Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Level 3 Criminology Course in Watford for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration18 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start11 Sep 2026
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.

Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Watford. Classes run at St Michael's Catholic High School Watford, full-time during the day.

The course takes around 18 months. You'll explore how the criminal justice system works, looking at crime, law, and social responses to offending. Units cover research skills, analytical thinking, and how theory applies to real cases. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 5 in English Language.

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 passes at grade 4, including grade 5 in English Language

What you will learn

  • You'll examine how the criminal justice system operates in the UK.
  • You'll analyse theories of crime and criminal behaviour.
  • You'll explore the roles of the police, courts, and probation service.
  • You'll apply theoretical ideas to real-life case studies.
  • You'll develop research and analytical thinking skills.
  • You'll practise written communication skills suited to university-level study.
  • You'll consider the social, psychological, and legal factors behind offending.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time during the day. Learning combines teacher-led sessions with independent research and written tasks. Assessment for the WJEC Diploma in Criminology includes controlled assessment units completed during the course, alongside written examinations.

What you will need to bring

St Michael's Catholic High School Watford will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer, requires further training and recruitment after this qualification.
  • Probation officer, typically needs a relevant degree alongside this course.
  • Social worker, requires a degree in social work after this qualification.
  • Youth worker, some entry roles accessible; a degree helps progression.
  • Crime analyst, entry roles may be available with further training.
  • Legal administrator, supports solicitors and legal teams in an office setting.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice (Level 6), the most direct next step for those wanting to work in the sector.
  • A degree in Law (Level 6), for those interested in the legal side of the criminal justice system.
  • A degree in Psychology or Sociology (Level 6), building on the analytical skills developed in this Diploma.
  • A degree in Social Work (Level 6), for those aiming toward probation or social care roles.
Apply on stmichaelscatholichighschool.co.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at St Michael's Catholic High School Watford

More courses near you