Course overview

Students 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 degree is designed to provide a range of skills which will equip the student with far-reaching knowledge of the agencies and processes included in the criminal justice system.

Criminology students will develop a portfolio of closely monitored personal development plans, linked to their modules. In an increasingly competitive work environment, such a portfolio will give job applicants an edge which prospective employers will recognise and relate to.

The degree programme 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, students will tackle the phenomena of crime from an exciting and contemporary standpoint.

In addition, the programme includes many other interesting and challenging opportunities, such as working with offenders, question-and-answer sessions with police officers and other officials from public service agencies and trips to criminal justice establishments.

Assessment

Essays, practical projects, exams, portfolio work and seminars.

Special features

Field trips and study abroad programmes are organised annually, offering students the opportunity to experience criminal justice from a range of standpoints.

Associated careers

Criminology 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.

Our typical minimum entry requirement is Grade C or above in GCSE English and Maths plus 220 UCAS points at A Level or a full Access Certificate or National Certificate/Diploma in a related subject. Applicants who do not qualify by any of these routes are welcomed to contact us to discuss admission on previous qualifications and experience.