Criminology Diploma

The WJEC Criminology Diploma

First introduced in 2015, the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is proving an attractive and rapidly growing choice for post-16 students and their teachers.

The Diploma includes elements of psychology, law and sociology, and it fits well with other humanities and social sciences subjects. Most students take the Diploma alongside A levels or vocational qualifications, for example in law, public services, or health and social care. It has the same UCAS points as an A level subject.

Course content

Students study four units: 1. Changing Awareness of Crime; 2. Criminological Theories; 3. Crime Scene to Courtroom; .4. Crime and Punishment. The focus of the course is on students developing their skills and applying their learning in vocational contexts.

Assessment

The Diploma offers an attractive assessment pattern, with two of the four units (Units 1 and 3) being internally assessed via controlled assessments. Units 2 and 4 are assessed by external exam.

Students are typically assessed on Units 1 and 2 in the first year, and Units 3 and 4 in the second year, much like the former modular AS/A2 structure of A levels. Also like AS and A2, re-sits are allowed in all Units.

A combination of the Diploma with two A level subjects will be of particular benefit to students who might struggle to cope with three externally examined linear A levels.

WJEC also offer a Level 3 Certificate in Criminology, consisting of Units 1 and 2 of the Diploma. It has the same UCAS tariff as one AS level.

You can find the specification, as well as specimen assessment materials, here
You can find past exam papers here

Book One covers Units 1 and 2.
Book Two covers Units 3 and 4.