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Level 3 Criminology Course in St Albans for 16 to 18 Year Olds – Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 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.

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About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in St Albans. Classes run at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School, 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 social theories of crime. Units develop research, analytical thinking, and communication skills that are useful across many careers. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Maths, 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

5 GCSE's at grade 5 (C) or above including English and Maths

What you will learn

  • You'll explore theories of criminal behaviour and why crime occurs.
  • You'll examine how the criminal justice system works, from policing to sentencing.
  • You'll analyse real cases and apply theory to real situations.
  • You'll develop research skills, including gathering and evaluating evidence.
  • You'll practise analytical thinking and structured written communication.
  • You'll study social factors that influence crime rates and patterns.
  • You'll consider ethical questions around justice, punishment, and rehabilitation.

How you will learn

The qualification is assessed through a mix of controlled assessments and written examinations. Controlled assessments require you to apply your knowledge to set tasks under supervised conditions. Exams test your understanding of criminological theory and the justice system. Classes are delivered in the classroom at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, works within the criminal justice system to prevent and investigate crime.
  • Probation officer, supports offenders through rehabilitation and resettlement.
  • Social worker, helps individuals and families affected by crime or disadvantage.
  • Youth justice worker, works with young people in the justice system.
  • Victim support worker, provides practical and emotional support to victims of crime.
  • Community safety officer, works with local authorities on crime prevention.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice, the natural next step if you want to specialise further.
  • A degree in Law, Psychology, or Sociology, all closely related fields this qualification supports.
  • A degree in Social Work, for those drawn to working directly with people affected by crime.
  • A Level 4 or 5 qualification in Policing or Criminal Justice, for a more vocational route into the sector.
Apply on wjec.co.uk →
Apply now →

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