Subject Introduction

Criminology does not require any prior knowledge, allowing every learner the opportunity to explore key ideas about crime, justice, and society. The subject encourages diverse perspectives by examining social and cultural diversity and understanding how crime affects individuals and communities differently. This helps students develop empathy, open-mindedness, and a deeper awareness of real-world issues. Criminology also supports different learning styles through a variety of engaging methods such as independent research tasks, creative projects like designing a campaign for change, collaborative group work such as mock courtrooms, and structured exam-based units. These varied approaches ensure that every student can engage with the material in a way that suits their strengths and interests.

Curriculum

Within the curriculum, students explore criminological theories in depth to analyse criminal situations and understand how these theories can inform recommendations for crime prevention policies. They develop the knowledge and skills to research how policies work in practice, assess campaigns that aim to raise awareness, and review information to evaluate verdicts in criminal cases. The curriculum helps students understand different types of crime, how crime is perceived, and why some crimes go unreported. It also provides insight into the criminal justice process, from the identification of a crime to the final verdict. Students will build the skills needed to assess how effective social control is in delivering criminal justice policy.

Forming Students as Citizens of the Future

Studying criminology helps shape informed, responsible citizens of the future. Through exploring the foundations of law, democracy, and the criminal justice system, students gain a deeper understanding of how society maintains order and fairness. They learn about the rights and responsibilities of individuals, how laws are made and enforced, and the importance of justice in a democratic society. This knowledge empowers students to think critically about ethical and social issues and motivates them to become active agents of positive change, using their understanding to challenge injustice, influence decision-making, and contribute to creating a safer, fairer society for all.

Aims

The WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of criminological theories, criminal behaviour, and the criminal justice system. Its aims focus on developing knowledge, analytical skills, and practical application relevant to criminology.

The aims include:

Understanding Crime and Criminal Behaviour

• To explore the nature, causes, and patterns of criminal behaviour.
• To study why individuals commit crimes, including sociological, psychological, and biological perspectives.

Understanding the Criminal Justice System

• To examine how the criminal justice system operates, including law enforcement, courts, and HM Police and Probation services.
• To understand the roles of agencies such as the police, probation, and prisons.

Applying Criminological Theory to Real-Life Contexts

• To apply criminological theories to real-world cases and scenarios.
• To develop evaluative skills in assessing theories and evidence in the context of crime.

Developing Analytical and Research Skills

• To analyse crime data and trends.
• To develop research skills, including creating a campaign for change.

Encouraging Ethical and Reflective Thinking

• To understand moral, ethical, and social issues related to crime and justice.
• To develop a critical awareness of issues such as social inequality, victimisation, and rehabilitation.

Key Stage 5