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Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Manchester – Xaverian College

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

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Manchester. Classes run at Xaverian College, full-time during the day over two years.

The course explores how and why crime happens, how society responds to it, and how the criminal justice system works. You'll look at topics such as crime theories, victimology, youth crime, and the role of the police and courts. You'll also build research, analytical, and communication skills that are useful across many careers and degree courses.

You'll need four or five GCSEs at grade 4 or above to join. You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology at Level 3.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in the criminal justice system, those aiming for a career in areas such as social work, probation, the police, or if you're planning to study criminology, law, psychology or sociology at university. It will give you an opportunity to apply theoretical learning to real life problems and 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 or Level 3 work related subjects.

Entry requirements

4-5 GCSE's at grade 4 (C) or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore theories that explain why people commit crime.
  • You'll study how the criminal justice system responds to offending.
  • You'll examine issues around victimology and the impact of crime on individuals and communities.
  • You'll analyse youth crime and how society deals with young offenders.
  • You'll look at the role of the police, courts, and probation service.
  • You'll develop research and analytical thinking skills.
  • You'll practise applying theory to real-life criminal justice scenarios.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom lessons, discussion, and case study analysis. Assessment is through written assignments and controlled assessments completed during the course. There is no final written exam for all units; some units are assessed through tasks completed under supervised conditions. Your work is marked against set criteria and submitted to WJEC.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Xaverian 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, supervises offenders and supports rehabilitation.
  • Social worker, helps individuals and families in difficult circumstances.
  • Youth justice worker, works with young people who have offended.
  • Prison officer, manages and supports people in custody.
  • Victim support worker, provides practical and emotional help to victims of crime.
  • Community support officer, assists police in local areas.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Criminology, the natural next step at university, building directly on what this qualification covers.
  • BA (Hons) Sociology, explores the social structures that shape crime and inequality.
  • BA (Hons) Law, suits those interested in the legal side of the criminal justice system.
  • BA (Hons) Psychology, useful for roles in offender behaviour, mental health, or research.
  • BA (Hons) Social Work, leads to a career working with vulnerable people and families.
Apply on xaverian.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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