Criminology - Applied Diploma

Applications open: 10 November 2025

Application deadline: 13th February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x GCSEs Grade 4-9 including English. Maths desirable. Please see individual courses for subject entry requirements. Please visit our website for more information https://www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk/830/welcome

Subject Choices: - You will need to select a minimum of 3 subjects to study and these can be a mixture of A Levels and BTECs with SEFA and MWBA in addition to your full time studies.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Criminology is a subject which combines elements of Law, Sociology and Psychology to look at different aspects of crime; including types of crime, why people commit crime and ways in which crime is dealt with.

1 Changing Awareness of Crime - Controlled Assessment (Internal Exam - Year 12)

Crime isn’t always what it seems. In this unit, you’ll explore the wide spectrum of criminal activity—from everyday offences to hidden crimes that rarely make headlines. You’ll investigate why some crimes go unreported, and how public attitudes can shape what we consider serious or trivial. Discover how something as seemingly harmless as buying fake designer gear can be linked to global issues like terrorism and human trafficking. You’ll also examine how governments and organisations work to raise awareness and shift public perceptions of crime. You will also get the chance to explore campaigns for change and design your own.

2 Criminological Theories - Examination (External Exam - Year 12

Why do people break the law? This unit dives into the biology, psychology and sociology behind criminal behaviour. You’ll study key theories that attempt to explain everything from petty theft to murder. Learn how experts distinguish between crime and deviance, and how these ideas apply to real-life cases. By comparing different criminological approaches, you’ll gain insight into how society responds to crime—and how these theories influence law-making, policing, and public opinion

3 Crime Scene to Courtroom - Controlled Assessment (Internal Exam Year 13)

Follow the journey of a criminal case from the moment a crime is discovered to the final verdict in court. You’ll explore the roles of police officers, forensic experts, and legal professionals, and learn how evidence is gathered and presented. This unit breaks down the criminal justice process, showing how suspects are charged, prosecuted, and tried. You’ll also look at the systems in place to ensure fairness and justice, and how different types of crime require different investigative approaches.

4 Crime and Punishment - Examination (External Exam - Year 13)

What keeps society in check? This unit explores how laws are enforced and why punishment exists. You’ll examine the role of institutions like the police, courts, and prisons, and assess how effective they are in controlling crime. Learn about the different types of punishment and the reasons behind them—from rehabilitation to deterrence. You’ll also consider the cost of social control and whether our current systems are working as they should.

50% Controlled Assessment (Internal Exam): One Assessment will be sat in Year 12 and another in Year 13. This is an 8-hour internal exam spread across 2-3 days.

50% Examination (External Exam): One exam will be sat at the end of Year 12 and another at the end of Year 13.

To achieve the full Diploma in Criminology all 4 Units must be passed.

Grade 5/5 in GCSE English Literature/Language