Criminology Level 3


  • Start Date: 01/09/2025
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
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This course has been designed to prepare you for a career in Criminology.

You’ll be taught by teachers who all have industry knowledge and experience.

You’ll also have the opportunity to attend talks from people that have worked in the industry and complete work experience which will link to your career goal.

This course has been designed to help you get into a number of careers and industries including;

  • Law enforcement
  • Corrections and Rehabilitation
  • Legal Professionals
  • Social Services
  • Forensic and Investigations
  • Security and Private Investigations
  • Research and Policy Analysts
  • Intelligence and Homeland Security
  • Corporate Security
  • Cybersecurity and Cybercrime

What will I study?

In your first year, you will study the following units:

  • Criminology Theories
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Changing Awareness of Crime
  • Prepare for a career
  • UK Legal Systems
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Develop Leadership Skills
  • The Influence of the UK Government, International organisations and the Media

Required Entry Qualifications

5 GCSE’s above a 4, including Maths. Due to the nature of the exams, you must have a least a 5 in English.

Most units are coursework-based, internally assessed by the college.

There is one exam unit per year. You will have the opportunity to achieve a  Pass, Merit or Distinction grade for each unit.

At the end of the year, you will be awarded a grade based on the number of  each grade you have achieved. You can be assessed through written work or practical application.

We use the virtual learning environment Google Classroom to ensure you have complete access to all resources and assignment information to support you throughout your studies. You will receive training on this in your induction week.

This course carries UCAS points if you wish to go to university.

The teaching team come from a Crimology background with ex-police Officers, Magistrates and experienced staff who have taught these units for many years.

This course is perfect for those of you wishing to get into careers in the following areas;

  • Law enforcement
  • Corrections and Rehabilitation
  • Legal Professionals
  • Social Services
  • Forensic and Investigations
  • Security and Private Investigations
  • Research and Policy Analysts
  • Inetllegnec and Homeland security
  • Corporate security
  • Cybersecurity and Cybercrime

To ensure career-specific opportunities, you will complete a 30-hour work experience linked to your career goal. Furthermore, there will be a plethora of guest speakers and trips.

This qualification can lead you to employment, apprenticeships or Higher Education Courses in: 

  • Criminology
  • Criminal Justice
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Youth Justice
  • Law
  • Policing

There are also several apprenticeships available in the subjects above.

Alternatively, to become a paralegal or probation officer there are other pathways to discover after your course that do not involve university.

We also have direct career guidance from our expert staff to help offer advice and help with applications.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026