Study Type
Full Time
Study Level
Level 3
Start Date:
07/09/2026
Duration
4 days a week for 36 weeks

Course Sheets

Entry requirements

View The Isle of Wight College's standard entry requirements for full-time college courses (depending on the level of the course to be studied).

To join this course you will need to have 5 GCSE's at grade 4 or above including English, Maths and Science.  Progressing students may require a minimum of Level 2 qualification in their chosen subject at Merit or above and English, Maths and a Science.

Who the course is for

Criminology incorporates aspects of Psychology, Law, and Sociology, equipping you with a variety of transferable skills for both university and employment. Throughout this course, you will gain insight into the Criminal Justice System while examining criminal behaviour and relevant theories.

What you will learn
WJEC Level 3 Criminology
This course delves into the study of crime and its impact on society. Students will explore various criminological theories to understand the motivations behind criminal behaviour and assess policies designed to mitigate crime. The curriculum includes examining the criminal justice process—from crime scene investigations to courtroom procedures—and evaluating the effectiveness of different agencies in achieving social control.
BTEC Level 3 Applied Psychology
The Applied Psychology component introduces students to the scientific study of mind and behaviour. It covers psychological approaches and applications, research methodologies, health psychology, and criminal and forensic psychology. This segment equips students with the skills to conduct psychological research and apply psychological principles to real-world scenarios.
BTEC Level 3 Applied Law
In the Applied Law segment, students gain insights into the English legal system, focusing on civil dispute resolution, aspects of criminal law, and the legal system’s structure. The course emphasises practical application, encouraging students to “think like a lawyer” by analysing legal scenarios and understanding the processes involved in lawmaking and implementation. Qualifications and UCAS Points
How you will learn

We will use a range of teaching and learning methods, including teacher-led discussions, debates, independent and group research, presentation tasks, and quizzes. As part of your studies, you’ll engage with visiting speakers from various criminal justice disciplines and have the opportunity to visit the University of Portsmouth School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. There, you’ll meet staff, explore facilities, and attend insightful lectures delivered by expert academics. 

Progression

This combined program prepares students for various career paths, including roles in the police force, forensic psychology, social and probation work, and the prison services. It also serves as an excellent foundation for further studies in criminology, law, sociology, psychology, or related fields at the university level.
By integrating these three disciplines, students will develop a well-rounded perspective on crime, human behaviour, and the legal frameworks that govern society, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for both professional and academic advancement.

Fees

There may be a cost for purchasing equipment or uniform for this course. Find out about financial support available.

Qualifications you will get

Upon successful completion, students will earn the following qualifications:

  • WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology: This qualification is equivalent to one A-level and carries UCAS points as follows:
    • Distinction - 56 UCAS points
    • Merit - 32 UCAS points
    • Pass - 16 UCAS points
  • BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology. Equivalent to one A-level, with UCAS points allocated as:
    • Distinction - 56 UCAS points
    • Merit - 32 UCAS points
    • Pass -16 UCAS points
  • BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Law: Also equivalent to one A-level, with UCAS points as follows:
    • Distinction - 56 UCAS points
    • Merit - 32 UCAS points
    • Pass - 16 UCAS points

Collectively, achieving Distinction in all three courses would result in a total of 168 UCAS points, providing a strong foundation for university applications.

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