Criminology - Applied Diploma

Applications Open - 20 November 2025 at 8am

Applications Close - 6 February 2026 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2 which closes on the 22nd May).

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements.

For level 2 courses please read the course information.

Subjects: -

Level 3 - Enter your choices in order of preference for Level 3 courses. Students need to select the equivalent of 3 courses (Triple counts as 3), with 2 reserve options if selecting Level 3 courses. Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Once we close to applicants on the 6 February the options selected will be reviewed and if required we will be in contact.

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, finance or fitness. However, please look up all entry requirements for individual subjects as some subjects require specific subjects and grades.

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects and 2 reserve subjects by placing them in a ranked order/ or a Pathway. Once applications close we will review all subjects requested and may be in contact at this time to discuss your chosen subjects further.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org

This course is subject to course validation and Awarding Body centre approval.

The Diploma in Criminology is an ideal qualification if you are considering a career within the criminal justice system. The subject draws together criminal aspects of psychology, law, ethics, sociology and the wider humanities in seeking answers to academic and societal questions, such as what are the causes/effects of criminal behaviour, and how crime has changed in the last 100 years.

The qualification involves the study of criminal behaviour and its effects, patterns of crime, criminal statistics and various processes within the criminal justice system.

Changing Awareness of Crime - In the first unit you will study the different types of crimes, learning the difference between individual offences, white collar crimes and technological crimes. You will also consider which types of crimes are the most unreported, and the reasons for this, specifically the role of the media in this context.

Criminological Theories - In the second unit you draw upon your understanding from Unit 1 of what crime is and consider why individuals commit crime, drawing up 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 topic provides you with an understanding of the criminal justice system from when a crime has been identified, to the verdict. In this law-focused unit you will learn the techniques used to gather evidence along with the procedures to effectively investigate a crime. You will also develop an understanding of the criminal trial process.

Crime and Punishment - In the final unit you will apply your understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court in order 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.

The assessment is 50% external examination and 50% controlled assessment.

2 Year Course - Normally 5 GCSE Grades in the range of 9-4, including English and preferably either Religious Studies or History minimum grade 4. The course is ideally suited to students whose grades fall in the range of 3-6.

Please note: Due to the similarities in content, students should not opt for both A Level Criminology and A Level Law. Staff are happy to advise students which option would be most suitable.

Criminology is a well-regarded subject in higher education/employment. Students will gain valuable background knowledge of current affairs, criminal justice and public policy. Students will have developed skills desired by employers such as research, analysis of sources/data, planning campaigns and constructing a well-evidenced argument. Typical progression routes include: Law, Journalism, Politics, International Relations, Humanities/Social Studies, Police and Armed Forces. The qualification allows learners to gain the required understanding/skills for employment within the criminal justice system, e.g. the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service

Please note that not all courses are recognised or accepted by universities, and it is important that a student research this before undertaking the 2 year programme.