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Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Newport Pagnell

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 Newport Pagnell. Classes run at Ousedale School, full-time over two years.

The course covers crime, justice, and the systems society uses to respond to them. You'll explore theories of criminal behaviour, look at how the police and courts operate, and apply ideas to real cases. Units develop research, analytical thinking, 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 of why crime happens and how society responds.
  • You'll examine how the criminal justice system works, including policing, courts, and sentencing.
  • You'll analyse real cases and apply criminological thinking to them.
  • You'll develop research skills, including gathering and evaluating evidence.
  • You'll build analytical and critical thinking skills relevant to law, psychology, and sociology.
  • You'll practise written communication skills suited to university-level study.
  • You'll consider the role of social factors such as inequality, media, and culture in shaping crime.

How you will learn

The WJEC Diploma 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 knowledge of criminological theories and the criminal justice system. You'll study in a classroom setting at Ousedale School, with lessons building knowledge unit by unit across the two years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Ousedale School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, works within the criminal justice system to prevent and investigate crime.
  • Probation officer, supports offenders through rehabilitation and community sentences.
  • Social worker, helps individuals and families affected by crime or disadvantage.
  • Youth justice worker, works with young people who have come into contact with the law.
  • Prison officer, manages and supports people in custody.
  • Victim support worker, provides practical and emotional help to those affected by crime.
  • Community safety officer, works with local agencies to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice, the most direct next step for those aiming for professional roles in the sector.
  • A degree in Law, building on the legal knowledge developed in this qualification.
  • A degree in Psychology or Sociology, closely related disciplines that share much of the same theoretical grounding.
  • A degree in Social Work, for those drawn to working directly with people affected by crime or disadvantage.
Apply on ousedale.org.uk →
Apply now →

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