Criminology

Applied and Alternative Academic Qualifications

Crime is all around us. In Criminology, you’ll explore different types of crime and criminal behaviour and, in turn, gain a clearer understanding of criminality and the key questions surrounding it. These include questions such as ‘why do certain crimes go unreported?’ and ‘why are certain groups overrepresented in the prison population?’. You’ll also look at responses to crime, in particular, punishments and the ways in which society attempts to tackle crime.

This popular 1 A Level equivalent subject will see you explore a variety of themes and you’ll be encouraged to explore your own feelings and judgements surrounding criminal behaviour, helping you to develop your debating and analytical skills.

The examining body for this qualification is WJEC.

Specific requirements

You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen pathway.

For more information about the pathways, please click here.

HNC takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. This information is for guidance only. The College reserves the right to update and amend course information and entry criteria as and when necessary. Please note that from time to time we may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on applicant demand and other factors. Please check this website for the latest information and our current course offer.

Your learning experience

This fascinating subject will see you exploring an interesting range of crime related topics, including:

  • Changing awareness of crime
  • Criminological theories
  • Crime scene to courtroom
  • Crime and punishment

An Enriching Experience

Studying Criminology at HNC is an enriching experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and interests, broadening your horizons and building your cultural capital. These experiences are integral to life at HNC and will help you to stand out from the crowd. Some of the experiences our Criminology students enjoy, include:

  • Participating in inspirational and valuable guest workshops from organisations within the criminal justice system
  • Taking part in trips and visits to court to see the Criminal Justice System in action
  • Participating in residential trips and visits – past students have enjoyed a trip to Psychology Live! at Disneyland, Paris
  • Taking part in ‘real life’ crime scene investigations
  • The option to become one of our ambassadors, representing HNC at events such as our Open Days, building key employability skills such as communication and leadership
  • Taking part in a trip to the Police Museum in Manchester
  • Taking part in lunchtime enrichments such as Solving the Cold Case and the HNC Mock Trial

Enlightening Opportunities

We are proud of the unique experiences that are available to our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Our subject specialists will instil in you a love of learning, and challenge you to develop the required skills you’ll need to achieve the life-changing qualifications that will lead you to your dream career. Throughout your studies, your teachers will create an environment where you will be encouraged to discuss a wide-range of topics which will support you to develop an enlightened approach to the world around you. These discussions will be linked to your passions, study programme and your wider career ambitions.

How will you be assessed?

This course is assessed by examination.

Is Applied Criminology the right social science for you? View our handy guide here to find out more.

Where does it lead?

Criminology can support progression to an exciting array of destinations, including both to degree level study and the world of work, including degree level apprenticeships. Naturally, students studying this subject have a keen interest in working within the Criminal Justice System and progress to roles such as Policing, Probation, Social Work and Forensic Sciences, and with major employers including, central and local government and non-profit organisations. Criminology students have recently progressed to university to study subjects such as:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Criminology
  • Law
  • Forensic Sciences
  • Childhood and Youth Studies
Perfect pairings

Watch our lesson taster

Good to Know
This course is assessed by a mixture of exams and controlled assessment, meaning you’ll complete a portion of your formal assessment during your studies, rather than all of it at the end.
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