Level 3 Criminology Course in South Shields for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration24 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
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 South Shields. Classes run at Harton Academy, full-time over two years.

The course draws on psychology, law, and sociology. You'll study four units covering how crime is reported and represented, theories of criminality, investigative techniques, and how law and punishment work in practice. Two units are assessed through controlled assessments, and two through external exams. You'll need four or five GCSEs at grade 4 or above to join.

You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology at Level 3.

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

4-5 GCSE's at grade 4 (C) or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll analyse different types of crime and explore why crimes go unreported.
  • You'll examine how the media represents crime.
  • You'll study biological, sociological, and individualistic theories of criminality.
  • You'll explore how criminological theories shape policy.
  • You'll learn about investigative techniques and the role of the Crown Prosecution Service.
  • You'll examine the processes behind law-making, social control, and punishment.
  • You'll develop research, analytical thinking, and communication skills.
  • You'll apply theoretical learning to real-life problems and case studies.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time over two years. Units 1 and 3 are assessed through controlled assessments completed in class. Units 2 and 4 are assessed by external exam. You'll typically complete Units 1 and 2 in the first year, and Units 3 and 4 in the second. The course also involves project-based research and independent study.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Harton Academy 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.
  • Social worker, supports vulnerable individuals and families.
  • Youth justice worker, works with young people in the justice system.
  • Crime analyst, analyses crime data to support policing decisions.
  • Court clerk, supports the administration of criminal court proceedings.

What you could study next

  • A Level Law, deepens your understanding of the legal system and supports university applications.
  • BA (Hons) Criminology, a degree-level route into criminology research, policy, or practice.
  • BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology, combines social theory with the study of crime.
  • LLB (Hons) Law, the undergraduate route toward a career in law.
  • BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology, explores the psychological dimensions of criminal behaviour.

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