Level 3 Criminology Course in Leighton Buzzard for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
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

Level 3 Criminology Course in Leighton Buzzard. Classes run at Cedars Upper School, full-time over two years.

The course draws on psychology, law, and sociology to explore the criminal justice system. You'll use theories of criminality to analyse real cases and think about crime policy. The course suits daytime study alongside other humanities subjects. You'll need GCSE Sociology at grade 5 if you studied it, or a grade 5 in GCSE English Language.

You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology at Level 3.

Who this course is for

WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities. It has been designed to offer applied learning through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system. This course will enable students to use theories of criminality to analyse criminal situations and make recommendations for policy. Students also develop the knowledge and skills to research policy in practice, assess campaigns for changes in awareness and examine information to review verdicts in criminal cases.

Entry requirements

GCSE Sociology grade 5 if taken at GCSE or level 5 English Language.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore key theories of why people commit crime.
  • You'll analyse criminal situations using psychological and sociological frameworks.
  • You'll study how the criminal justice system works, including policing, courts, and sentencing.
  • You'll develop skills to research and evaluate crime policy.
  • You'll make evidence-based recommendations for changes to criminal justice policy.
  • You'll apply concepts from law, psychology, and sociology to real-world scenarios.

How you will learn

The WJEC Diploma in Criminology is assessed through a mix of controlled assessment tasks and written examinations. Units 1 and 3 are assessed through controlled assessment completed in class. Units 2 and 4 are assessed by external written exams. Revision guides and textbooks for Units 2 and 4 cost around £7.95.

What you will need to bring

Revision guides and textbooks for Units 2 and 4 cost approximately £7.95. Cedars Upper School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Probation services officer, works with offenders to support rehabilitation.
  • Police officer, investigates crime and maintains public safety.
  • Youth justice worker, supports young people within the justice system.
  • Crime analyst, researches crime patterns for police or local authorities.
  • Social worker, helps individuals and families affected by crime or disadvantage.
  • Prison officer, manages and supports people in custody.

What you could study next

  • A Level Law or Psychology, deepens knowledge in subjects closely linked to this criminology qualification.
  • BA (Hons) Criminology or Criminal Justice, the natural degree-level step for those wanting to work in the criminal justice field.
  • BA (Hons) Sociology or Psychology, broadens the academic grounding built during the course.
  • Policing or Social Work degree apprenticeship, combines study with paid work in a relevant public-sector role.

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