Course may be subject to change.
If you are interested in studying A Levels at New College Durham please just complete one application form and you will be able to choose your subjects once you have had your interview. You do not need to apply for each of the subjects you are interested.
This course will give you an introduction to criminological theories and will enable you to use theories of criminality to analyse criminal situations and make recommendations for policy. How do we explain why people commit crimes? What makes someone a serial killer, or abusive to their own families?
Criminologists have produced theoretical explanations of why people commit crime but which is the most useful? Are these theories relevant to all types of crime?
Knowing about the different criminological approaches to theory will give you a greater insight into the kind of thinking used by experts and politicians to explain crimes and criminality.
Entry Criteria
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language grade 5 or over, and maths grade 4 or over
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a course tutor; please bring a copy of your GCSE grades or predicted GCSE grades.
Study Aims
This programme will provide you with an introduction to criminological theories and will enable you to use theories of criminality to analyse criminal situations and make recommendations for policy. Criminologists have produced theoretical explanations of why people commit crime but which is the most useful? Are these theories relevant to all types of crime? Knowing about the different criminological approaches to theory will give you a greater insight into the kind of thinking used by experts and politicians to explain crimes and criminality.
Modules Studied
You will study the following four units:
- Changing Awareness of Crime (Internal assessment)
- Criminological Theories (External exam)
- Crime Scene to Courtroom (Internal assessment)
- Crime and Punishment (External exam).
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught by lecturers who are specialists in their subjects. Teaching is classroom based and involves group work and individual work. Independent study is essential outside of the classroom and frequent homework will be given.
You will sit monthly in-class assessment for which you will receive extensive feedback, as well as other assessments throughout the academic year, which will help you track your progress. Terminal exams will be in May/June.
Placement
Work placements are an important part of the programme and all learners will be given assistance in finding a suitable position.
What else?
As part of our full-time A-Level programme, this course is offered in addition to 3 A-Level subjects. The course consists of 4 units of study and will be available to both first and second year students.
This course is an excellent foundation for those looking for careers in law, forensic science, the police force, probation work, youth offending, prison service, or criminal psychology.
