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Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Portsmouth

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Portsmouth. Classes run at COPC Sixth Form Campus, full-time during the day.

The course is free for eligible 16 to 18 year olds and for 19 to 24 year olds with an Education, Health and Care Plan. You'll explore the causes of criminal behaviour, attitudes to crime, and how criminal investigations work. The course also looks at the wider social impacts of campaigns for change. It runs over one year and covers criminology as a social science, examining how society understands and responds to crime.

You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology.

Who this course is for

Criminology at City of Portsmouth College is an exploration of the causes of criminal behaviour, attitudes to crime, criminal investigations and the wider social impacts of campaigns for change. This Level 3 Diploma in Criminology allows you to either pursue a Certificate qualification (equivalent to one AS Level) or complete the full Diploma (equivalent to one A Level). Criminology is very much a social science course, exploring behaviour and attitudes in the field of crime. You'll also look at criminal investigations and legal procedures, developing your analytical skills by exploring examples, such as campaigns for change and delving into the usefulness of criminological theories. You'll also be actively encouraged to take on volunteering or work experience to enhance your future prospects.

Entry requirements

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English language and a pass in Certificate in Criminology

What you will learn

  • You'll examine the causes of criminal behaviour and what drives people to commit crime.
  • You'll explore how society forms attitudes toward crime and criminals.
  • You'll study how criminal investigations are carried out.
  • You'll analyse the social impacts of campaigns for change in the justice system.
  • You'll consider criminology as a social science, linking behaviour, psychology, and society.
  • You'll develop skills in evaluating evidence and constructing arguments about crime and justice.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, discussion, and analysis of case studies. The WJEC Diploma in Criminology is assessed through a mix of controlled assessments and written examinations. The Certificate route covers two units and the full Diploma covers four, building your knowledge and analytical skills across the year.

What you will need to bring

COPC Sixth Form Campus will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, requires further training and recruitment through a police force.
  • Probation officer, typically needs a degree or relevant professional qualification.
  • Youth worker, supports young people in community or justice settings.
  • Crime analyst, works with data to support policing and research teams.
  • Social worker, requires a degree in social work and registration with Social Work England.
  • Victim support worker, provides practical and emotional support to people affected by crime.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice (Level 6), the most direct next step for those wanting to work in research, policy, or professional roles in the justice sector.
  • A degree in Psychology (Level 6), useful if you want to focus on the behavioural side of crime.
  • A degree in Social Work (Level 6), which leads to professional registration and practice.
  • A Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Policing or Criminal Justice, for those who want a shorter route into justice-sector roles.
Apply on city-of-portsmouth-college.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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