Free Level 3 Criminology Course in North Shields. Classes run full-time at St Thomas More Roman Catholic Academy, over two years. You'll study crime, criminal behaviour, and how the justice system works. The course covers topics including media and crime, criminal investigations, and theories of criminality. You'll need 4 to 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths, to join. This free criminology course suits those looking to build a criminology qualification before moving into higher education or a career in criminal justice.
Who this course is for
If you're interested in how the media influences and shapes the way we think about and react to the world we live in, then A level media studies may be for you. You don't need to have studied media at GCSE, though you should have a critical interest in media and good essay writing skills. The course complements subjects such as English language or literature, history and modern languages as well as social science subjects such as politics, psychology and sociology. It's useful for a variety of media related jobs and courses but will also give you transferable skills such as communication, creativity and analytical thinking that can be used in a range of careers.
Entry requirements
4-5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English language and maths.
What you will learn
You'll explore theories of why crime happens and how society responds to it.
You'll examine how the criminal justice system operates in England and Wales.
You'll analyse how the media shapes public perceptions of crime.
You'll study criminal investigation methods and forensic processes.
You'll evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches to crime prevention.
You'll develop skills in research, analysis, and extended writing.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions combining teacher-led lessons, discussion, and independent study. Assessment is through a mix of controlled assessments and written examinations. Units are assessed through set assignments completed under supervised conditions, alongside external exams sat at the end of the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. St Thomas More Roman Catholic 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.
Prison officer. Working within the custodial justice system.
Crime analyst. Researching and analysing crime data.
Social worker. Supporting vulnerable people in the community.
Victim support worker. Helping people affected by crime.
Court usher. Working within the court system.
What you could study next
Degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice. The natural next step after this Level 3 Certificate, opening graduate-level careers in policing, law, and social policy.
Degree in Law. Builds on your understanding of the justice system toward a legal career.
Degree in Sociology or Psychology. Complements the themes covered in this criminology qualification and broadens career options in research and public services.
