Course at a glance
Introduction
The Level 3 Diploma in Criminology introduces students to the study of crime, providing a scientific approach to analysing criminal behaviour. This course is ideal for those who wish to explore crime from a theoretical perspective rather than learning practical skills for offender profiling. It incorporates insights from various disciplines, including law, psychology, sociology, media studies, and geography.
This diploma prepares students for careers in fields such as probation, youth offender work, social services, and law enforcement.
As renowned criminologist Wolfgang once noted, a criminologist is one who uses a scientific approach to the analysis of crime and criminal behaviour.
The College will provide you with the resources necessary to complete the course and will also provide you with tutor support. Tutors have all been specially selected for their knowledge and understanding of your particular area of study and have experience in Distance Learning support. The Course will combine theoretical knowledge of Criminology and several aspects of the subject in order to build a coherent understanding of the subject area.
Assignments which will be marked online by a course tutor. The assignments will develop theoretical knowledge and understanding gained from studying the relevant Modules (and indeed further reading). Students are encouraged to develop self reflection and understanding during their Course of study which will assist them when considering a career or further study in Criminology. An important aspect of Criminology is the study of Research Skills and Analysis of Data and this is embedded within many of the modules.
The Course duration is one year and students study at home at their own pace using our virtual learning environment. The course offers flexible delivery so that the more time you can allocate to your studies the sooner you can complete the Course. Upon enrolment you will be provided with all the necessary materials to complete the Course and you are free to study as often as you wish. Progression from Level 3 can assist in career development, continued professional development, personal development and provision of basis for further study. On successful completion of this Course you become eligible for Level 5 study at Oxford Distance Learning and can discuss this with student services at any point during the progression of your Course.
There are ten modules of study within the course and two assignments totalling approximately 3000 words. Students are required to pass both assignments and this will determine the award of the Level 3 Diploma in Criminology. Assignments must be written by the student themselves and work that has been copied and pasted into the assignment will not be accepted as all work has to be screened for Plagiarism. The completed assignments will be marked online by a course tutor and feedback on performance will be provided. Tutor support will be provided throughout the Course of study and you are encouraged to make contact with your Tutor at the earliest possible opportunity as this will assist you develop your understanding and knowledge of the topic.
Accredited Level 3 Criminology Diploma Entry Requirement
- Students must be at least 16 years old to enrol in the Level 3 Criminology Diploma course.
- A minimum prior learning to GCSE standard is required for students to manage the course content effectively.
Assessment
The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.
Study Hours
Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the OLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.
Quality Assurance
This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees. It is also part of the College’s validated level three Diplomas’, recognised internationally, as verified and moderated by awarding body. Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Accredited Level 3 Criminology Diploma Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Accredited Level 3 Criminology Diploma Course Content
Module 1: What is Crime?
This introductory module explores how definitions of crime have evolved, particularly since the Enlightenment, moving from superstitious beliefs to scientific inquiry. The module discusses how crime is currently studied using facts, statistics, and scientific methods.
Module 2: Sociological Explanations of Crime
Students will study sociological theories that link crime to factors such as poverty, unemployment, and social structure. The module examines how industrialisation and urbanisation contributed to crime and modern phenomena like crime “hotspots.”
Module 3: Psychological Approaches to Crime
This module delves into psychological factors influencing criminal behaviour, including personality, moral development, aggression, and mental disorders. Students will learn about various psychological theories that contribute to understanding crime.
Module 4: Offender Profiling and Eyewitness Testimony
This module explores the origins of offender profiling, from the FBI’s early methods to David Canter’s work in the UK. It also covers Brent Turvey’s Behavioural Evidence Analysis and the complexities of eyewitness testimony.
Module 5: Representing Crime
This module examines how crime statistics are collected and interpreted. It discusses the concept of the “dark figure” of crime—crimes that go unreported or undetected—and how media representation of crime influences public perception and policy.
Module 6: Environmental Criminology
Environmental criminology focuses on the spatial patterns of crime and victimisation. This module covers the history of environmental criminology, starting from its origins in the 19th century, and explores modern theories explaining why crime occurs in specific geographic areas.
Module 7: Crime Prevention and Community Safety
This module analyses traditional and contemporary approaches to crime prevention. It covers the history and current trends in community safety policies, focusing on what works in the UK and other countries.
Module 8: Women and Crime
This module explores how criminology traditionally focused on male subjects and how this bias affects the treatment and perception of female offenders. It examines societal expectations and the impact of gender on sentencing and punishment.
Module 9: Green Crime
Green criminology addresses crimes against the environment, often committed by corporations or as a result of policy breaches. This module examines examples like the Bhopal disaster and Exxon Valdez oil spill, discussing how such events fall under criminological scrutiny.
Module 10: White Collar Crime
This module explores white-collar crime, a significant but often overlooked category of crime that costs the economy heavily. It covers types of white-collar crime, relevant theories, and statistics illustrating its impact on society.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Criminology Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.
