THE workings of the criminal mind are to be explored in a newly revamped college course.
Criminology is being introduced for the first time as a key element of the level 3 diploma in social science being offered by Darlington College.
The access to higher education and social science course is expected to appeal to people interested in combatting crime, teaching, counselling and social and youth work.
It will examine youth gang culture and how to manage behaviour looking at issues such as county lines, radicalisation and prevent and grooming.
“You hear a lot of parents talking about their children studying criminology and how they wished they could do it – now they can,” said Darlington College programme leader for access to HE and social science Kayleigh Cave.
The course is targeting students aged 19 plus. If it is the student’s first level 3 qualification, then it is free for people aged 19-24. If the student already has a level 3 or is over 24, then the course can be paid for with an adult learner loan through Student Finance. If it leads successfully to completing a degree then the £3,384 loan is wiped clear.
The course is tailored around school hours so people can get back into education. It features a variety of modules including the history of the welfare state and how the NHS has changed over the years, psychology including child development, criminology, academic skills and maths, with the option of English for those people who have not passed their GCSE.
“There is so much interest at the moment in crime and we look at criminals and why they have turned to crime, crime and society, including how it affects criminals and crime and the media,” said Kayleigh, who has a degree in psychology and masters in criminology.
“For me the course is coming full circle as I studied a version at Darlington College and am now the programme leader.
“It was my starting point when I wanted fresh life. I’d always known I’d wanted to do something to help people but I didn’t realise I wanted to teach until I went to university and people kept asking me for help. So I can recommend this route as I have gone right through the process and am a product of access to HE myself.”
For more information visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
