Safeguarding

Key Facts

A Level + Law and Criminology Pathway

The Law and Criminology pathway investigates how the ways of living have developed from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places and values and how the criminal justice system works.

As part of this qualification you will study the BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Law and WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology, plus one A level (you can choose from English Language & Literature, Psychology or Sociology).

These subjects allow you to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to evaluate, consider and debate about issues.

You will be supported throughout your time with us to realise your potential with individual and expert support. We provide the opportunity for you to visit local universities and participate in work with them. Our uniquely planned timetable allows you to undertake work experience placements, and meet professionals from the police and law. You will see how your subjects link to your career plans through visits to local law courts, the National Crime Museum and the Houses of Parliament. A Level English trips have included trips to the British Library, The Globe and the British Museum.

  • Entry Requirements


    5 GCSE's at Grade 6 or above, including English and Maths, and a positive reference.

  • Course Content


    English Language and Literature Over the course of two years, students will study a diverse range of literature and language texts. Students will read and analyse: 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 'Othello' by Shakespeare, 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams as well as a non-fiction anthology and unseen extracts. Finally, students will produce their own topic of study for coursework in year two of the course.

    Psychology In psychology you will study a range of approaches and methods related to the core areas of Psychology – cognitive, social, biological, developmental, individual differences and research methods

    Sociology Over the 2 years you will study a range of core topics, including education, methods in context, research methods. You will then students some of the following topics: culture and identity, families and households, health, work, poverty and welfare. Business

    Extended Certificate in Law This course offers an exciting alternative to A Level Law with different modes of assessment by way of assignments and controlled assessments. Students will study key aspects of the English legal system plus areas of Criminal and Civil law.

    WHAT TOPICS WILL BE STUDIED?

    This course covers the following:

    • Civil dispute resolution
    • Negligence
    • Homicide
    • Property offences
    • Police powers

    Applied Diploma in Criminology The criminology pathway investigates how the criminal justice systems works, and includes analysing different types of crime, investigation of criminal theories and looking at how these theories inform policy development. There is a large focus on planning campaigns for change, relating to crime. As part of this, students will be expected to look at how media can be used, and resulting in students designing a campaign for change.

  • Progression Next Steps


    The majority of our students progress to universities where they study a wide variety of degrees.

    For those students not wishing to progress to university, comprehensive support is provided to help them find alternatives such as employment or apprenticeships.

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisers who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    A range of enrichment opportunities including visits and practical hands on, work-related experiences is available.

  • Course Structure


    Compulsory subjects to pathway;

    BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Law WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology

    Plus one A Level from the options below:

    English Language & Literature Psychology Sociology