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Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Knutsford

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Knutsford. Classes run at Knutsford Academy, full-time during the day. This two-year criminology qualification is free for students enrolled full-time at Knutsford Academy or Cheshire Studio School. It is not available to private candidates. The course draws on psychology, law, and sociology to explore how crime is understood, investigated, and responded to. It carries the same weight as one A Level, making it useful for university applications. You'll need five or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, to be considered.

Who this course is for

An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. WJEC Level 3 Applied Certificate in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities. It is equivalent to 1 A Level.

Entry requirements

5+ GCSE @ Grade 4+ (incl English & Maths)

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the causes of crime and criminal behaviour through psychological and sociological perspectives.
  • You'll study how the criminal justice system works, including policing, courts, and sentencing.
  • You'll examine how crime is measured and reported in the UK.
  • You'll analyse real case studies to understand how theory applies in practice.
  • You'll develop skills in evaluating evidence and constructing arguments.
  • You'll investigate the role of victims and how the justice system responds to them.

How you will learn

The WJEC Level 3 Criminology qualification is assessed through a combination of controlled assessment tasks and written examinations. Controlled assessments are completed in class under supervised conditions. You'll also sit external exams that test your understanding of criminological theory, crime data, and the criminal justice system. Teaching takes place in the classroom at Knutsford Academy across two years of full-time daytime study.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Knutsford Academy 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 officer. Support offenders through rehabilitation and supervision.
  • Social worker. Work with individuals and families in complex situations.
  • Youth justice worker. Support young people in contact with the criminal justice system.
  • Prison officer. Custody and rehabilitation work in the prison service.
  • Crime analyst. Research and data role supporting police or government agencies.

What you could study next

A Level 3 criminology qualification supports applications to university, where you could study a degree in Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, or Law. From there, professional routes include the Probation Qualification Framework or a postgraduate conversion course in Social Work. If you want to move into policing, the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship is another option after completing your studies.

Apply on wjec.co.uk →
Apply now →

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