Criminology can be taken alongside a maximum of ONE of the following courses: Either A Level Psychology OR A Level Sociology OR A Level Law OR BTEC Applied Law. You will also be advised to choose a facilitating subject as your third choice. WHY SHOULD I STUDY CRIMINOLOGY? Criminology is a modular two-year A Level equivalent course in the study of the nature, causes, and control of criminal behavior in both the individual and society. It is Interdisciplinary in that it draws on concepts from psychology, psychiatry, law, sociology, and social anthropology. Criminologists tackle some of the most pressing issues and dilemmas we face in society. They research crimes and try to explain why they happen, looking into the family life, mental state, social status, biology, and other aspects of the lives of criminals. The main aim of criminologists is to find ways to predict, deter, and prevent future crimes. They may assist law enforcement in catching criminals. The department has close links with several universities and students will have an opportunity to attend lectures by criminologists. Local universities also visit to offer support and guidance for university applications. COURSE CONTENT The first year of the course is at Certificate level and consists of two units: Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime -This unit is assessed by internal controlled assessment In this unit, you will study: • Different types of crime, such as hate crime, domestic abuse, honor crime, cybercrime, and white-collar crime. • Reasons why some crimes tend to go unreported, and the consequences of this for the victim, the offender, and the wider community. • How the media represents crime, for example in news reports, TV shows, films, and games, and how this impacts how the public perceives crime. • Methods of studying and collecting data on crime. • Campaigns for change in the awareness or legal situation of specific crimes. Unit 2: Criminological Theories Assessed by External Exam - In this unit, you will study: • The definition of criminal behavior and deviance. • The social construction of criminality and how our perceptions of what is criminal change over time, culture, and situations. • Biological theories of criminality, including the role of genes. • Individualistic theories of criminality such as the role of childhood experiences. • Sociological theories of criminality, including the impact of social structure and labeling. • How social change and campaigns lead to changes in the law.
At least 5 GCSE subjects at grade 4 - 9. Grade 5 In at least one predominantly written-based GCSE subject (from English Language, English Literature, History, Religious Studies, or Sociology) Grade 4 GCSE English Language or English Literature.
Year 1 assessments: • Unit 1: controlled assessment (8 hours). • Unit 2: exam (one and a half hours).
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | North Hill, Colchester, CO1 1SN |
Criminology can be taken alongside a maximum of ONE of the following courses: Either A Level Psychology OR A Level Sociology OR A Level Law OR BTEC Applied Law. You will also be advised to choose a facilitating subject as your third choice. WHY SHOULD I STUDY CRIMINOLOGY? Criminology is a modular two-year A Level equivalent course in the study of the nature, causes, and control of criminal behavior in both the individual and society. It is Interdisciplinary in that it draws on concepts from psychology, psychiatry, law, sociology, and social anthropology. Criminologists tackle some of the most pressing issues and dilemmas we face in society. They research crimes and try to explain why they happen, looking into the family life, mental state, social status, biology, and other aspects of the lives of criminals. The main aim of criminologists is to find ways to predict, deter, and prevent future crimes. They may assist law enforcement in catching criminals. The department has close links with several universities and students will have an opportunity to attend lectures by criminologists. Local universities also visit to offer support and guidance for university applications. COURSE CONTENT The first year of the course is at Certificate level and consists of two units: Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime -This unit is assessed by internal controlled assessment In this unit, you will study: • Different types of crime, such as hate crime, domestic abuse, honor crime, cybercrime, and white-collar crime. • Reasons why some crimes tend to go unreported, and the consequences of this for the victim, the offender, and the wider community. • How the media represents crime, for example in news reports, TV shows, films, and games, and how this impacts how the public perceives crime. • Methods of studying and collecting data on crime. • Campaigns for change in the awareness or legal situation of specific crimes. Unit 2: Criminological Theories Assessed by External Exam - In this unit, you will study: • The definition of criminal behavior and deviance. • The social construction of criminality and how our perceptions of what is criminal change over time, culture, and situations. • Biological theories of criminality, including the role of genes. • Individualistic theories of criminality such as the role of childhood experiences. • Sociological theories of criminality, including the impact of social structure and labeling. • How social change and campaigns lead to changes in the law.
At least 5 GCSE subjects at grade 4 - 9. Grade 5 In at least one predominantly written-based GCSE subject (from English Language, English Literature, History, Religious Studies, or Sociology) Grade 4 GCSE English Language or English Literature.
Year 1 assessments: • Unit 1: controlled assessment (8 hours). • Unit 2: exam (one and a half hours).