Applied Diploma in Criminology

Our curriculum intent for the WJEC Applied Diploma in Criminology is for learners to consider how the application of their learning impacts on themselves, other individuals, employers, society and the environment. We aim to embed the skills required for independent learning and the development of a range of transferable skills such as problem solving and the ability to apply learning in vocational contexts.

The first unit titled Changing Awareness of Crime enables the students to demonstrate understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported. This unit is internally assessed before we move onto the second unit titled Criminology Theories will allow learners to gain an understanding of why people commit crime. Students are examined on this material in the summer of Year 12. The third unit titled Crime Science to Courtroom is again internally assessed, and this aims to provide an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. In the final unit titled Crime and Punishment is examined in the summer of year 13, and this is a synoptic appreciation of the entire curriculum as students apply their understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.

End of year examination

• Four GCSEs at grade 6 or above
• A grade 5 or higher in GCSE English
• A grade 5 or higher in GCSE Mathematics