, assisting police in local areas
What you could study next
Degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice, the natural next step after this Level 3 Certificate
Degree in Law, building on the legal themes covered in the course
Degree in Psychology or Sociology, which share significant overlap with criminology study
Level 3 Diploma in Criminology (WJEC), if you want a broader qualification before university
