Social Sciences

CRIMINOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, LAW, LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY

At St Vincent College we offer a range of social science-based courses that enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of our world and their place within it.

You have the opportunity to study such prestigious subjects as Law and Criminology, Sociology and Psychology

These courses can be studied together or combined with other learning programmes that meet your desired learning aim. Taught by subject specialists with access to our iPad technologies to enhance your learning, studying humanities and social science qualifications can provide a platform for your future.

CRIMINOLOGY

LEVEL 3

Are you interested in what different types of crime take place in our society and what kinds of crime exist? How do we decide what behaviour is criminal? What are the roles of personnel involved when a crime is detected? Want a career in the police force, legal profession or forensic sciences? Perhaps you are interested to know more about the new exciting subject of Criminology?

This course explores contemporary theoretical and policy debates on domestic violence as a social problem and crime. It will enable learners to demonstrate a depth of knowledge of the criminal justice sector that shows thorough understanding of criminal behaviour and the functions of the criminal justice sector including forensic sciences, Police and other personnel.

This is a growing subject nationally and the first Criminology course offered at Level 3. It covers an exciting range of topics, covering the Changing Awareness of Crime, Criminological Theories, Crime Scene to Courtroom and Crime and Punishment. The qualification allows learners to gain the required understanding and skills to be able to consider employment within some aspects of the Criminal Justice System, Law or police force eg. the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service.

Course duration:

2 years.

Entry requirements:

Five GCSEs Grades 4 – 9. Preferably including English Language Grade 5 or above.

What students will learn:

Students will examine the nature of different types of crime and problems concerning its measurement and distribution. This course examines some of the popular images of crime in the media and elsewhere, the creation and utility of official and unofficial crime statistics, and theories about the causes of crime. The course provides an analysis of different criminological perspectives and is an introduction to methodological issues in criminology. The emphasis is on critical evaluation and application of the basic instruments of inquiry. As you progress through the course the focus develops towards criminological theory from 1930 to the present. The course is historical in nature and addresses such fundamental problems as why certain behaviour is defined as criminal, the causes of crime, and the consequences for the individual of being labelled as a criminal.

How students will learn:

The course is taught using activity based learning, to enable students to build a comprehensive collection of notes and resources.

Assessment:

Written exams, controlled assessment.

Enrichment opportunities:

Visit to Portsmouth University’s Institute of Criminal Justice Studies as well as their Scene of Crime facility, trips to Portsmouth Law Courts, Portsmouth Mock Trial, Hampshire Police talks, Forensic workshop and much more.

Possible combinations:

Works well with many A-Levels and BTECs, but particularly with Law, Sociology, Applied Science, Applied Psychology, Biology, Photography and Health & Social Care.

Progression routes:

This course carries UCAS points towards Higher Education and University or multiple career paths.

Potential university courses:

Criminology, Political Science, Sociology, Law, Psychology, Clinical Psychology.

Potential career paths:

Police Force, CSI units, Forensic Sciences, Prison Service, Social Welfare Services, Armed Forces and the Criminal Justice System.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

LEVEL 3

Environmental Science encourages students to fact find and explore the world around them. It focuses on Scientific skills in the laboratory and the field coupled with analysis of data; it covers theoretical and practical aspects of environmental science and requires problem-solving skills and the ability to apply information.

This course has elements of Science, Conservation, Geography, and Food production/ Agriculture within it. Exciting topics and content support you in the understanding of contemporary challenges facing the world today whilst providing a pathway to a fulfilling career in a growth sector.

This course is an exciting opportunity to explore science in depth utilizing both theory and practical skills; this will be applied to the natural world all around us. If you are passionate about our planet, understanding how things work, and exploring the natural world around us through the eyes of science, this course is for you. This course will develop laboratory skills, critical thinking, core scientific knowledge, exam skills, presentation skills, and understanding of ecology and sustainability. This course has a range of progression routes available, including higher education and employment.

Course duration:

2 years.

Entry requirements:

4-5 GCSEs grades 9-4: including English, Maths, Sciences, Geography.

What students will learn:

• Practical skills suitable for HE or the workplace • Scientific knowledge • Understanding of science-based careers • Fieldwork practice and techniques including presentation of the data collected • Best laboratory practice including use of equipment and health and safety

How students will learn:

• Written and practical skills and techniques • Cognitive, evaluative, and problem- solving skills, critical thinking • Interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring, and self- development • Making links between the real world and scientific theory • Self-directed study • Research techniques • Primary data collection • Analysis and presentation of field data • Safe and appropriate use of scientific equipment

Assessment:

Written exams, course work, laboratory work and fieldwork.

Enrichment opportunities:

Local and overseas field trips; environmental projects.

Possible combinations:

Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Business, Mathematics, Science, Protective Services.

Progression routes:

Higher education and career opportunities.

Potential university courses:

Geography and Science, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Natural Science.

Potential career paths:

Environmental Scientist, Hydrogeologist, Marine Biologist, Zoologist, Tourism, Environmental Planning.

APPLIED LAW

LEVEL 3 SINGLE

BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Applied Law allows students to continue their education through applied learning and to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the legal sector. It aims to give a basic introduction to study of the legal sector. In addition to specific legal content, the requirements of the qualification will enable learners to develop the transferable and higher-order skills that are highly regarded by higher education providers and employers.

The course assumes no prior knowledge of law or the legal sector and so is both an introduction to the subject and then a catalyst for a deeper understanding of legal principles in the UK legal system.

The combination of internal and external assessment helps students to further develop their skills in analysis and evaluation. The course includes up to date legal knowledge and cases, which are regularly updated in correlation with the cases being heard in the UK courts.

Students explore both civil and criminal law, the legal system, applying the law and family law, as well as having opportunities to learn practical skills to enable them to write a solicitor’s letter and case note files, to apply their knowledge to problem scenarios and make judgements on the likely outcome of cases.

Course duration:

2 years.

Entry requirements:

Five grades 4 and above including a grade 4 in English.

What students will learn:

Students learn about legal concepts, legal terminology and the impact of law on individuals and wider society.

Assessment:

Written exams, course work.

Enrichment opportunities:

Visits to law courts, law departments and universities, including further national and international trips. Visits from guests speakers.

Possible combinations:

Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care and Business Studies.

Progression routes:

University, police work, employment in the courts e.g. Court Clerk, Court Usher.

Potential university courses:

Law (LLB), Law and Criminology, Law and Criminal Justice.

LAW AND CRIMINOLOGY

LEVEL 2

LAW

You will study to develop knowledge and understanding about the operation of the English legal system. You will also gain an understanding of the powers of police officers to arrest, detain and question those suspected of committing a criminal offence, and the rights of those suspects.You will also develop your knowledge and understanding about the different types of crime, how they are prosecuted and their relevant sentences.

CRIMINOLOGY

You will study issues relating to defining crime and deviance, different explanations of crime and the differences between the main sources of data on crime. You will also gain an understanding of the criminal justice system, factors that influenced the way in which individuals experience the criminal justice system and how crime is linked to social aspects e.g. the media.

Course duration:

One year.

Entry requirements:

Five GCSEs at Grade 2 or above. If you have not yet gained Grade 4 in English and/or Maths, this will form part of your programme.

Possible combinations:

Can be studied as part of a vocational programme or alongside English and Maths GCSEs.

Progression routes:

You must achieve a Pass in Law and also Grade 4s in your other areas to progress to the next level. Subjects you may take at Level 3 could include; Sociology, Law, Criminology and Psychology

Please note:

This course is not an automatic route to Level 3, but may be used as an indicator as to your future suitability to a Level 3 programme.

SOCIOLOGY

LEVEL 3

Sociology is the study of society - how people interact in groups. A-level Sociology examines social behaviour from a variety of perspectives: how it originates and then develops, and the ways people are organised into groups according to distinctions such as class, gender and race. Students will look at the institutions and forces which shape and are shaped by groups within a society, such as the media, religion and education. As well as this we study a range of sociological theories and methods, such as Marxism, Functionalism and Feminism.

Course duration: Two years.

Entry requirements: Five GCSEs grades 4 and above, ideally a 5 in English.

How students will learn: Through debate, reading, group work, videos, trips and writing.

Assessment: Written exams.

Student profile: Someone with an interest in debating, in how society works and in politics and social issues.

Enrichment opportunities: Trip to New York and Portsmouth Crown Courts.

Possible combinations: Criminology, Psychology, Law.

Progression routes: Onto higher education at University.

Potential university courses: Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, English, Politics, History.

Potential career paths: Social researcher for the government, Teacher, Working for the Office of National Statistics.

APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY BTEC LEVEL 3 SINGLE

The BTEC Applied Psychology course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for a career in psychology and mental health.

In year 1 you will study 4 key approaches in psychology, and apply these approaches to issues relevant to contemporary society, including topics such as gender, aggression, and consumer behaviour. Examples of topics covered are memory, social behaviours, learned behaviours, and biological explanations for behaviour.

You will also have the opportunity to plan and carry out your own psychological research project, which will help you to develop your understanding of psychology as a science.

In year 2, the Health Psychology unit will introduce you to the topics of stress, addiction and health behaviours, and develop your understanding of the ways in which psychology is used to improve people’s health-related behaviours. The unit on Psychopathology will examine approaches to defining mental illness, characteristics of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, and a range of treatments used by mental health professionals.

Course duration:

Two years.

Entry requirements:

Five GCSEs at grades 4 - 9 including English. Maths GCSE grade 4 is preferable.

How students will learn:

A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to help you master the course content. For example, there will be opportunities for group work, independent research, and case studies to help you apply your knowledge to real-life examples.

Assessment:

Written exams, course work.

Student profile:

Students who take this course are those who are interested in human behaviour and mental health.

Enrichment opportunities:

Event days at local universities, guest speakers including lecturers and professionals from the field of psychology and mental health.

Possible combinations:

Health and Social Care, Criminology, Biology, Law, and Sociology.

Progression routes:

Employment or higher education in psychology, mental health, counselling or social work.

Potential university courses:

BSc degree in Psychology, Mental Health Nursing, Social Work

Potential career paths:

Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, Sports and Exercise Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Life Coaching, Social Work, Uniformed Protective Services.