Back to search results

Do you have any questions about the course?

Criminology (1 x A Level Equivalent) WJEC Level 3 Diploma

Canterbury Academy, The

The Canterbury Academy, Knight Avenue, Canterbury, CT2 8QA

Other Regulated/Accredited Qualification
Level 3
Social Sciences

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
The Canterbury Academy
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
NULL

Application Instructions

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

Course Summary

This Level 3 diploma allows students to study a range of issues about crime and the justice system. This includes exploring definitions of crime, understanding criminal behaviours and investigating the pathway of evidence from crime-scene to courtroom.

This course assessed through both coursework AND exam and so offers a varied approach to criminology studies.

Course Details

The course involves studying 4 units over two years and includes the following elements:


Year 1

Changing Awareness of Crime

Internal assessment (Coursework)

Criminological Theories

External assessment (Exam)

Year 2

Crime Scene to Courtroom

Internal assessment

Crime and punishment

External assessment

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Students sit an exam in Year 12 that must be passed to progress with the course. Two exam papers at end of Year 13.

Entry requirements

We would recommend a least a grade 5 GCSE in English Language and a grade 6 GCSE in Science.

Your next steps...

The qualification carries UCAS points and if it is taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two year programme of learning then it is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses. It will support entry to many higher education courses, depending on the other qualifications learners have taken.

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes at specific higher education providers.

This course may also be of interest to students wishing progress directly to work or train in the criminal justice system.


For more courses like this, check our courses page.