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Level 3 Applied Diploma Criminology

Forge Valley School

Wood Lane, Sheffield, S6 5HG

Other Regulated/Accredited Qualification
Level 3
Social Sciences

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Forge Valley School
2 Year(s)
Full time

Course Summary

This course will give learners a core understanding of the criminal justice system, the psychology and sociology of crime and the different types of crime we observe in society.

An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. This is an Applied General qualification. This means it is designed primarily to support learners progressing to university. It has been designed to offer exciting and interesting experiences that focus learning for sixth form through applied learning.

The applied purpose demands learning related to authentic case studies. It also requires learners to consider how the use and application of their learning impacts on themselves, other individuals, employers, society and the environment.

Course Details

In learning, students will cover the following units of work;

1. Changing Awareness of Crime.

2. Criminological Theories.

3. From the Crime Scene to the Courtroom.

4. Crime and Punishment.


How will it be delivered and assessed?

Students are assessed through a combination of Internal controlled assessment and external examinations.

• Unit 1 and 3 are assessed through summative controlled assessment.

• Unit 2 and 4 are assessed through external examinations.

Each unit is worth 25% of the diploma, and are graded A-E.


Entry requirements

Five or more GCSE grades 9-4 or equivalent, including Grade 4 in English Language and Grade 4 in Maths.

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Further Opportunities

This course compliments progression into higher education, onto courses with a criminological, sociological, psychological or law element.

Alternatively, the qualification allows learners to gain the required understanding and skills to be able to 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


Additional information


For more courses like this, check our courses page.