The Understanding Criminal Behaviour: An Introduction to Criminology curriculum offers an in-depth look into the field of criminology, starting with foundational topics such as the definition of crime, the causes of criminal behavior, and the introduction to criminal profiling. Students will explore the importance of profiling and how it plays a key role in understanding crime and criminal psychology. This course covers the classification of crime, distinguishing between misdemeanours and felonies, personal crimes, property crimes, white-collar crimes, and more.

Students will also dive into the study of violent crimes, including murder, sexual assault, and assault, while understanding the crucial aspects of crime scene investigation. Key topics in this section include processing crime scenes, reconstruction, and how science can be used to link crimes. Additionally, the course examines how criminal investigations unfold, focusing on techniques like interviewing, detecting deception, and the role of psychology in the investigative process.

The curriculum also includes an exploration of criminal psychology, including an overview of the criminal process, varieties of crime, and psychological explanations for criminal behavior. Forensic science plays a crucial role in criminology, and students will study the origins of forensics, forensic pathology, autopsies, toxicology, ballistics, and fingerprinting. The course also introduces criminal profiling, covering phases of profiling, examining evidence, offender signature identification, and the creation of detailed profiles.

Victimology is another key area, where learners will examine the consequences of crime for victims, victim rights, and victimology's impact on crime prevention strategies. Finally, students will explore the criminal justice system in England and Wales, gaining insights into the roles of the criminal courts and the police.

This curriculum is designed to offer a broad understanding of criminology, providing students with the knowledge needed to pursue a career in criminology, law enforcement, forensic science, or criminal justice.