Where will this course lead?

This course is made up of an a WJEC Applied Diploma in Criminology and an AAQ in Applied Science (equivalent to 1 A-Level each, so 2 A-Levels when combined).

The Level 3 WJEC Applied Diploma in Criminology aims to provide a scientific, academic foundation in the study of crime, covering its causes and impact, as well as the criminal justice system. There is a focus on developing critical analysis, judgement and communication skills. This course is designed to support progression to Higher Education degrees in criminology, law, psychology and sociology. Also, this course can lead to potential careers in the criminal justice sector like the probation service, court services and the police.

The Level 3 Pearson Edexcel AAQ in Applied Science is designed for students interested in science-related fields. It includes three mandatory units on the principles of biology, chemistry, and physics, plus a mandatory practical skills unit, all with external or internal assessment. The course is intended to prepare students for careers in healthcare, the sciences, and education, or for higher education in science-related degrees.

What will I study?

For the WJEC Applied Diploma in Crominology, students must complete all the following units:

  1. Changing Awareness of Crime
  2. Criminological Theories
  3. Crime Scene to Courtroom
  4. Crime and Punishment

The AAQ Applied Science qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

Principles and Applications of Biology - Structure and function of cells and tissues, biological molecules, enzymes and their role in organisms

Principles and Applications of Chemistry - Structure of the Periodic Table and its implications on physical and chemical properties of substances, through analysis of different bonding methods

Principles and Applications of Physics - Waves and their applications; force principles and their application in transportation and construction of electrical circuits

Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques - Practical applications across the sciences, including chromatography, colorimetry and electrical circuits.

There are also two optional units covering the following topics:

  • Scientific Investigation Skills
  • Contemporary Issues in Science

What qualifications will I get?

WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology

Pearson Edexcel Level 3 AAQ in Applied Science

How will I be assessed?

Criminology

The following units are externally assessed through examination:

• Unit 2 (25% of AAQ): Criminological Theories

• Unit 4 (25% of AAQ): Crime and Punishment

The following units are internally assessed through summative assessment methods:

• Unit 1 (25% of AAQ): Changing Awareness of Crime

• Unit 3 (25% of AAQ): Crime Scene to Courtroom

Applied Science

Externally assessed units are assessed through an external examination set and marked by Pearson.

Internally assessed units are assessed by a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB), marked by subject tutors and subject to external standards verification.

What are the entry requirements?

Five GCSEs at grade 4 and above to include Maths, English Language and Science.

What can I do after this course?

Students can progress into a range of careers or study further at university.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2026

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

SCSCK021BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Psychologist

Psychologists research, study and assess emotional, cognitive and behavioural processes and abnormalities in human beings and animals and how these are affected by genetic, physical and social factors.

What’s Involved?

Psychologists develop and administer tests to measure intelligence, abilities, aptitudes, etc. and assess results. They develop treatments and guidance methods and give treatment or guidance using a variety of therapy and counselling techniques. They observe and experiment on humans and animals to measure mental and physical characteristics. They also analyse the effect of hereditary, social and physical factors on thought and behaviour. They study psychological factors in the treatment and prevention of mental illness or emotional and personality disorders. They also maintain required contacts with family members, education or other health professionals, as appropriate, and recommend possible solutions to problems presented. They apply professional knowledge and techniques within the workplace, addressing issues such as job design, work groups, motivation etc. They apply psychological treatment methods to help athletes achieve optimum mental health and enhance sporting performance.

Youth & Community Worker

Youth and community workers provide support to individuals or groups of individuals through a range of activities or services that aim to encourage participation in social and community life and promote personal and social development.

What’s Involved?

A Youth & Community Worker organises social, recreational and educational activities in local community and youth groups; undertakes the day-to-day running of community centres and supervises the activities of part-time and voluntary workers; liaises and supports voluntary workers running groups in village halls, churches, mosques and other places of worship; advises individuals with particular needs or problems through informal discussion, individual counselling or formal group discussion; helps set up credit unions, encourages parents to establish playgroups, works with other groups to find solutions to shared concerns or problems.

Senior Police Officer

Senior police officers plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the resources and activities of a specific geographical or functional area of generalised or specialised police work.

What’s Involved?

Police Officers liaise with senior officers to determine staff, financial and other short- and long-term needs. They plan, direct and co-ordinate general policing for an area or functional unit. They also direct and monitor the work of subordinate officers. They establish contacts and sources of information concerning crimes planned or committed. They direct and co-ordinate the operation of record keeping systems and the preparation of reports.

Police Officer

Police officers (Sergeant and below) co-ordinate and undertake the investigation of crimes, patrol public areas, arrest offenders and suspects and enforce law and order. Officers of the British Transport Police operate within the specialised police service for the railway network across Britain.

What’s Involved?

A Police Officer receives instructions from senior officers and patrols an assigned area on foot, horseback, motorcycle, motor car or boat to check security and enforce regulations. They direct and control traffic or crowds at demonstrations and large public events. They investigate complaints, crimes, accidents, any suspicious activities or other incidents. They also interview suspects, take statements from witnesses and stop, search and/or arrest suspects. They attend accidents. They prepare briefs or reports for senior officers. They work on station reception desk and or in communications room. They also give evidence in court cases.

Legal Associate

Legal associate professionals provide administrative support for legal professionals, and investigate and make recommendations on legal matters that do not fall within the province of a normal court of law.

What’s Involved?

Legal Associates run chambers on behalf of principals, develop the practice, manage the flow of work, decide which cases to accept, arrange appropriate fees and prepare financial records. They collate information, draft briefs and other documents. They also interview and advise clients, undertake preparatory work for court cases. They attend court to assist barristers and solicitors in the presentation of a case. They assist in all aspects of property conveyancing and probate and common law practice.

Biochemist

Biological scientists and biochemists examine and investigate the morphology, structure, chemistry and physical characteristics of living organisms, including their inter-relationships, environments and diseases.

What’s Involved?

Biochemists study the physical and chemical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms; They identify and study the chemical substances, including microbial infections, involved in physiological processes and the progress of disease; They also perform tests to study physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms; They researche the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms; They observe the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environment; They also advise farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of disease; They monitor the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life, and performs other scientific tasks related to conservation not performed by jobholders in MINOR GROUP 214: Conservation and Environment Professionals.

Chemical Process Operative

Job holders in this unit group operate plant and machinery in the processing of chemical and related materials by chemical, heat or other treatment, manufacture synthetic materials and bleach, dye or otherwise treat textiles, and treat hides, skins and pelts for making into fur, leather and skin products.

What’s Involved?

Chemical Process Operatives load prescribed quantities of ingredients into plant equipment, starts operational cycle, monitors instruments and gauges indicating conditions affecting the operation of the plant and adjusts controls as necessary; They prepare dye, bleaching, water repellent, fixing salt and other chemical solutions to finish and treat textiles; They also regulate input of polymer into melting unit, extrude polymer, gather extruded filaments and feed strands through rolling, cutting and treatment units to produce synthetic fibre; They operate kilns, furnaces and ovens to produce charcoal, coke and other carbon products; They operate machines to coat film and tape with sensitising material and otherwise impregnate materials by immersion, split mould mica and produce asbestos pipes and sheets; cuts and trims skins, hides and pelts, removes wool, hair, flesh and other waste material, and washes, limes, tans, dyes and otherwise treats hides for making into leather, skin and fur products; withdraws samples for quality control testing, removes and regulates discharge of batch material upon completion of processing.

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers and Production and Process engineers advise on and direct technical aspects of production programmes to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency. This unit group incorporates: planning and quality control engineers who plan production schedules, work sequences, and manufacturing and processing procedures to ensure accuracy, quality and reliability; and chemical engineers who undertake research on commercial scale chemical processes and processed products, design and provide specifications and direct the construction, operation, maintenance and repair of chemical plants and control systems.

What’s Involved?

A Chemical Engineer studies existing and alternative production methods, regarding work flow, plant layout, types of machinery and cost; recommends optimum equipment and layout and prepares drawings and specifications; devises and implements production control methods to monitor operational efficiency; investigates and eliminates potential hazards and bottlenecks in production; advises management on and ensures effective implementation of new production methods, techniques and equipment; liaises with materials buying, storing and controlling departments to ensure a steady flow of supplies; undertakes research and develops processes to achieve physical and/or chemical change for oil, pharmaceutical, synthetic, plastic, food and other products; designs, controls and constructs process plants to manufacture products.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense drugs and medicaments in hospitals and pharmacies and advise on and participate in the development and testing of new drugs, compounds and therapies. They counsel on the proper use and adverse effects of drugs and medicines.

What’s Involved?

Pharmacists prepare or direct the preparation of prescribed medicaments in liquid, powder, tablet, ointment or other form following prescriptions issued by medical doctors and other health professionals; They advise health professionals on the selection and appropriate use of medicines; They also highlight a drug's potential side effects, identifies harmful interactions with other drugs and assesses the suitability of treatments for patients with particular health conditions; Pharmacists check that recommended doses are not being exceeded and that instructions are understood by patients; They maintain prescription files and records issue of narcotics, poisons and other habit-forming drugs; They also liaise with other professionals regarding the development, manufacturing and testing of drugs; They test and analyse drugs to determine their identity, purity and strength; They ensure that drugs and medicaments are in good supply and are stored properly.

Chemical Scientist

Chemical scientists analyse and research physical aspects of chemical structure and change within substances and develop chemical techniques used in the manufacture or modification of natural substances and processed products.

What’s Involved?

Chemical Scientists develop experimental procedures, instruments and recording and testing systems; conducts experiments to identify chemical composition, energy and chemical changes in natural substances and processed materials; analyses results and experimental data; tests techniques and processes for reliability under a variety of conditions; develops procedures for quality control of manufactured products.

Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians carry out routine laboratory tests and checks, and perform a variety of technical support functions requiring the application of established or prescribed procedures and techniques to assist scientists with their research, development, analysis and testing, and to verify the physical, chemical and other characteristics of materials and products.

What’s Involved?

A Laboratory Technician sets up and assists with the construction and the development of scientific apparatus for experimental, demonstration or other purposes; prepares and analyses body fluids, secretions and/or tissue to detect infections or to examine the effects of different drugs; grows cultures of bacteria and viruses, prepares tissue sections and other organic and inorganic material for examination and stains and fixes slides for microscope work; operates and services specialised scientific equipment, undertakes prescribed measurements and analyses and ensures that sterile conditions necessary for some equipment are maintained; records and collates data obtained from experimental work and documents all work carried out.

Physical Scientist

Physical scientists study relationships between matter, energy and other physical phenomena, the nature, composition and structure of the Earth and other planetary bodies and forecast weather conditions and electrical, magnetic, seismic and thermal activity. This can include job roles such as Geologist, Geophysicist, Medical Physicist, Meteorologist, Oceanographer, Physicist and Seismologist.

What’s Involved?

A Physical Scientists conducts experiments and tests and uses mathematical models and theories to investigate the structure and properties of matter, transformations and propagations of energy, the behaviour of particles and their interaction with various forms of energy; uses surveys, seismology and other methods to determine the earth's mantle, crust, rock structure and type, and to analyse and predict the occurrence of seismological activity; observes, records and collates data on atmospheric conditions from weather stations, satellites, and observation vessels to plot and forecast weather conditions; applies mathematical models and techniques to assist in the solution of scientific problems in industry and commerce and seeks out new applications of mathematical analysis.

Biomedical Scientist

Biomedical scientists examine and investigate the morphology, structure, chemistry and physical characteristics of living organisms, including their inter-relationships, environments and diseases.

What’s Involved?

A Biomedical Scientist studies the physical and chemical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms; identifies and studies the chemical substances, including microbial infections, involved in physiological processes and the progress of disease; performs tests to study physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms; researches the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms; observes the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environment; advises farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of disease; monitors the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life, and performs other scientific tasks related to conservation.

Radiographer

Medical (diagnostic) radiographers operate x-ray machines, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and other imaging devices for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, assist in the diagnosis of injuries and diseases and are involved in intervention procedures such as the removal of kidney stones. They operate under the supervision of senior staff. Therapeutic radiographers specialise in the planning and administration of radiotherapy treatment for patients with cancer.

What’s Involved?

A Radiographer uses a range of imaging devices for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes; assesses patients and interprets clinical requirements to determine appropriate radiographic treatments; verifies identity of patient and ensures that necessary preparations have been made for the examination/treatment; decides length and intensity of exposure or strength of dosage of isotope; positions patient and operates x-ray, scanning or fluoroscopic equipment; maintains records of all radiographic/therapeutic work undertaken; plans course of treatment with clinical oncologists and physicists; calculates radiation dosage and maps volume to be treated; explains treatment to patient and management of any side effects; carries out post-treatment reviews and follow-ups.

Botanist

Botanists fall under the category of Biological scientists and Biochemists. They examine and investigate the morphology, structure, chemistry and physical characteristics of living organisms, including their inter-relationships, environments and diseases.

What’s Involved?

Biological scientists and Biochemists study the physical and chemical form, structure, composition and function of living organisms; They identify and study the chemical substances, including microbial infections, involved in physiological processes and the progress of disease; They also perform tests to study physiological and pathological characteristics within cells and other organisms; They research the effects of internal and external environmental factors on the life processes and other functions of living organisms; They also observe the structure of communities of organisms in the laboratory and in their natural environment; They advise farmers, medical staff and others, on the nature of field crops, livestock and produce and on the treatment and prevention of disease; They monitor the distribution, presence and behaviour of plants, animals and aquatic life.

Medical & Dental Technician

Medical and dental technicians operate, calibrate and maintain cardiographic and encephalographic testing equipment, assist in the conduct of post mortems, give simple dental treatments, fit artificial limbs and hearing aids, and undertake a wide range of related medical and dental tasks.

What’s Involved?

A Medical or Dental Technician operates equipment to diagnose and record or treat hearing, heart, brain, lung and kidney ailments; undertakes scaling and polishing of teeth, applies medicaments, carries out post-operative hygiene work and advises on preventative dentistry; makes dentures, crowns, bridges, orthodontic and other dental appliances according to individual patient requirements; measures patients for, and fits them with, surgical appliances, hearing aids and artificial limbs; performs related medical tasks including treating hair and scalp disorders and conducting tests on glaucoma patients; takes samples for clinical examination.

Environmental Scientist

Jobholders in this unit group investigate, address, and advise on a variety of terrestrial and marine environment and resource management issues, including the development and implementation of environmental policies and remedies that address the impacts of human activities and industrial processes on the environment.

What’s Involved?

An Environmental Scientist identifies contamination of land, air or water and assesses any adverse impact on the environment; advises on and provides solutions for mitigating the effects of such contamination; implements remediation works; carries out environment-related desk-based research and fieldwork to collect, analyse and interpret data to determine their validity, quality and significance; carries out environmental audits and environmental impact assessments; communicates scientific and technical information to relevant audiences in an appropriate form, via reports, workshops, educational events, public hearings; assists organisations to conduct their activities in an environmentally appropriate manner; implements, reviews and advises on regulatory and legislative standards, guidelines and policies; provides professional guidance to clients, government agencies, regulators and other relevant bodies, having regard for sustainable approaches and solutions.

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists provide scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations. This involves searching for and examining contact trace material associated with crimes. This material can include blood and other body fluids, hairs, fibres from clothing, paint and glass fragments, tyre marks, flammable substances used to start fires and more.

What’s Involved?

Forensic Scientists analyse samples such as hair, body fluids, glass, paint and drugs, in the laboratory, apply techniques such as gas and high-performance liquid chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and genetic fingerprinting, sift and sort evidence often held in miniscule quantities, record findings and collect trace evidence from scenes of crimes or accidents, attend and examine scenes of crimes liaise with teams and coordinate with outside agencies such as the police and analyse and interpret results and computer data.

Optician

Ophthalmic opticians test patients' vision, diagnose defects and disorders and prescribe glasses or contact lenses as required.

What’s Involved?

An Optician examines eyes and tests vision of patient, identifies problems, defects, injuries and ill health; prescribes, supplies and fits appropriate spectacle lenses, contact lenses and other aids; advises patient on proper use of glasses, contact lenses and other aids, and on appropriate lighting conditions for reading and working; refers patient to a specialist, where necessary; carries out research with glass and lens manufacturers.

Criminologist

Criminologists examine all aspects of crime and find ways to prevent criminal behaviour. Criminologists gather statistics and identify patterns. They look at types of crimes as well as demographics and locations. A criminologist's job is mostly research driven, and their research might be conducted in an office setting or the in the field.

What’s Involved?

Criminologists compile statistical data, conduct surveys, conduct research interviews, formulate policy recommendations, write research papers and articles, work with law enforcement and corrections personnel, study criminal behaviour and devise strategy to help reduce crime.

Legal Secretary

Legal secretaries file and maintain legal and other records, transcribe notes and dictation into typewritten form and perform other routine clerical tasks in legal practices.

What’s Involved?

A Legal Secretary types letters and legal documents such as wills and contracts; maintains court and clients' records, organises diaries and arranges appointments; answers enquiries and directs clients to appropriate experts; attends meetings and keeps records of proceedings; delivers and collects documents; sorts and files correspondence and carries out general clerical work.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.