We have a long-standing, and proud, tradition at St Joseph’s that many of our students have gone onto further studies in the legal field and, ultimately, employment in the criminal justice system. Police officers, solicitors, barristers, paralegals, youth workers and many more can all attribute the beginning of their legal careers to their studies at St Joseph’s.
With the introduction of the Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology, we can carry on, and expand, that proud tradition and support more students to gain the skills required to study the field further and gain employment within it too.
The skills gained in Criminology will be transferable across other subjects as well as being needed for higher education, the workplace and life generally.
Study Criminology, learn about life!
Course Content
Applied Certificate Units – Studied in Year 12, the two Certificate units look at different types of crime and public perceptions of crime. Students will gain an understanding of why some crimes go unreported to the police and media and, through the study of criminological theories, an understanding of why people commit crimes too. Unit 1 is assessed through coursework and Unit 2 through a 90 minute exam. All Criminology students will attend a trip to Newcastle Crown Court to observe the workings of a real court and watch trials in action.
Applied Diploma Units – Studied in Year 13, these two units are added to the Certificate units to form the Diploma. These units will develop a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and the skills needed to examine criminal cases and review verdicts as well as looking at the roles of legal personnel and the process from the moment a crime takes place until the verdict is passed. The final unit involves looking at the effectiveness of social control agencies, such as the police and prisons and how these agencies achieve social control. Unit 3 is assessed through coursework and Unit 4 through a 90 minute exam.
Careers/Higher Education pathways
Level 3 Criminology awards the same level of UCAS points as A Levels and allows for higher education entry in any subject. It gives a great foundation for students to work towards a career in the criminal justice sector. These careers include roles in the police force, forensic psychology, social and probation work or the prison services. Furthermore, the skills learned are fully transferable across a wide range of careers, not just those in the criminal law.
