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Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Wigan – St John Rigby Sixth Form College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Wigan. Classes run at St John Rigby Sixth Form College, full-time over two years.

The course draws on psychology, law, and sociology. You'll explore criminal offences, theories of criminal behaviour, and how crime scene investigators work. It traces the criminal justice process from the discovery of a crime right through to a court verdict.

You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology.

Who this course is for

Criminology is a fascinating course that will allow you to explore a range of criminal offences, theories of criminal behaviour and the techniques used by crime scene investigators. By the end of the course you will have gained an in-depth knowledge of how the criminal justice system works, from the moment a crime has been discovered, right up until a verdict is reached in court. Criminology is a subject with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities but can be combined with any other A level subjects. The qualification carries UCAS points equivalent to one A level. It relies heavily on the use of case studies and will enable you to develop many valuable skill such as: Independent learning and research, Analysing information and arriving at logical conclusions, Applying your knowledge and solving problems and working with others on projects and presenting your findings.

Entry requirements

In addition to any individual subject specific requirements, students will be expected to have the following qualifications to be guaranteed a place on an A level programme: + 2 GCSE grades at 6 or above and 4 GCSE grades at 4 or above. GCSE English Language must be included in this grade profile.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore a range of criminal offences and how they are classified.
  • You'll study theories of criminal behaviour from psychological and sociological perspectives.
  • You'll learn how crime scene investigators gather and analyse evidence.
  • You'll examine how the criminal justice system operates, from crime discovery to court verdict.
  • You'll develop knowledge of law as it applies to criminal cases.
  • You'll analyse how psychology and sociology intersect with criminology.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions covering theory, case studies, and discussion. Assessment for the WJEC Diploma in Criminology includes a mix of written examinations and controlled assessment tasks. You'll build your understanding progressively across the two years of the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. St John Rigby Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, investigates crime and supports communities.
  • Crime scene investigator, collects and analyses evidence at crime scenes.
  • Probation officer, supports offenders through rehabilitation programmes.
  • 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.

What you could study next

  • A Level Law, deepens your understanding of the legal system and opens routes into law degrees.
  • BA (Hons) Criminology, a university degree that builds directly on this qualification.
  • BA (Hons) Psychology, suits those drawn to the behavioural side of the course.
  • BA (Hons) Sociology, a strong fit if you want to explore the social causes of crime further.
Apply on sjr.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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