AWARDS RECEIVED:
NPA Legal Studies (Level 6)
NPA Criminology (Level 6)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
This is a S6 only course. You must have a pass in a Higher Social Subject to complete this course.
COURSE CONTENT:
Interested in a career in the justice sector, forensics, or want to know more about the law? This could be the course for you.
There are two National Progression Awards available upon completion of this course. There are four units that must be completed and passed in order to receive both NPAs.
Unit 1 – Scots Law: An Introduction
In this unit you will gain an overview of how the law works in Scotland. You will learn about the legal problems encountered in today’s society, explain the roles performed by key legal personnel and explain the nature and role of a tribunal. You will also be able to explain both the civil and criminal court systems in Scotland and some of the main principles of Scots Law.
Unit 2 – Crime and Society
In this unit you will study the concepts of criminal behaviour in Scotland, such as Actus Reus and Mens Rea. You will also be able to explain how criminal behaviour may affect the individual, including the effects of imprisonment, and also the effects on the community, both direct and indirect. You will also be able explain the measures which may be taken to prevent crime and discuss the contribution of agencies and individuals that can lead to the reduction or prevention of crime within the community.
Unit 3 – Nature and Extent of Crime
In this unit you will study the different legal and social science definitions of crime. You will also discuss how definitions of crime have changed over time and cross-cultural definitions of crime. This unit also discusses how crime is measured, evaluates the different methods for measuring crime and discusses the so-called ‘dark figure’ of crime.
Unit 4 – Crime and Law in the UK
In this unit you will gain an understanding of the rights of citizens in the UK and the extent to which they are represented. You will also discuss causes of crime, including the nature/nurture debate, and gain an awareness of relevant sociological theories. You will look at the impact of crime on individuals, specifically victims, perpetrators, and families of perpetrators, as well as the social and economic impact of crime on wider society. Finally, you will also discuss the different types of sentences (punitive solutions as well as community-based sentences) and understand the strengths and weaknesses of both custodial and non-custodial sentences.
TEACHING METHODS:
In Legal Studies and Criminology, you will learn in a variety of ways including individual work, group work and whole class activities. Lessons will develop skills that you will use in college/university and later life, including critical thinking, analysis and evaluation. You will also develop your literacy skills as you read and engage with current case law.
ASSESSMENT:
This course is assessed internally. You will need to complete several unit outcomes that are marked by your teacher. These will be a mix of open-book and closed-book assessments. There is no final exam in this course.
