Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Yeovil. Classes run at Yeovil College, full-time during the day, Monday to Friday. You'll need GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above to join. The course runs across two years and covers 144 hours of study. You'll explore why crime happens, how it's perceived, and how the criminal justice system responds. Units cover changing awareness of crime, criminological theories, crime scene to courtroom, and crime and punishment. Assessment combines an external written exam and a centre-marked assignment.
Who this course is for
This course will enable you to develop an understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crime goes unreported. You will explore ideas around why some people commit crime, and how the criminal justice system works. You will consider the nature of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court. You will develop your evaluative skills through looking at the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.
Entry requirements
GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or above are needed to study this course.
What you will learn
You'll explore different types of crime and what shapes public perceptions of them.
You'll examine why some crimes go unreported and how that affects criminal justice.
You'll study criminological theories and what they say about why people commit crime.
You'll trace the process from a crime scene through to a court appearance.
You'll analyse crime and punishment policies and how effective they are.
You'll evaluate how social control is used to deliver criminal justice.
You'll develop skills in analysis, evaluation, and presenting arguments.
How you will learn
Teaching uses a mix of classroom activities, professional discussions, presentations, digitally-enabled tasks, and directed study. You'll also have weekly one-to-one tutorials covering progress, employability skills, and university preparation. Assessment is through one externally set and marked written exam, set by WJEC, and one centre-marked assignment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Yeovil College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Police officer, community support officer, or special constable
Probation services officer, supporting offenders through rehabilitation
Youth justice worker, working with young people in the justice system
Crime analyst, researching patterns and data for police or local authorities
Court or legal administrative officer, supporting court proceedings
Social worker, applying knowledge of crime and social factors
Prison officer, working within the custodial justice system
What you could study next
A Level Law or Sociology, to deepen your understanding of justice and society alongside your criminology qualification.
Level 4 or Level 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Criminology or Criminal Justice, for a more advanced criminology qualification before university.
BA (Hons) Criminology or Criminal Justice degree, the natural next step after a level 3 criminology certificate for those aiming for graduate-level roles or further study.
