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Criminology
BackWhy choose Criminology?
This qualification looks at the types of crime that take place within our society. How do we decide which behaviour is criminal? How do we explain why some people commit crime and how can we use different theories of criminality to explain this behaviour?
You will study real life cases in order to gain an understanding of the criminal justice system from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom and look at how social control is achieved within our society.
Criminology is an Applied General qualification primarily designed to support learners progressing to university; however, much of the course is vocationally relevant, offering opportunities to learn from practical activities and the expertise of professionals currently working in criminology. It offers exciting and interesting learning experiences in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system.
If you are fascinated by the workings of crime and punishment, this course could be for you!
What will I study?
During the first year you will study two Certificate units. Within these units you will look at different types of crime and public perceptions of crime, gaining an understanding of why some crimes go unreported to the police and media. The second Certificate unit, through its focus on a series of criminological theories, also allows learners to gain an
understanding of why people commit crimes.
During the second year of the course, the Diploma units will foster a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and you will develop the skills needed
to examine criminal cases and review verdicts. You’ll look at the roles of personnel and processes involved from the moment a crime takes place until the verdict itself is passed.
In the final unit, you will apply your knowledge of criminological theories to understand how and why we use punishment within the criminal justice system in order to achieve social control. You will learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of social control agencies, such as the police and prisons, in achieving their aims.
Future careers:
Criminology can open the door to an array of career paths that require understanding of the criminal justice sector. These roles may include:
- Civil service administrator
- Community development worker
- Crime scene investigator
- Detective
- Police officer
- Prison officer
- Probation officer
- Social worker
- Youth worker
- Adult guidance worker
- Border Force officer
- Charity officer
- Counsellor
- Housing manager/officer
- Local government officer
- Paralegal
- Political risk analyst
- Social researcher
- Solicitor.
