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About the course:
About the course:
Exam Board: WJEC
Subject contact: Hannah Batchelor
Criminology explores the causes, impact, and prevention of crime, blending ideas from law, sociology, and psychology. The course develops analytical and investigative skills through real-world case studies, independent research, and applied learning.
Criminology is about more than just looking at criminal behaviour. It analyses how crime affects victims and society as well as the role of the government, social policy and the criminal justice system in addressing offending from a range of perspectives.
It is equivalent to one A Level and is assessed through a mix of controlled assessments and exams — ideal for students who enjoy applying theory to practical examples. Assessment is through both internally marked controlled assessments and external examinations. Each type of assessment forms 50% of the qualification and students can achieve an A*-E in this qualification.
Progression & Careers
Progression & Careers
The skills gained in Criminology — evaluation, research, critical thinking, and communication — prepare students for both university study and career pathways in:
Criminology, Sociology, Psychology or Law degrees
Policing, Forensics, Social Work or Probation
Careers in criminal justice, youth work, legal services, or public policy
Units of study:
Units of study:
Component 1
Component 1
Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime
Explore how crime is portrayed in the media and how perceptions of crime are formed.
Examine reasons why some crimes go unreported (e.g. domestic abuse, white-collar crime).
Investigate how campaigns — like those against drink driving, knife crime, or domestic violence — aim to raise awareness and change behaviour.
Develop skills in planning and creating your own campaign for change.
Assessment:
Internal controlled assessment (coursework)
Duration: 8 hours (split over several supervised sessions)
Worth: 25% of total qualification
Component 2
Component 2
Unit 2: Criminological Theories
Study the biological, psychological, and sociological explanations for criminal behaviour.
Analyse real cases to evaluate how different theories apply to offenders.
Understand how these theories shape crime prevention policies and sentencing.
Learn how public attitudes and laws evolve based on criminological understanding.
Assessment:
External written exam
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Worth: 25% of total qualification
Component 3
Component 3
Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom
Follow the journey of a criminal case from the crime scene investigation to the court trial.
Learn about the roles of professionals in the process: police, forensic scientists, CPS, witnesses, and juries.
Examine the reliability of evidence, and how miscarriages of justice can occur.
Conduct your own case study investigation and prepare a portfolio.
Assessment:
Internal controlled assessment (coursework)
Duration: 8 hours (completed under supervised conditions)
Worth: 25% of total qualification
Component 4
Component 4
Unit 4: Crime and Punishment
Understand how laws are made, and how the criminal justice system maintains social control.
Explore the work of agencies such as the police, prisons, probation, and the courts.
Analyse how effective different forms of punishment are in preventing reoffending.
Evaluate the balance between justice, human rights, and social order.
Assessment:
External written exam
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Worth: 25% of total qualification
Skills development in Unit 1:
Students in Year 12 learn about the use of campaigns to reduce offending including strategies to increase the effectiveness of campaigns with a range of audiences.
Find out more about criminology and career prospects at:
Find out more about criminology and career prospects at:
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