Level 3 Diploma in Criminology

Applications Open - Monday 27 October 2025

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Criminology is a modular two-year A Level equivalent course in the study of the nature, causes and control of criminal behaviour in both the individual and society.

It is Interdisciplinary in that it draws on concepts from psychology, psychiatry, law, sociology and social anthropology. Criminologists tackle some of the most pressing issues and dilemmas we face in society. They carry out research on crimes and try to explain why they happen, looking into the family life, mental state, social status, biology and other aspects of the lives of criminals. The main aim of criminologists is to find ways to predict, deter, and prevent future crimes. They may assist law enforcement in catching criminals.

You will cover a range of topics such as:

Changing Awareness of Crime - Different types of crime, such as hate crime, domestic abuse, honour crime, cybercrime and white-collar crime. Reasons why some crimes tend to go unreported, and the consequences of this for the victim, the offender, and the wider community. How the media represents crime, for example in new reports, TV shows, films and games, and how this impacts on how the public perceive crime. Methods of studying and collecting data on crime. Campaigns for change in the awareness or legal situation of specific crimes.

Criminological Theories - The definition of criminal behaviour and deviance. The social construction of criminality and how our perceptions of what is criminal change over time, culture and situations. Biological theories of criminality, including the role of genes. Individualistic theories of criminality such as the role of childhood experiences. Sociological theories of criminality, including the impact of social structure and labelling. How social change and campaigns lead to changes in the law.

Crime Scene to Courtroom - The process of criminal investigations. Investigative techniques. How evidence is processed. Trial processes.

Crime and Punishment - The processes of law making and the organisation of the criminal justice system. Forms of social control. Aims of punishment. Roles, contributions and effectiveness of agencies of social control.

You will sit an exam and a controlled assessment in Year One, and a second examination paper and controlled assessment in Year Two.

General entry requirements:

To study this subject, you’ll need a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4 or above across your top six subjects with at least a grade 5 or above in Maths and English Language or Literature.

Please note: your GPA average can include English and Maths.

Subject-specific entry requirements:

To study Criminology, you’ll need a grade 5 in at least one written subject (e.g. English Literature, History, Geography, Drama and Theatre, Business, Religious Studies etc).

Criminologists work in a number of areas. A Criminology degree offers good career opportunities in fields such as policing, criminal justice, social work, the prison service, probation, youth offending, drug/alcohol services, victim support and many more.