Criminology WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (Single)

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 24th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Course aims

Criminology is the scientific study of criminal behaviour, on individual, social and natural levels, and how it can be managed, controlled and prevented. In particular, the course explores what crime is, how it is socially constructed, who commits crimes and the criminal justice process, once a crime has been committed. This course will enable students to develop their critical analysis and judgement. It will enable them to articulate arguments effectively in class discussions and written assessments.

Course content

Students will study how crime reporting affects the public perception of criminality. They will then explore how campaigns are used to elicit change and then plan a campaign for change relating to crime. Students will study social constructions, theories and causes of criminality. This will then lead to a knowledge of the causes of policy change. Students will investigate the process of criminal investigations and review criminal case studies. They will learn about the different processes of the criminal justice system and the role of punishment and social control measures in England and Wales.

Additional course entry requirements

In addition to the general requirements for access onto WJEC courses, students will require a minimum of grade 4 in English.

Additional course entry requirements

In addition to the general requirements for access onto WJEC courses, students will require a minimum of grade 4 in English.

Progression and career opportunities

Criminology is directly relevant to careers in probation, police or prison services, social work, the legal profession, community development work and youth work. Students may go on to study criminology at degree level or move into a related field of social work, sociology, psychology or law.