Level 3 Criminology Course in Northampton for 16 to 18 Year Olds – Moulton School and Science College

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 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

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Northampton. Classes run at Moulton School and Science College, full-time over two years.

The course explores how crime is understood, investigated, and responded to. You'll study criminal behaviour, the justice system, and the social factors behind crime. Topics include forensic psychology, policing, and the role of the courts. You'll also develop research and analytical skills that are valued in many careers.

You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology.

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

General Entry Criteria: An APS (average GCSE point score) of greater than 4.5 drawn from all GCSE results (from a minimum of 6 entries). Either Maths Grade 4 and/or English Language or Literature Grade 4. Note: Only one BTEC or GCSE equivalent vocational course may be counted. ECDL or similar non-GCSE equivalent courses do not count for 6th Form entry. For Criminology you will also require a Grade 5 in GCSE English Lang or Lit and Grade 4 in GCSE Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll examine theories of criminal behaviour and what drives it.
  • You'll study how the criminal justice system works, from policing to sentencing.
  • You'll explore forensic psychology and its role in investigations.
  • You'll analyse the social and cultural factors linked to crime.
  • You'll develop research skills through case studies and evidence-based tasks.
  • You'll practise analytical thinking and structured written communication.
  • You'll consider ethical issues in criminology and criminal justice.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, discussions, and case study analysis. Assessment is a mix of controlled assessments and written tasks completed during the course. There are no traditional written exams for every unit. You'll apply theory to real criminal justice scenarios throughout.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Moulton School and Science College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, works within the criminal justice system.
  • Probation officer, supports offenders through rehabilitation.
  • Social worker, helps vulnerable individuals and families.
  • Youth justice worker, works with young people in the justice system.
  • Crime analyst, researches and analyses crime data.
  • Community support officer, assists police in local communities.
  • Victim support worker, provides help to those affected by crime.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice, the natural next step after this qualification.
  • A degree in Law, for those interested in the legal side of the justice system.
  • A degree in Psychology or Sociology, which builds on the theory covered in this course.
  • A degree in Social Work, for those aiming to work directly with vulnerable people.

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