Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
If you choose to study criminology, you will achieve a Diploma qualification taken in place of an A Level subject and therefore should be taken alongside two other subjects. This subject works particularly well with the humanities.
Criminology is the perfect qualification if you are interested in all things criminal and are considering a career within the criminal justice system.
The qualification involves the study of criminal behaviour and its effects, patterns of crime, criminal statistics, and various processes within the criminal justice system.
The subject draws together criminal aspects of psychology, law and sociology in seeking answers to academic and societal questions, such as what causes criminal behaviour, what is the effect of crime on society, and how crime has changed in the last 100 years.
The Diploma involves study of four mandatory units:
- Changing Awareness of Crime In the first unit you will study different types of crimes, learning the difference between individual offences, white collar crimes and technological crimes. The unit also considers the representation of crime in the media and public perception of crime and consider which types of crimes are the most unreported, and the reasons for this.
- Criminological Theories In the second unit you will learn why individuals commit crime, drawing up biological, psychological and sociological theories. You will also consider how these theories and social change affect policy development in crime.
- Crime Scene to Courtroom The third unit will provide you with an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified, to the verdict. In this unit, you will learn about the personnel involved, the techniques used to gather evidence in criminal cases, alongside the procedures to effectively investigate a crime. You will also develop an understanding of the criminal trial process with an outline of the role of the different types of legal personnel and lay people within this process.
- Crime and Punishment In the final mandatory unit, you will apply your understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy. In this unit you will further consider the processes of the criminal justice system alongside the processes of law-making, you will also study theories of social control with the aims and types of punishment available.
Assessment Methods
The assessment is 50% external examination and 50% internal controlled assessment.
Progression Options
This course is designed for any student who is considering a career within the criminal justice system or criminology as a topic for further study.
It is important to note that this qualification is recognised by most but not all universities, so this course may not be suitable for all students undertaking an A Level programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
