Criminology A Level

What does the course involve?

How crime relates to everyday life and how we can understand it better; why people commit crimes and why; how law fits into criminology; how social surroundings inform policy and practice at schools and within law. In this course you will be applying the Crime Scene to Courtroom and Crime and Punishment theory you learn to a practical environment and real-world cases. This course has elements of psychology, law and sociology that complement studies in humanities. Criminology is also useful on a personal as well as an academic level for the knowledge you gain. It is often studied alongside other Level 3 qualifications in Law (both A Level and BTEC options are available), Psychology and Sociology. During the course you will have opportunities to visit real courtrooms and examine recreated crime scenes.

Course Outline

There are 4 mandatory units to study:
Changing awareness of crime
Criminology Theories
Crime Scene to Courtroom
Crime and Punishment

Assessment
Units 1 and 3 are controlled assessments that are internally assessed.
Units 2 and 4 are externally assessed examinations.
Unit 4 is a synoptic paper which means that elements of Units 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be tested in the exam.
All elements must be passed and grading is awarded from A-E.
Units 2 & 4 are assessed via examination: 1 hour 30 minutes each.

Examination
Units 2 and 4 are assessed via examination: 1 hour 30 minutes each, taken in June.

Exam Board
WJEC

Entry Requirements

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including Maths, with at least two at grade 6, including English or another essay-based subject.

Employability

The course is designed primarily to support learners progressing to university. Alternatively, students can consider employment within some aspects of the criminal justice system, e.g. the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service. You could also go on to an apprenticeship, for example with a law firm.

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Cadbury Sixth Form College has an excellent reputation for being one of the very best sixth form colleges in Birmingham, offering an innovative learning experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the college allocate places to students?

All applicants will be invited to attend an admissions interview. An offer of a place to study at Cadbury Sixth Form College is made subject to you meeting the College's standard entry grade requirements.

How much does it cost to study at Cadbury Sixth Form College?

There are no tuition fees for 16-18 year-olds. Students are asked to pay a £25 book deposit when they enrol at the college, however this is returned at the end of the two years of study when all books and resources have been returned to the college. Some subjects will offer field trips which may impose some additional costs, however these costs will be kept to a minimum and these field trips are not compulsory.

When does enrolment take place?

Enrolment takes place from GCSE Results Day. Further details about enrolment and a date/time for your individual appointment will be sent to you in a letter over the summer holiday. Enrolment takes on average 1-2 hours.