Offering three distinct qualifications over two years, our Level 3 Social Science Pathways Programme gives you an invaluable insight into the skills required to pursue an exciting career in criminology, law or psychology.
You will gain a broad knowledge and understanding of various topics which will allow you to progress to a range of higher education qualifications and rewarding jobs in the future.
The three individual qualifications you will study are outlined below: -
Year one - you will study two distinct qualifications:-
Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology (equivalent to 1 A level)**
This qualification provides the knowledge, understanding and skills that will prepare you for further study at university or training in psychology or areas such as criminal or forensic psychology, children?s psychology, psychopathology, or other applied professions.
Level 3 Certificate in Criminology - Part 1 - (equivalent to 1/2 an A level)
This qualification allows you to study elements of psychology, law and sociology that support and underpin studies in criminology. This is an Applied General qualification which means it is designed primarily to support learners progressing to university. An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology.
Year two - you will study two further qualifications: -
Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Law - (equivalent to one A level)
This qualification includes the opportunity to develop the research, communication and critical-thinking skills valued by higher education vital for anyone looking to progress onto university. Content has been shaped by relevant employers to ensure it is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to go straight into work in the legal sector
Level 3 Diploma in Criminology - Part 2 - (Top up to equivalent to 1 A level)
You will continue to study the level 3 Criminology course that you started in year one and develop your learning to gain the Diploma in Criminology (equivalent to 1 A level).
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What will I study?
Year one
Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology
- Psychological Approaches and Applications
- Conducting Psychological Research
- Health Psychology
- Psychopathology
Level 3 Certificate in Applied Criminology - the units you will study will include:
- Changing Awareness of Crime
- Criminological Theories
Year 2
Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Law ? Part 1 ? the units you will study will include:
- Dispute solving in civil law
- Investigating aspects of criminal law and the legal system.
- Applying the law
- Aspects of family law
Level 3 Diploma in Applied Criminology - Part 2 - the units you will study will include:
- Crime Scene to Courtroom
- Crime and Punishment
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for, but not limited to, those with an interest in criminology, psychology, law, criminal justice system, policing, criminal investigation, counselling, teaching.
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How is the course assessed?
All three courses have external examinations throughout the two years plus assignments, research projects and may include some practical tasks.
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
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The principles, purposes and different types of psychological assessments
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How to work with people with common mental health problems
- How to respond to peoples need sensitively, with regards to individual differences
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
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Communicate using a range of methods including face-to-face, telephone, presentations and electronic mediums
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Work within your own practice boundaries and levels of competence
- Adapt to changes and work flexibly and resiliently
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Behaviours
What is required?
- Treat people with dignity, respecting diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences
- Be adaptable, reliable and consistent
- Take responsibility.
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General info
You must check with the university of your choice that they will accept this combination of qualifications. Most will, but it is advisable to check prior to joining the course.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
Each of the three distinct qualifications studied over the two-year period is worth the equivalent of 1 A Level and carries UCAS points which in total are the equivalent to three A levels or an Extended Diploma.
- Level 3 Diploma in Applied Criminology
- Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology
- Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Law
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Each University has their own entry criteria, some will require a pure A level profile, others may prefer a BTEC Extended Diploma and some will accept a UCAS tariff made up of different qualifications.
The Level 3 Social Science Pathways course will support entry to many but not all university courses.
Therefore, it is important that students always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with university providers prior to commencement of the course. The qualification can also support progression to employment directly, or via an Apprenticeship.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Four GCSEs at grade 9-4. This MUST include English Language and Maths GCSEs at grade 4 or higher
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
