Criminology WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (Single)

Applications Open: Friday 15th October 2026

Applications Close: Friday 9th July 2027

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

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.

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.

The WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is equivalent to one A level. It is assessed through a combination of two written examinations, set and marked by the exam board, and two controlled assessments marked by the teacher. All assignments are worth 25% of the final grade.

A minimum of grade 4 in English GCSE.

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.