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Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Oldham

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

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

The course explores why people commit crimes, how the criminal justice system works, and what happens from crime scene to courtroom. You'll study criminological theories, types of crime, public perceptions of crime, and the role of agencies like the police and prisons. Units in year one build your understanding of crime and why some offences go unreported. Year two takes a deeper look at the justice system, criminal cases, and how punishment is used to achieve social control.

You'll need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. You'll finish with a WJEC Diploma in Criminology.

Who this course is for

Shine a light into society’s darkest corners through the academic study of crime and criminals. What defines a crime? Why do people step over the line? How do the disciplines of law, psychology and sociology overlap to help us understand crime? Engage with real-life cases, tracing the path from crime scene to courtroom. If you’re fascinated with the criminal mind, eager to dissect various crime types, and curious about the link between offences and their consequences, this course is your gateway to the intricate world of Criminology.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 5 passes (grade 4 or above) at GCSE, including at least a 4 in both English and Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore different types of crime and why some go unreported to police or the media.
  • You'll study criminological theories that explain why people commit crimes.
  • You'll examine the criminal justice system, from the moment a crime occurs to the final verdict.
  • You'll analyse the roles of key personnel and processes involved in criminal cases.
  • You'll apply criminological theory to understand how and why punishment is used in society.
  • You'll evaluate the effectiveness of social control agencies such as the police and prisons.
  • You'll consider how law, psychology, and sociology overlap in understanding criminal behaviour.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based study, engaging with real-life cases and criminological theory. Assessment is split equally: 50% written exams and 50% assignments or controlled assessment. This balance means you build both analytical writing skills and the ability to perform under exam conditions. The qualification is awarded by WJEC under the Eduqas exam board.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, investigates crime and works within the criminal justice system.
  • Probation officer, supports offenders through rehabilitation and supervision.
  • Youth offending worker, works with young people involved in the justice system.
  • Crime analyst, reviews data and patterns to support police investigations.
  • Social worker, supports vulnerable individuals often connected to criminal justice issues.
  • Prison officer, manages and supports people serving custodial sentences.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice, the natural next step for deeper study and graduate-level roles.
  • A degree in Psychology, useful if you want to focus on the behavioural side of crime.
  • A degree in Law, for those interested in the legal aspects of the criminal justice system.
  • A degree in Social Work, combining criminology knowledge with a professional practice qualification.
Apply on osfc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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