Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Plymouth. Classes run at Hele's Trust, full-time during the day. This two-year criminology qualification explores why people commit crimes and how society responds to them. You'll examine crime, justice, and punishment through research, analysis, and debate. Entry requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or grade C, including English and Maths. You'll need to be organised and keep on top of internally assessed work throughout the course.
Who this course is for
You need to enjoy researching and exploring the world around you. You need 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 these. You will need to be well
organised and keep up to date with all internally assessed work
Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 passes at grade 5 or grade C (including English and Maths)
What you will learn
You'll explore the causes of criminal behaviour and the theories behind them.
You'll analyse how the criminal justice system investigates and prosecutes crime.
You'll examine how courts, prisons, and rehabilitation programmes respond to offenders.
You'll evaluate media representations of crime and their effect on public perception.
You'll research real cases and apply criminological theory to them.
You'll develop skills in constructing evidence-based arguments from more than one perspective.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons, research tasks, and discussion. The WJEC Certificate in Criminology is assessed through a combination of internal controlled assessments and external examinations. Internally assessed units are marked by your teachers and moderated by WJEC. You'll need to stay organised and submit coursework on time, as internal assessments run throughout the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Hele's Trust will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Police officer: entry-level role in UK policing after further training
Probation services officer: supporting offenders through the justice system
Prison officer: working in custody and rehabilitation settings
Youth justice worker: supporting young people in the justice system
Victim support worker: helping people affected by crime
Community safety officer: working with local authorities on crime prevention
Social worker: requires a degree, but criminology builds relevant knowledge
What you could study next
Degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice: the natural next step, building directly on this qualification at university level.
Degree in Law: for those interested in the legal side of the justice system.
Degree in Sociology or Psychology: related disciplines that overlap with criminological study.
Level 3 qualifications in Social Care or Public Services: if you want to move into work sooner and study alongside it.
