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Criminology
Criminology is the study of crime and criminals. In the first year, students examine theories of crime, including the nature versus nurture debate in an attempt to decide whether criminals are born or moulded by the environment they are raised in.
They also look at how campaign groups and the media can influence changes in the law.
The second year involves learning about the various procedures and personnel involved in detecting crimes, such as the police and crime scene investigators. The final unit focusses on how institutions like the courts and prisons try to punish and ultimately control crime.
The course is modular and assessment takes place in December and May each year. In December there is a controlled coursework assessment and in May there is an external examination. This is then repeated in year two. The course is equivalent to one A-Level and carries the same UCAS points for university entry.
Entry Criteria
5 in GCSE English Language/Literature
Companion Subjects
Career Paths
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Detective
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Crime Scene Investigator
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Community Development Worker
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Police Officer
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Prison Officer
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Probation Officer
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Civil Service
Subject Intent
This course is designed to ignite your curiosity about crime, society, and justice. You’ll learn to think like a criminologist—exploring different types of crime, why people commit them, and how society responds. You'll gain analytical skills, research techniques, and real-world understanding, preparing you for university studies in criminology, sociology, psychology, law—or careers in criminal justice, social policy, and beyond
Course Overview (2-year)
Year 1
- Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime (Internally assessed – controlled coursework)
Explore how different types of crime (like white-collar, hate, state crime) are perceived and reported—and sometimes hidden. Learn how media representation, public campaigns, and statistics shape social understanding. You'll also plan and justify a campaign for change, applying theory to action - Unit 2: Criminological Theories (Externally assessed – 90 min exam)
Examine why crime happens through biological, psychological/individual, and sociological perspectives. You'll analyse policy connections and evaluate how well these theories explain real crimes
Year 2
- Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom (Internally assessed – controlled coursework)
Understand the criminal justice journey—from investigation to trial—with a strong emphasis on practical and research skills (like interviews and evidence evaluation) - Unit 4: Crime and Punishment (Externally assessed – 90 min exam)
Explore justice and sanctioning systems, policymaking, and the relationship between theory and practice in controlling crime. This builds on the insights from earlier units
Assessment Breakdown
- Units 1 & 3: Controlled internal coursework (8 hours each), contributing 50% of overall grade
- Units 2 & 4: External exams (90 minutes, 75 marks each), also 50% overall
Each unit must be passed to achieve the full diploma
Homework & Independent Study
Expect a mix of research tasks, exam-style questions, case study evaluations, campaign planning documentation, and revision activities. You'll also be encouraged to follow crime trends, legal changes, and media coverage to enrich your learning.
Enrichment Opportunities
- Visits to courts, law enforcement agencies, or forensic units
- Guest speakers from criminology, law enforcement, probation services
- Campaign planning workshops and community activism projects
- Participation in events or competitions like mock trials or debates
- Revision clinics and peer-support sessions
Progression & Careers
This course is ideal if you're aiming for degrees in criminology, law, psychology, sociology, or forensic science. It also opens doors to roles in policing, probation, youth justice, social work, policy-making, and community services . The skills you develop—critical thinking, research design, communication, and ethical reasoning—are widely valued across higher studies and careers.