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Level 3 Criminal Law Pathway

Level 3 Criminal Law Pathway

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The Level 3 Combined Subject Pathway option CRIMINAL LAW is designed for learners wanting to continue their education through applied learning, who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in a range of sectors.

The criminal law pathway option consists of three learning aims:

  • Applied Criminology
  • Applied Law
  • Applied Psychology

The criminal law pathway option is designed as a typical two-year study programme, the pathway carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to admission requirements to many courses. The criminal law pathway option is equivalent to three (3) A-Levels.

  • Entry Requirements


    5 x GCSE's at Grade 4 or above including English and mathematics. You are further required to provide a copy of your last school report showing excellent attendance to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

    We will invite you to a Meet the Teacher event where you will receive information, advice and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

  • Course Content


    Applied Criminology provides learners with an introduction to criminal justice and to give a context for humanities learning. An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. Applied Criminology will include elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities. There are two mandatory units namely Changing Awareness of Crime (internally assessed) and Criminological Theories (externally assessed).

    Applied Law aims to introduce study of the legal sector. In addition to specific legal content, the qualification will enable learners to develop the transferable and higher-order skills that are highly regarded by higher education providers and employers. Applied Law requires you to complete two mandatory units namely Dispute Solving in Civil Law (externally assessed) and Investigating Aspects of Criminal Law and the Legal System (internally assessed). Learners will explore how civil disputes are resolved, both in the courts and by alternative means as well as examine precedent and its application in the law of negligence. You will further research how laws are made and interpreted, who advises and decides on the outcome of criminal cases and the punishments that can be imposed if laws are broken.

    Applied Psychology is the scientific study of minds and behaviour. As such, it is a part of our everyday lives. An understanding of human behaviour is fundamental to many jobs in society and the study of psychology at degree level and beyond remains a very popular choice. There are two mandatory units namely Psychological Approaches and Applications (externally assessed) and Health Psychology (externally assessed). The mandatory content allows you to concentrate on the development of your knowledge and understanding of psychology, as well as the application of skills that are important in psychology.

  • Progression Next Steps


    You may progress to the second year of your chosen pathway or consider further training or study in related fields such as an apprenticeship or employment.

    Potential job roles in criminology are wide ranging, including for example the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service and the National Offender Management Service.

    There are many employment opportunities in the law field, including arbitrator, barrister, lawyer, detective, solicitor, licensed conveyancer and paralegal to name a few.

    The sectors in psychology are wide ranging, including psychology, forensic psychology, sport psychology, neuropsychology, educational psychology, psychiatry, mental health counselling, substance use counselling and marriage and family therapy.

    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 careers and education adviser who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    All courses run subject to demand and the content listed here should be used as a guide only. Course content may vary according to a range of factors such as course duration, campus, teaching staff and requirements from awarding bodies.

  • Course Structure


    The pathway is typically run over two years and the assessment is comprised of exams and course work.

    The pathway combines:

    • Applied Criminology
    • Applied Law
    • Applied Psychology

  • Assessment Details


    You will collect credits throughout the two-year programme using a combination of coursework and exams. You will be assessed through a range of assessment types and styles including internally and externally assessed units (exams). You will have two opportunities to sit each exam series in January and in the summer term of each year.