Applied A Level – Criminology
The scientific study of crime and criminals.
Exam Board
WJEC
Why Should I Study A Level Criminology?
Do you enjoy watching CSI, real life criminal documentaries, or reading crime thrillers? When you hear about a crime that has occurred, do you wonder how someone could commit such an act? Are you curious about what happens to someone after they’ve been accused of a crime, or what happens to them when they go to prison? Do you enjoy researching and working independently alongside your classmates? Are you good at being creative and solving problems? If so then the study of Criminology is for you!
Criminology is the study of crimes, criminals, crime victims, theories explaining illegal and/or deviant behaviour, the social reaction to crime, the effectiveness of anti-crime policies and the broader political terrain of social control. Therefore criminology involves research to discover what really happens in the streets from Darwen to Rio de Janeiro. It looks at what happens in police stations and courts, behind prison bars, in board rooms, and on battlefields. We look at numerous famous case studies of many different criminals from around the globe and as criminologists we look at the broader contexts of the criminal’s behaviour and try to work out reasons why they have committed the crime.
There is a good balance of exams and coursework and assessment is through a combination of projects and case studies, catering for different learning styles. As a criminology student, you will develop analytical and communication skills, making yourself invaluable to a future employer.
What Will I Study?
You will study four units covering criminological theories, the changing awareness of crime, the crime scene to the courtroom and crime and punishment.
How Is A Level Criminology Assessed?
Two 1 hour 30 minute exams, each worth 25% and two coursework units each worth 50%.
What Can I Study With A Level Criminology?
Criminology combines well with many subjects, such as psychology, sociology and public services.
As a criminology student with critical thinking, analytical and communications skills, you are attractive to both universities and employers both inside and outside the criminal justice sector.
Where Does A Qualification In A Level Criminology Lead?
Studying criminology can lead to many careers such as probation officer, police officer, prison guard, social worker, solicitor, youth worker, teacher, adult guidance worker, housing manager, local government officer, social researcher, solicitor or barrister, forensic officer and offender profiler, to name but a few.
Minimum Subject Entry Requirements:
Grade 5 in English
DACA Criminology Alumni
Name: Henna
School: Al Islah Girls High School
Subjects: Philosophy & Ethics, History, and Criminology.
Currently studying Philosophy & Criminology at the University of Manchester.