Course Overview
Social sciences of psychology, criminology and law gives a great insight into the world around us, with psychology helping to understand people and their behaviour at a greater level and the laws that govern us, with criminology being a combination of both, further helping with understanding crime, why it happens, and how society responds to it.
Bringing together insights from psychology, sociology, law, and forensic science; criminology helps us in understanding criminal behaviour and the impact it has on individuals, social groups, communities, and wider society, it can help us make sense of some of the biggest challenges facing modern society.
On our range of courses, you will study psychology which will allow you to understand motivations, habits, stress, persuasion, so you can start to identify patterns behind everyday life, changing how you see the world with conversations and social dynamics becoming clearer. In a world driven by people, understanding people is a superpower. You will then be able to apply that to criminal behaviour, exploring what influences people to offend, and examining how the justice system works, and how all this informs government policy and legislation. You will also learn about the process of a criminal case from the crime scene through to trial and will develop an understanding of the sentences available to the courts when dealing with convicted offenders.
Along the way, you’ll develop key skills in research, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving that are valued across a range of sectors. With strong links to careers in policing, probation, prisons, criminal profiling and forensic psychology, youth justice, victim and mental health support, and community safety, studying our courses open the doors to a wide range of opportunities.
Whether you choose to progress to university, start an apprenticeship, or move directly into employment within the social or justice system, you’ll leave with the knowledge, confidence, and insight to take the next step in your future.
Entry Requirements:
4 x GCSEs at grade 4(C) or above, including Maths and English
Course Highlights
Course Units
• Psychological Approaches & Application
• Conducting Psychological Research
• Health Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Change Awareness of Crime
• Criminological Theories
• Crime Scene in Court
• Crime and Punishment
• Dispute Solving in Civil Law
• Investigating Aspects of Criminal Law and the Legal System
• Applying Law
• Aspects of Family Law
Course Breakdown
Course Structure
Each Course of the programme is split across two years and is largely classroom based with independent research and some practical sessions. You will demonstrate your understanding and skills in a variety of ways, being assessed via written work (including reports and essays), internal controlled assessments and external examinations. Along the way, you’ll get feedback and support to help you improve and succeed.
Progression & Next Steps
Students can progress onto degree programmes such as psychology, criminology, forensic psychology, law, criminal justice, sociology, policing, youth justice, forensic science, and social work. These subjects develop valuable skills in research, critical thinking, communication, data analysis, and problem-solving that are highly sought after by employers. Career pathways linked to these subjects include policing, probation, prisons, forensic psychology, criminal profiling, youth offending services, victim support, mental health services, community safety, social research, civil service roles, and legal professions.