Level 3
Criminology, Diploma
Level 3
Criminology, Diploma
The Criminology Diploma gives you a fascinating insight into the causes, consequences, and responses to crime, preparing you for a career in policing, probation, the courts, or further study. This engaging course is perfect if you want to understand criminal behaviour, societal responses, and the workings of the criminal justice system.
Course Overview
You’ll explore criminology alongside elements of psychology, law, and sociology. You’ll examine why people commit crime, how crime affects society, and how professionals respond. You’ll analyse research, case studies, and real-life examples to develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills.
At Loxton Campus, you’ll benefit from a stimulating environment with access to texts, journals, and online databases. Career Excellence Hub opportunities include guest speakers, crime scene activities, and trips such as Shepton Mallet Prison, giving you hands-on insights into the field.
Experienced and passionate teachers will guide you through the programme and encourage you to participate in discussions and debates. Our Tutor Learning Mentors will help you develop study strategies, prepare for assessments, and plan your progression.
This diploma is taken over two years, with Year 1 leading directly into Year 2, and is equivalent to one A Level.
What will I study?
- Introduction to Criminology and Profiling
- Classification of Crime
- Violent Crimes
- The Crime Scene
- Dealing with Crime
- Understanding Criminal Psychology
- Forensic Science
- Phases of Profiling
- Criminal Profiling: Science, Logic, and Metacognition
- Offender Profiling: Behavioural Investigative Advice
- Victimology
- The Criminal Justice System in England and Wales
You will also develop transferrable skills such as independent research, problem solving, presentation, and collaborative working.
Exciting Opportunities
You will automatically join our Career Excellence Hub and have the opportunity to:
- Participate in crime scene activities throughout the year
- Hear from guest speakers, including forensic scientists and police officers
- Attend trips to prisons and criminology-related sites
- Join Career Excellence Hub activities to build employability skills
- Pathways in debating and “challenging the past” to enhance knowledge and experience
Where will I study?
You’ll study at Loxton Campus – equipped with specialist facilities, learning resources, and collaborative spaces to support practical and theoretical study.
How do AS and A Levels work?
This two-year diploma is equivalent to one A Level and is part of the Sixth Form offer. You will normally study three or four A Levels over two years. Your choice of other subjects can influence university and career pathways.
How will I be assessed?
- 50% external examinations – to assess knowledge and understanding of criminology theories and the criminal justice system
- 50% internally marked controlled assessments – to evaluate practical research, case studies, and applied tasks
What can I do after this course?
Progression opportunities include:
- Higher education degrees in Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Law
- BA (Hons) Uniformed and Public Services at University Centre Weston
- Careers in policing, probation, courts, forensic science, and criminal justice services
Entry requirements
Minimum five GCSEs at grade 9–4, including English and maths.
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.
