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Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Newton Abbot – Coombeshead Six Form College – Daytime

CostFREE
Duration18 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start4 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Newton Abbot. Classes run at Coombeshead Six Form College, full-time during the day.

The course covers why people commit crimes, how society responds to offenders, and how perceptions of crime are shaped. You'll study four mandatory units, including changing awareness of crime, criminal justice, and the psychology behind offending behaviour. The course takes around 18 months to complete. Entry requires five GCSEs at Level 4 or above, with a Level 5 in a relevant subject.

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

Who this course is for

This is a WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology.

Students will need to:

  • enjoy researching and exploring the world around you and working independently as well as in a team.
  • to be able to see two sides of an issue and be interested in exploring why people commit crimes and the way that society deals with offenders.

There are four mandatory units:

Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime - understanding types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported

Unit 2: Criminological Theories - why people commit crime

Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom - examining information to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases

Unit 4: Crime and Punishment - evaluating the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.

Students will monitor news relating to the Criminal Justice System and social policies. Some key themes will be:

  • Cause and Effect of crimes
  • Change and Continuity of social policies

This applied course requires learning related to authentic case studies.

There is the possibility of doing a Certificate rather than a Diploma. This will take one year and involve Units 1 & 2 only.

Assessment

Units 1 & 3 are externally assessed in 90 minute examinations.

Units 2 & 4 are internally assessed in controlled assignments.

Resources needed

Cost of any trips

Purchase of a textbook

Entry requirements

Five Level 4 GCSEs are required for entry into 6th Form. GCSE Level 5 pass is required in your chosen, or related, subject.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore why people commit crimes and what drives criminal behaviour.
  • You'll study how society's awareness and perception of crime changes over time.
  • You'll examine how unreported crime affects criminal justice statistics.
  • You'll analyse how the criminal justice system deals with offenders.
  • You'll develop skills in independent research and critical thinking.
  • You'll consider different perspectives on crime, punishment, and social policy.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, group discussion, and independent research. The WJEC Diploma is assessed through a mix of controlled assessments and written examinations. Some units require you to research real cases and present your findings. You'll work both independently and as part of a team throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Coombeshead Six Form 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, works with offenders to reduce reoffending.
  • Youth justice worker, supports young people in the justice system.
  • Crime analyst, reviews data to help police identify patterns.
  • Social worker, supports vulnerable individuals and families.
  • Prison officer, manages and rehabilitates people in custody.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice, the natural next step for a deeper understanding of crime and society.
  • A degree in Psychology, useful if you want to focus on the behavioural side of offending.
  • A degree in Law, for those interested in the legal aspects of the criminal justice system.
  • A degree in Social Work, combining criminology knowledge with direct support roles.
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