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.
Level 3 Criminology Diploma Entry Requirements
- 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.
Study Hours
Approximately 20 hours per unit.
Assessment
Optional coursework and final examination.
Enrolment
Enrolment is open year-round.
Course Length
1 Year.
Endorsed By
Students may select the awarding body for their course from:
- Quality Licence Scheme: qualitylicencescheme.co.uk
- Accord: accord.ac
These awarding bodies are recognised for high-quality, non-regulated provision. This course is not regulated by Ofqual and does not provide an accredited qualification. Consult with your training provider for information on further recognition or progression routes.
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 Level 3 Criminology Diploma course can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.
