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Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Penzance – Penwith College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Penzance. Classes run at Penwith College, full-time during the day.

The course explores why people commit crime and how the Criminal Justice System responds. You'll look at the role of the police, courts, prisons, and probation service. It also examines how public perceptions of crime shift over time and how new forms of crime emerge. The course takes one year to complete.

You'll need five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Grade 5 in English. You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology at Level 3.

Who this course is for

Criminology considers theories that explain why people commit crime in the first place and the types of offences carried out by individuals and groups. It also examines how our perceptions (the way we see crime) develop and change over time, and how we become aware of new forms of crime.

The course also explores how the Criminal Justice System works by looking at each of its individual components in detail, including the police, courts, prison, and the probation service. Criminology has elements of sociology, psychology and law and can be studied alongside these A Level subjects. It offers a fascinating insight into the world of crime, the causes of crime, and how to effectively prevent it.

This course and the qualification you will achieve is equivalent to one A Level and it has been designed to be part of a typical two-year study programme, alongside A Levels. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to the admission requirements of many relevant courses.

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, with a Grade 5 in English. Students should be confident readers, able to write fluently and have good factual recall.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore theories that explain why individuals and groups commit crime.
  • You'll examine different types of offences and criminal behaviour.
  • You'll study how public perceptions of crime develop and change over time.
  • You'll investigate how new forms of crime come to public attention.
  • You'll analyse each part of the Criminal Justice System, including the police, courts, prisons, and probation service.
  • You'll develop skills in critical thinking, extended writing, and evidence-based argument.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, guided reading, and written work. The WJEC Diploma in Criminology is assessed through a combination of controlled assessments and written examinations. Controlled assessments are completed in class under supervised conditions. Exams test your knowledge and ability to analyse criminological theories and evidence.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Penwith 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.
  • Youth justice worker, works with young people in the justice system.
  • Prison officer, manages and supports people in custody.
  • Victim support worker, helps people affected by crime.
  • Social worker, supports vulnerable individuals and families.

What you could study next

  • A Level Law, deepens your understanding of the legal system and supports university applications.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services, broadens your options in policing, the military, and related roles.
  • A degree in Criminology, Sociology, or Psychology, the natural next step for careers in research, policy, or criminal justice.
Apply on truro-penwith.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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