CERTIFICATE IN CRIMINOLOGY
BTEC A Level Equivalent

Our new A level equivalent in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in other humanities based subjects.

The first unit will focus on understanding different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported. Following this, in Unit 2, you will gain an understanding of why people commit crime, drawing on what you have covered in Unit 1.

In year 2, Unit 3 provides an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. You will develop understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases. Finally, Unit 4 focuses on applying your understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.

More about the course

What will I study

Year 1 comprises 2 units. The first will focus on understanding different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported. Following this, in Unit 2, you will gain an understanding of why people commit crime, drawing on what you have covered in Unit 1.

In year 2 you will study a further 2 units. The first is ‘Crime Scene to Courtroom’, which provides an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. As part of this, you will develop understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases. Your final unit ‘Crime and Punishment’ focuses on applying your understanding of the awareness of criminality, criminological theories and the process of bringing an accused to court in order to evaluate the effectiveness of social control to deliver criminal justice policy.

The ‘applied’ focus of this qualification makes it exciting, helping to broaden your mind as all learning is applied to real life situations and case studies on a local, national and global level. Each year comprises one internal controlled assessment and one examination.

Why choose Criminology at KGV

At KGV Sixth Form College you’ll be taught by highly qualified staff, who have many years’ experience and bring a real passion for this fascinating subject. You will benefit from dedicated teaching spaces but also have access to up to date IT facilities and a wealth of research materials to help complete your assignments. A highlight of the calendar of events is a trip to the London Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey) and the Supreme Court of England & Wales.

Criminology opens up the opportunity to progress to study a wealth of related degree subjects, or alternatively the qualification allows learners to gain the required understanding and skills to be able to consider employment within the criminal justice system including the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service.