OR

Where will this course lead?

This course could lead to careers in:

- Courts
- Civilian Police Roles
- Victim Support
- Airports/Border Force
- Security
- Education
- Youth work i.e. Mentoring
- Support Work
- Charities
- Legal secretary work
- Clinical Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Occupational Psychology

What will I study?

Year 1 Units of Study

Externally assessed

- Psychological Approaches and Applications
- Criminological Theories 
- Dispute Solving in Civil Law

Internally assessed

- Conducting Psychological Research
- Changing Awareness of Crime
- Investigating aspects of criminal law and the legal system

Year 2 Units of Study

Externally assessed

- Health Psychology
- Crime and Punishment
- Applying the Law

Internally assessed

- Introduction to Psychopathology
- Crime Scene to Courtroom
- Aspects of Tort

How will this course be delivered?

The modules are delivered by specialist staff using a range of teaching techniques (lectures, seminars, workshops, 1-1, practical's); the teaching and learning activities are designed to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills for success in either a subsequent higher education environment or in a variety of positions within relevant sectors.

What qualifications will I get?

Successful completion of the first year of the programme of study achieves a Certificate in Psychology, an Applied Certificate in Criminology and a Certificate in Applied Law.

Successful completion of the full two years of the programme of study achieves an Extended Certificate in Psychology, an Applied Diploma in Criminology and a Extended Certificate in Applied Law. (Equivalent to 3 A-Levels).

How will I be assessed?

Assessments are designed and delivered in the context of realistic workplace situations and might include a range from the following throughout the duration of the programme.

  • External exams
  • Presentations
  • Written reports and essays
  • Projects
  • Case studies

For Psychology each unit can be assessed at Pass, Merit or Distinction levels, which are combined at the end of the qualification to give an overall grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction for the qualification and is equivalent to 1 A Level after the 2 years.

For Criminology each unit is assessed at grades A* to E, which are combined at the end of the qualification to give an overall grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction and is equivalent to 1 A Level after the 2 years.

Law will be assessed at Pass, Merit, Distinction and is equivalent to 1 A Level after the 2 years.

The 2-year course as a whole is the equivalent to 3 A-Levels.

How do I get a place on the course?

Click 'Apply Now' at the bottom of the page. Once application is made based on satisfying the entry requirements you will be invited for a 1-2-1 interview with a subject specialist tutor.

What are the entry requirements?

PLEASE NOTE - Due to exceptional demand for this course it has been necessary to raise the minimum entry requirements to those shown below:

English Language and Maths both at minimum grade 5 plus a minimum of 3 other GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

What else do I need to know?

Attendance on a variety of trips may be a compulsory part of the course and students will be required to pay the associated fees.

What can I do after this course?

Progression into Higher Education study (for example):

BSc Psychology and Criminology

BA Criminology

BSc Psychology and Sociology

LLB Law with Criminology

BA Criminology and Sociology

BSc Criminology with Law

Location

Stratford-upon-Avon College

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

SCSBA021SCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

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.

Social & Humanities Scientist

Social and humanities scientists study and analyse human behaviour and the origin, structure and characteristics of language; undertake research in areas such as sociology, economics, politics, archaeology, history, philosophy, literature, the arts; organise the collection of qualitative and quantitative information, and perform subsequent analyses.

What’s Involved?

A Social and Humanities Scientist studies society and the manner in which people behave and impact upon the world; undertakes research across the humanities that furthers understanding of human culture and creativity; traces the evolution of word and language forms, compares grammatical structures and analyses the relationships between ancient, parent and modern languages; identifies, compiles and analyses economic, demographic, legal, political, social and other data to address research objectives; administers questionnaires, carries out interviews, organises focus groups and implements other social research tools; undertakes analyses of data, presents results of research to sponsors, the media and other interested organisations; addresses conferences and publishes articles detailing the methodology and results of research undertaken.

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.

Prison Officer

Prison service officers (below Principal Officer) direct, co-ordinate and participate in guarding inmates and maintaining discipline in prisons and other detention centres.

What’s Involved?

Prison Officers escort prisoners to and from cells and supervise them during meals, recreation and visiting periods. They watch for any infringements of regulations and search prisoners and cells for weapons, drugs and other contraband items. They guard entrances and perimeter walls. They also investigate disturbances or any other unusual occurrences. They escort prisoners transferred from one institution to another. They run prisoner rehabilitation and support programmes. They provide care and support to prisoners in custody including prevention of self harm. They train and supervise prison staff. They also report on prisoners' conduct as necessary.

Police Community Support Officer

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) support the local police force by patrolling the streets to provide a visible and reassuring presence and to tackle a range of crime and disorder problems. PCSOs are also attached to the British Transport Police who operate the specialised police service for the railway network across Britain.

What’s Involved?

Police Community Support Officer's patrol a geographic area to monitor and deter criminal and anti-social activity and disorderly conduct. They assist police officers at crime scenes and major events. They also carry out house-to-house enquiries. They provide crime prevention advice and help to support victims of crime. They may detain someone pending the arrival of a police officer. They may direct traffic and arrange for vehicles to be removed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.