BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology and WJEC Applied Diploma in Criminology (Combined)

Applications Open: 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: 27th February 2026

Application Details: At Hartsdown Academy we run the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme https://www.ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/ . Prospective students need to choose 1 Vocational Course (BTEC or OCR) and 2 IB Diploma Courses.

Entry Requirements: 5 x Grade 4-9 including Maths & English. A good attendance and behaviour record is also essential.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

An exciting combination of two subjects that complement each other in content, and future career opportunities.

BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology

This course provides a great insight into Psychology. During this course you will learn about the different psychological approaches and applications in society, conduct your own psychological research using scientific methods, explore the motivations between healthy and unhealthy behaviour and examine the different types of mental disorders and the factors that may cause them.

WJEC Applied Diploma in Criminology

This qualification looks at the types of crime that take place within our society. How do we decide which behaviour is criminal? How do we explain why some people commit crime and how can we use different theories of criminality to explain this behaviour? You will study real life cases in order to gain an understanding of the criminal justice system from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom and look at how social control is achieved within our society.

Each subject is worth one A Level, so studied together you will get the equivalent to a double award. Both courses are a combination of coursework and exam units.

BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology

• Psychological Approaches and Applications
• Conducting Psychological Research
• Health Psychology

Plus one optional unit:

• Forensic and Criminal Psychology
• Introduction to Psychopathology

WJEC Applied Diploma in Criminology

• Changing Awareness of Crime
• Criminal Theories
• Crime Scene to Courtroom
• Crime and Punishment

You will complete 8 units over two years - 4 in Applied Psychology and 4 in Criminology. Both subjects are a combination of coursework and exam units.

Grade 5+ in English and Maths. Grade 4+ in at least 3 other subjects.

There are a wide range of university courses available in various aspects of Psychology and Criminology.

Degree options:

• BSc Criminology
• BA Criminology
• BA Criminology and Criminal Justice
• BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
• BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
• BSc Criminology with Law

UCAS Points

• P - 16
• M - 32
• D - 48
• D* - 56

So, in total you could achieve a maximum of 112 UCAS points, achieving a D* in both subjects.

This course can open the door to an array of career paths that require understanding of the criminal justice sector. These may include careers in the police force, the field of forensic psychology, social and probation work, the prison services, clinical psychology, criminal psychology or care services.