Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Cheddar

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Cheddar. Classes run at The Kings of Wessex Academy, full-time during the day over two years. You'll explore questions like how effective the police are, what shapes criminal behaviour, and how crime scene evidence is handled. The course covers criminological theory, the justice system, and how society responds to crime. You'll need standard sixth form entry requirements, including a Grade 4 in English and a Grade 4 in History, Geography, or RPE. A strong foundation for degree-level study in criminology, law, or social sciences.

Who this course is for

How effective are the Police? Does your face shape mean you are more likely to commit a crime? Does your postcode make you more of a criminal? What happens to the evidence at a crime scene?

Entry requirements

Standard Entry Requirements or equivalent including a Grade 4 in English and a Grade 4 in either History, Geography or RPE.

What you will learn

  • You'll examine theories of why people commit crime, including biological, psychological, and social explanations.
  • You'll analyse how effective the police and criminal justice system are in practice.
  • You'll investigate how crime scenes are managed and how evidence is collected and used.
  • You'll explore how a person's background, location, and circumstances can relate to criminal behaviour.
  • You'll study how society and the media shape public perceptions of crime.
  • You'll evaluate how offenders are sentenced, rehabilitated, and reintegrated into society.

How you will learn

The WJEC Level 3 Certificate in Criminology is assessed through a mix of controlled assessment tasks and written examinations. Controlled assessments are completed in class under supervised conditions. Written exams test your understanding of criminological concepts and your ability to apply them to real-world scenarios. Classroom sessions involve case studies, discussion, and analysis of current and historical crime-related issues.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Kings of Wessex Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer - entry-level role in law enforcement
  • Probation officer - supporting offenders through rehabilitation
  • Youth justice worker - working with young people in the justice system
  • Crime analyst - researching and interpreting crime data
  • Social worker - supporting vulnerable individuals and families
  • Victim support worker - helping people affected by crime
  • Border Force officer - working in immigration and customs enforcement

What you could study next

  • Level 3 A Level Law - deepens legal knowledge alongside your criminology qualification
  • BA (Hons) Criminology - undergraduate degree at university, the natural next step after this Level 3 Certificate
  • BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology - combines crime study with broader social theory
  • BA (Hons) Policing - degree-level preparation for a career in law enforcement