Criminology Level 3 Applied Diploma

Applications Open - 21st November 2025

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

Entry Requirements - Please see our prospectus for grades needed

How to Apply -

ALL applications are to be made via KentChoices - if you do not have log in details, please speak to your school. If you are applying from outside of our area or an Independent school please email ccvioffice@ccgrammarschool.co.uk

**** IMPORTANT ****

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

What is the course about?

Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology. Students of Criminology gain the chance to understand why a person becomes a criminal and the legal aspects of the criminal justice system. During the course you will gain an insight into deviancy and crime which you will apply to a wide range of contexts and example. As an area of social science, it encourages students to develop the important skills of advocacy and critical thinking.

For whom is the course suitable?

The course will appeal to students who are interested in the types of crime that take place within our society and the reasons why people commit crime. It looks at how the criminal justice system works and how social control is achieved within our society. If you are fascinated by the workings of crime and punishment, this course could be for you!

Teaching Methods and Homework commitment:

Teaching and learning in Criminology is a combination of written assessments and application activities. Within each of the lesson’s students need to have the drive and determination to research specific cases of crime relevant to the course. In lesson, we will assess this learning through discussion, group work activities and essay work.

What could I go on to do at the end of the course?

Criminology 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 or in police support roles, the field of forensic psychology, social and probation work, or the prison services.

Method of Study and Assessment:

Students are expected to take the course for two years gaining enough credits in total to equate to 1 A level. Assessment will be through internally marked controlled assessments and external examinations. The weightings for assessment are 50% external, 50% internal. Students can achieve grades A – E on each unit. The final grade is an aggregate of all the unit grades to give an overall grade of A* - E.

Units covered:

YEAR ONE

UNIT ONE – Changing awareness of crime — Internally Assessed

In this unit students will look at crime and deviance. They will be expected to write a report about the different types of crimes, the complexity of crime and then design a campaign for change.

UNIT TWO—Criminological Theories—Externally Assessed

In this unit students will be looking at the wide range of theories which can be used to explain crime and deviance. They will be looking at biological, environmental, sociological and psychological explanations for crime.

YEAR TWO

UNIT THREE— Crime scene to courtroom—Internally Assessed

During this unit students will learn about crime scenes and court cases. In the unit we look at evidence collection and the processes that exists to prevent contamination. In addition, we look at the core processes involved in the court room, CPS and other legal agencies for criminal cases.

UNIT FOUR—Crime and Punishment—Externally Assessed

In this unit students will be looking at the wide range of explanations surrounding crime and punishment. This will focus on how laws are made and why they have been selected as core processes.

Website URL: For more information please go to http://www.ccgrammarschool.co.uk

See Prospectus on school website for details