Criminology, Psychology & Sociology

Dive into cutting-edge social sciences research in areas including violence, sport, the environment, substance misuse, neighbourhood crime, and gender. We explore key research methods and ethical considerations, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how social scientists study and address pressing issues in our world today. Linked modules • AQA-Methods in Context • AQA-Research Methods • Cambridge Int-Socialisation, identity and methods of research • OCR-Debates in contemporary society • OCR-Researching and understanding social inequalities • WJEC-Ethical issues • WJEC-Key concepts • WJEC-Methodological approaches to research • WJEC-Practical issues • WJEC-Research design • WJEC-Primary quantitative and qualitative research methods with reference to Welsh examples where applicable • WJEC-Sampling • WJEC-Secondary methods and data with reference to Welsh examples where applicable • WJEC-Theories of research • WJEC-Examine information for validity • WJEC-Draw conclusions from information

Students uncover the complex relationship between media and crime, exploring how crime is portrayed in various forms of fictional and non-fictional media. Through case studies and interactive discussions, students consider how these portrayals shape public perceptions and influence the criminal justice system. We also debate the ethics of true crime entertainment. Linked modules • WJEC-Describe media representation of crime • WJEC-Explain the impact of media representations on the public perception of crime • WJEC-Explain the social construction of criminality • WJEC-Explain how social changes affect policy development • WJEC-Discuss how campaigns affect policy making • WJEC-Examine information for validity • WJEC-Draw conclusions from information • WJEC-Key concepts • WJEC-Media • Cambridge Int-Globalisation, Media and Religion • OCR-Debates in contemporary society • WJEC-Crime and deviance • WJEC-Ethical issues

Students are introduced to the various agencies within the criminal justice system, alongside some of the key debates around justice. They learn about the justice process from arrest to probation, and consider why we punish in the way that we do. We consider whether these methods of control and punishment are effective. Linked modules • WJEC-Describe the organisation of the criminal justice system in England and Wales • WJEC-Describe models of criminal justice • WJEC-Evaluate the effectiveness of the roles of personnel involved in criminal investigations • WJEC-Assess key influences affecting the outcomes of criminal cases • WJEC-Explain forms of social control • WJEC-Explain the role of agencies in social control • WJEC-Describe the contribution of agencies to achieving social control • WJEC-Examine the limitations of agencies in achieving social control • WJEC-Evaluate the effectiveness of agencies in achieving social control • WJEC-Discuss the aims of punishment • WJEC-Assess how forms of punishment meet the aims of punishment

Different conceptions of culture and identity in society lead to debate on sociological issues including gender, ethnicity, sexuality, class, religion, consumerism, and globalisation. To what extent is identity socially constructed? How does culture influence our sense of self? Students think critically about everyday issues.

Linked modules
• AQA-Culture and Identity
• Cambridge Int-Socialisation, identity and methods of research
• OCR-Debates in contemporary society
• OCR-Socialisation, culture and identity
• OCR-Researching and understanding social inequalities
• WJEC-Evidence and examples of areas of inequality related to social class, gender, ethnicity and age in contemporary society with reference to Wales where data is available
• WJEC-Examples of the influence of socialisation on identity
• WJEC-Key concepts
• WJEC-Religion
• WJEC-The social construction of culture
• WJEC-Theories and explanations for inequality and stratification related to social class, gender, ethnicity, age and nation

We explore each stage of the research process within social sciences, including designing a project, specific methods, and practical and ethical issues. Students consider the best way to research key issues from different perspectives and relevant debates, such as the ethics of covert observations. Using this information, students are presented with several research topics and interactively design a project.

Linked modules
• WJEC-Evaluate methods of collecting statistics about crime
• WJEC-Examine information for validity
• AQA-Methods in Context
• AQA-Research Methods
• OCR-Researching and understanding social inequalities
• WJEC-Ethical issues
• WJEC-Methodological approaches to research
• WJEC-Practical issues
• WJEC-Primary quantitative and qualitative research methods with reference to Welsh examples where applicable
• WJEC-Research design
• WJEC-Sampling
• WJEC-Secondary methods and data with reference to Welsh examples where applicable
• WJEC-Theories of research

Discover how social inequalities shape our world and impact communities. Students examine issues such as poverty, race, gender, and access to education and justice through a sociological lens. Discussions centre around the root causes of inequality and the role that sociologists play in addressing them. Linked modules • AQA- Work, Poverty and Welfare • AQA-Education • AQA-Families and Households • AQA-Health • Cambridge Int-Education • Cambridge Int-Globalisation, Media and Religion • OCR-Researching and understanding social inequalities • WJEC-Education • WJEC-Evidence and examples of areas of inequality related to social class, gender, ethnicity and age in contemporary society with reference to Wales where data is available • WJEC-Health and disability • WJEC-Key concepts • WJEC-Religion • WJEC-Theories and explanations for inequality and stratification related to social class, gender, ethnicity, age and nation

We explore current issues related to crime, violence, and harm. How do we identify problems, where they occur, why they occur, and what do we do about them? Students learn about contemporary crime problems and how criminological research can help us make sense of patterns, causes, and motivations. Linked modules • WJEC-Evaluate the effectiveness of criminological theories to explain causes of criminality • WJEC-Analyse different types of crime • WJEC-Evaluate methods of collecting statistics about crime • WJEC-Analyse situations of criminality • WJEC-Draw conclusions from information • WJEC-Examine information for validity • AQA-Methods in Context • AQA-Research Methods • WJEC-Crime and deviance • WJEC-Ethical issues • WJEC-Methodological approaches to research • WJEC-Practical issues • WJEC-Primary quantitative and qualitative research methods with reference to Welsh examples where applicable • WJEC-Research design • WJEC-Sampling • WJEC-Secondary methods and data with reference to Welsh examples where applicable

Students get an insight into the major issues surrounding crime and deviance. We consider how crime and deviance are defined and how our understanding and perceptions of them evolves over time. Students consider whether we truly know the extent of crime, and why existing statistics might not represent the reality of crime.

Linked modules
• WJEC-Describe processes used for law making
• WJEC-Explain the consequences of unreported crime
• WJEC-Compare criminal behaviour and deviance
• WJEC-Explain the social construction of criminality
• WJEC-Explain how social changes affect policy development
• WJEC-Analyse different types of crime
• WJEC-Explain the reasons that certain crimes are unreported
• WJEC-Evaluate methods of collecting statistics about crime
• WJEC-Crime and deviance
• WJEC-Secondary methods and data with reference to Welsh examples where applicable

Students go on a whistlestop tour of the key theories from criminology and attempt to make sense of criminality. We delve into the psychological, sociological, and environmental factors that influence why people commit crime. Students engage with the complexities of human behaviour and ideas from theory via famous case studies. Linked modules • WJEC-Describe biological theories of criminality • WJEC-Describe individualistic theories of criminality • WJEC-Describe sociological theories of criminality • WJEC-Evaluate the effectiveness of criminological theories to explain causes of criminality • WJEC-Assess the use of criminological theories in informing policy development • WJEC-Analyse different types of crime • WJEC-Analyse situations of criminality • WJEC-Draw conclusions from information • WJEC-Crime and deviance

We explore what a clinical psychologist is, the role they undertake in practice and the range of mental and physical settings they work in. Students explore explore a hypothetical case study to understand the patients presentation from a psychological perspective, and discuss what training is required to be a clinical psychologist. Linked modules • Cambridge Int-Clinical Psych • WJEC-Psychology: Implications in the real world • Pearson-Clinical psychology

Counselling psychology applies psychological theory and research to therapeutic practice. Counselling psychology is particularly useful in helping combat depression, anxiety, phobias and relationship difficulties. In this session we discuss some of the principles of the counselling process and consider how they apply to groups and individuals in a range of settings. Linked modules • WJEC-Psychology: Past to Present

We explore the concept of culture and its importance to the study of psychology. Psychological characteristics vary in cultures around the world, however the majority of research carried out in this area is done so by a small part of the world labelled WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, Democratic) by Joesph Henrich. ?We examine culture as a process, within an evolutionary time frame and individual development. Linked modules • AQA-8 Issues and Debates in Psychology • IBO-z Sociocultural approach to understanding behaviour

We examine the ethical implications of psychological research, including the ways in which ethical guidelines have evolved, the importance of adhering to these guidelines, informed consent, the ethics of scaring participants and debriefing.  Linked modules • AQA-6 Research methods • Cambridge Int-Research methods • Cambridge Int-Research methods and methodological concepts • IBO- z Approaches to researching behaviour • OCR-Research methods • Pearson-Conducting Psychological Research • WJEC-Psychology: Applied Research Methods

Eyewitness misidentification contributes to an overwhelming majority of wrongful convictions that have been overturned by post-conviction DNA testing. Students explore the reconstructive nature of memory, with interactive false memory demonstrations. We apply this knowledge to a forensic setting, exploring the unreliability of face identification and its impact on eyewitness identification. Linked modules • AQA-2 Memory • Cambridge Int-Cognitive Approach • IBO-z Cognitive approach to understanding behaviour • Pearson-Cognitive psychology • OCR-Psychological themes through core studies • WJEC-Psychology: Past to Present

Students are introduced to the psychological aspects of behaviour connected with crime, legal systems and vulnerabilities including trauma and victimisation. Linked modules • Pearson-Criminal and Forensic Psychology • Pearson-Criminological psychology • AQA-16 Forensic Psychology • WJEC-Psychology: Implications in the Real World

Psychology studies human thoughts, feelings, motivations and behaviour using scientific methods. In this session we look at how psychology can be applied to a range of settings, to help people cope with mental health conditions, apprehend offenders, improve workplace satisfaction and enhance educational environments for example. Linked modules • WJEC-Psychology: Implications in the Real World • AQA-4 Approaches in Psychology

Is there a relationship between belief in paranormal phenomena and telepathic ability? Using paranormal belief scales and Zener card tasks, students conduct a research study on themselves, understanding self –report techniques and how to collect behavioural data. It would be beneficial if colleges can access SPSS software.  Linked modules • AQA-6 Research methods • Cambridge Int-Research methods • Cambridge Int-Research methods and methodological concepts • IBO- z Approaches to researching behaviour • OCR-Research methods • Pearson-Conducting Psychological Research • WJEC-Psychology: Applied Research Methods

We explore the topic of love and attraction, highlighting how they are approached and studied. Students engage in interactive activities, such as quizzes and matching tasks, to further their understanding of the application of psychology.  Linked modules • AQA-9 Relationships • IBO-z Psychology of human relationships

Students are introduced to the topic of psychopathology, with a specific focus on the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders.  Linked modules • AQA-5 Psychopathology • Pearson-Introduction to Psychopathology • OCR-Applied psychology

The session introduces students to the biological basis of stress and we consider different coping strategies. We also review the ways we can measure the level of stress a person is experiencing and students have the opportunity to try out some physiological recording equipment used to measure indicators of stress. Linked modules • AQA-14 Stress • AQA-6 Biopsychology • Cambridge Int-Biological Approach • IBO-Biological approach to understanding behaviour • Pearson-Biological psychology • Cambridge Int-Health Psych • WJEC-Psychology: Implications in the Real World

Using their qualitative data analysis skills, students receive profiles and biographies of celebrities and provide a personality profile for each. We discuss evidence from secondary qualitative sources and explore the five-factor model of personality and it’s applications. Linked modules • OCR-Psychological themes through core studies • OCR-Applied psychology (sport and exercise psychology option) • WJEC-Psychology: Implications in the Real World

The graduate marketplace is diverse, as is a degree in psychology. This session considers the varied career options and pathways available to psychology graduates. Since not all psychology graduates go onto a career in psychology we explore psychology and non-psychology roles.

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Ignite your critical thinking skills with the superpower of questioning.

Navigate the choppy waters of referencing and set a course for academic success.

Conquer presentation anxiety – discover practical tips to deliver confident, engaging presentations.

Reflection has an important role to play in future learning and self-development.

Learn to master time to achieve success both in your studies and life.