Course overview

You will consider whether criminal behaviours are learned or inherent, social order and resistance to it; as well as measures that are available to sanction prohibited deeds. The course is designed to provide a range of skills which will equip you with far-reaching knowledge of the agencies and processes included in the criminal justice system.

The course combines theoretical and criminal procedural frameworks with the intellectual challenge of social science giving the opportunity to contemplate and reflect on some fundamental questions of human behaviour: Why do we create laws? Why do people break them? Why do we respond as we do? How can we prevent future crimes from occurring?

Using real-life case studies, theoretical perspectives and the framework of the law, you will tackle the phenomena of crime from an exciting and contemporary standpoint.

Module guide

Assessment

Assessment is carried out via a very broad mix of methods including case studies, presentations, essays, patchwork texts, portfolios, poster presentations, data analysis exercises, examinations, group projects and an individual major project.

Special features

• Student visits to local courts and the Old Bailey.
• Job-shadowing a Crown Court judge and other professionals in criminal justice.
• Guest lecturers from Crown Prosecution Solicitors and other specialists from the field of criminology.
• Criminology Society.
• Volunteer opportunities with local agencies including Crimestoppers.
• Attendance at criminology conferences.

Associated careers

Our course offers a stimulating and rigorous opportunity to a wide range of students. Criminology graduates have embarked upon diverse careers in many fields, such as the National Probation Service, the Police, the Prison Service, Youth Justice, the Home Office, scenes of crime work, the court system, social policy, research and much more.

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Entry requirements

220 UCAS tariff points.
A levels required; 2 A levels and 1 AS level in related subjects.
BTEC/Access required; A BTEC National or 30 credits Merit at Access Certificate in a related subject.
GCSEs required; 3 GCSEs at grade C or above in English, Maths and Science.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements