Level 3 Criminology Course in Hove. Classes run at BHASVIC, part-time during the day, four and a half hours per week. The course runs over 72 weeks across two years, so you can build your understanding at a steady pace alongside other commitments. You'll explore why people commit crimes, how the justice system works, and how public perceptions of crime are shaped. Units cover changing awareness of crime, criminological theories, crime scene analysis, and crime and punishment. Assessment combines internal and external exams.
Who this course is for
This level 3 Diploma is offered to students who have a keen interest in crime. You need to be non-judgemental, be very interested in people, society and crime, be able to work under pressure, look to make contacts outside of college, be innovative and really motivated. It is an intense two year course for 4.5 hours per week. There will be regular homework and assignments, you have to be happy to make presentations to the class and work in groups. The course is taught in the same way as A levels are taught, with the same expectations on students to achieve high standards in their work. Students may find some of the content disturbing given the nature of crime, although all topics are handled sensitively.
Entry requirements
No specific course entry requirements.
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college
What you will learn
You'll analyse the gap between media representations of crime and what the evidence actually shows.
You'll evaluate key criminological theories and understand why people commit crimes.
You'll explore how shifts in criminological thinking have influenced criminal justice policy.
You'll review real criminal cases and assess whether verdicts are safe and just.
You'll examine evidence from crime scenes through to courtroom proceedings.
You'll consider questions around punishment, compliance, and why most people follow the law.
You'll plan and develop a campaign to change public awareness or attitudes around a specific crime issue.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at BHASVIC, taught at a similar level to A Level study. Assessment is a combination of internal assignments and external exams. You'll also complete regular homework, give presentations to the class, and work in groups. The course is taught within the Psychology department.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. BHASVIC will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Police officer: investigate crime and support communities
Probation officer: supervise offenders and support rehabilitation
Youth justice worker: work with young people in the justice system
Prison officer: manage and support people in custody
Victim support worker: help people affected by crime
Community safety officer: work on local crime prevention initiatives
Social worker: support vulnerable individuals and families
What you could study next
WJEC Applied Diploma in Criminology: the natural next step, building on the Certificate content in Year 2 of the same course at BHASVIC.
Degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice: many universities accept this qualification as part of an application.
Degree in Psychology, Sociology, or Law: related disciplines that complement criminology study and open further career routes in justice, policy, or social work.
