Subject Leader: Miss N Croucher – ncroucher@knoleacademy.org
Subject Teachers: Miss C Foreman and Mr J Perry
Exam Board: Eduqas
Entry Requirements
Minimum of 5 9-4 grades in GCSE examinations, including English and Maths.
Intent
The intent of the Criminology A-level curriculum is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of crime, its causes, consequences, and the social responses to criminal behaviour. It equips students with critical and analytical skills to evaluate criminal activity, societal impacts, and the effectiveness of criminal justice systems. By exploring real-world issues, such as why people commit crimes and how society manages deviance, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behaviour and societal control mechanisms.
Implementation
Students will explore the causes of criminal behaviour, attitudes to crime, criminal investigations, and the social and psychological aspects of crime. By studying the underlying causes of crime, we potentially develop solutions. Part of this is exploring ways to rehabilitate the criminal.
Students will explore theories of criminality, use them to analyse criminal scenarios, and put forward possible ways of improving society’s response to crime, hence reducing it.
Impact
The course also emphasises the development of transferable skills, including research, critical thinking, and data interpretation, preparing students for further study or careers in related fields. By examining contemporary topics such as justice, punishment, and rehabilitation, the curriculum encourages students to engage in thoughtful discussions and develop informed perspectives on societal challenges. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire students to think critically about crime and its broader implications while preparing them for higher education and meaningful roles in criminology, law enforcement, social policy, or other related sectors.
Examination Information
Exam Board: Eduqas
Qualification: Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology
The level 3 applied diploma in criminology is a fantastic option for students embarking on either the IBCP pathway or the vocational A level pathway.
Unit 1: Changing awareness of crime
Internally assessed. 90 GLH.
- Learners develop an understanding of different types of crime, their influences on perceptions of crime, and why some crimes are unreported.
- Knowing about the wide range of crimes and the reasons people have for not reporting such crimes provides an understanding of the complexity of behaviours and the social implications of such crimes.
Unit 2: Criminology theories
Externally assessed. 90 GLH.
- Drawing on previous understanding, it enables learners to understand why people commit crimes.
- Learners explore the difference between criminal behaviour and deviance and the theories behind why people commit crimes.
Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom
Internally assessed. 90 GLH.
- Provides learners with an understanding of the criminal justice system from when a crime has been identified to the verdict.
Unit 4: Crime and Punishment
Externally assessed. 90 GLH.
- Learners apply their understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court to evaluate the effectiveness of social control in delivering criminal justice policy.
Criminology Future Paths
An A-level in Criminology opens doors to a range of careers in fields related to criminal justice, public safety, social services, and beyond. Here are some potential career paths:
- Criminal justice and law enforcement
- Legal professions
- Social and community services
- Criminology and research
- Forensic psychology and behaviour services
- Public policy and government
- Media and journalism
- Private sector jobs