Social Sciences

Criminology

Why Choose this course?

WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology. The course complements studies in humanities. Criminology is a popular subject for students who have a keen interest in understanding crime. The course supports access to higher education degree courses such as, Criminology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminology and Psychology, Law with Criminology, Criminology and Sociology, Psychology and Sociology.

Prospects

This qualification allows learners to gain the required understanding and skills to be able to consider employment within some aspects of the criminal justice system, e.g. the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service.

Course Content

You will get the chance to explore different types of crime in society and how people's perceptions of crime are shaped by the societies they live in and how we decide what behaviour is criminal.

You will get the chance to explore the reasons why people commit crime and what makes someone a serial killer, or abusive to their own families. Criminologists have produced theoretical explanations of why people commit crime.

You will look at how society tackles crime through the law, policing and punishment, exploring what a 'miscarriage of justice' is and why such a thing occurs? You will consider what organisations we have in society to control criminality or those who will not abide by the social rules that most of us follow.

How is this course assessed?

50% controlled assessment, 50% examination.
Unit 1 & 3 Assessed in the form of a controlled assessment (coursework) which will be completed at the end of the teaching of that unit.
Unit 2 & 4 (External) are assessed in a 90-minute exam paper. There will be 3 questions on the paper, which will involve short and extended questions based on an applied problem-solving scenario. You will be awarded grades A*-E at the end of the two year course.

Sociology

(This is not currently offered at Broughton Hall Sixth Form. Courses will only run if class numbers are viable)

Why Choose this course?

Sociology requires you to take a step back from your own view of the world and explore social influences that shape people's lives.

You will look at different methods of research and examine aspects of social life in more detail e.g. family life, divorce, inequality and divisions based upon social class, gender and ethnicity.

You will also be encouraged to develop analytical and evaluative skills and a critical awareness.

You will study family and household; education; research methods; religion, culture and beliefs; and crime and deviance.

Prospects

Through its emphasis on critical thinking and sound data collection and analysis, sociology prepares our students to excel in a variety of disciplines. The traditional occupation for sociology graduates has been social work or some other form of public sector welfare work such as the probation service. However in practice sociology graduates go into a much wider range of jobs. Eg, human resource management and marketing draw upon sociological skills. Other career progression includes teaching, the police, researcher, voluntary agengies or caring professionals.

Course Content

This programme aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of different aspects of contemporary society. Through studying sociology, students will develop critical and reflective thinking skills by asking questions about the society in which we live. Sociology will increase student's awareness of different social issues and develop theories about how society operates. Students will be encouraged to develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.

Modules Studied You will study the following four compulsory modules in the first year of the programme:
- Education
- Methods in Context
- Research Methods
- Families and Households. You will cover the following compulsory modules in the second year of study: Crime and Deviance
- Theory and Methods
- Beliefs in Society.

How is this course assessed?

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.

Sociology is 100% exam based.

There will be three exams, each one is 2 hours in duration.

The subject is essay based and most (91.6%) of the marks come from extended writing questions. Therefore, essay writing technique is of great importance, and we will spend time supporting you with this.