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Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Wakefield

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Criminology Course in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, full-time during the day, alongside two A Levels over two years. The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. You will explore why people commit crime, drawing on psychology and sociology. You will also study how society responds through policing, law, and punishment, and look at how crimes are investigated and how perceptions of crime are shaped. To join, you will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and maths.

Who this course is for

For study alongside two A Levels.

Criminology is an increasingly popular subject for students who are interested in a career in criminal justice or studying criminology at university. The subject explores why people commit crime, drawing on explanations from psychology and sociology, along with how society tackles crime through the law, policing and punishment. Students learn about different types of crime, how people’s perceptions of crime are shaped and how crimes are investigated.

Please note: Whilst this course sits within our A Level provision and can be taken alongside other A Levels, the qualification you will gain at the end of the programme is a WJEC Level 3 Diploma, rather than an A Level.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English Language and maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the psychological and sociological reasons why people commit crime.
  • You'll study different types of crime and how they affect individuals and communities.
  • You'll examine how society tackles crime through law, policing, and punishment.
  • You'll learn how people's perceptions of crime are formed and influenced.
  • You'll investigate how crimes are detected and how criminal investigations work.
  • You'll develop analytical skills by evaluating evidence and arguments about crime and justice.

How you will learn

You will learn through classroom-based sessions alongside your A Level studies. The WJEC Certificate in Criminology is assessed through a mix of controlled assessments and written examinations. Controlled assessments are completed in class under supervised conditions. Written exams test your knowledge and understanding of criminology topics covered across the two years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wakefield College will confirm anything else you need before you start. The provider notes that additional costs may apply for materials, equipment, visits, and residentials.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Police officer: investigate crime and protect communities
  • Probation officer: support offenders through rehabilitation
  • Youth justice worker: work with young people in the justice system
  • Crime analyst: analyse crime data to support policing decisions
  • Social worker: support vulnerable people affected by crime
  • Prison officer: manage and support people in custody
  • Victim support worker: help people affected by crime

What you could study next

  • Degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice: the natural next step after this level 3 criminology qualification, recognised by UK universities.
  • Degree in Psychology or Sociology: builds on the theoretical foundations covered in this course.
  • Degree in Law (LLB): suits those drawn to the legal side of criminal justice.
  • Degree in Policing: a direct route into professional policing roles.
Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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