Social Science

Course summary

Anyone with an interest in the criminal justice system or aiming for a career in areas such as social work, probation, the police, law, psychology and sociology. It's particularly useful if you're planning to study criminology, law, psychology or sociology at university and it will give you an opportunity to apply theoretical learning to real life problems. You'll also develop a set of transferable skills including research, analytical thinking and communication that are essential for university study and most careers. The course is generally taken alongside courses such as A levels or Level 3 work related subjects. You'll explore the reasons why people commit crime, critically evaluating theories from psychological, biological and sociological perspectives. You'll get an understanding of how society tackles crime through the law, policing and punishment. You'll explore the changing public perceptions of crime and what is regarded as criminal. You'll investigate the role of the media and the ways crime is represented and investigate methods used by agencies to raise awareness of crime so that it can be tackled effectively. You'll plan and design your own campaign for change relating to crime, producing materials and presenting your case for action. Through classroom based lectures, presentations, case studies, discussion and debate. There will be opportunities to visit relevant organisations.