Criminology
BTEC – WJEC (Equivalent to A Level)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
GCSE Grade 4 or above in English Language and/or English Literature.
WHAT IS THE COURSE CONTENT AND HOW WILL I BE EXAMINED?
YEAR 1
During the first year you will study two Certificate units. Within these units you will look at different types of crime and public perceptions of crime, gaining an understanding of why some crimes go unreported to the police and media. The second Certificate unit, through its focus on a series of criminological theories, also allows learners to gain an understanding of why people commit crimes.
YEAR 2
During the second year of the course, the Diploma units will foster a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and you will develop the skills needed to examine criminal cases and review verdicts. You’ll look at the roles of personnel and processes involved from the moment a crime takes place until the verdict itself is passed. In the final unit, you will apply your knowledge of criminological theories to understand how and why we use punishment within the criminal justice system in order to achieve social control. You will learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of social control agencies, such as the police and prisons, in achieving their aims.
Why choose Criminology:
You will study real life cases in order to gain an understanding of the criminal justice system from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom and look at how social control is achieved within our society. Assessment will be a combination of Externally assessed exams (one at the end of each year) and controlled assessment in school. If you are fascinated by the workings of crime and punishment, this course could be for you!
For further information, contact
Mr T Bradley T.Bradley@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk or Mrs K Crowe K.Crowe@st-nicholas.cheshire.sch.uk
