Program Overview

Criminology with Foundation Year

Why study this course

Experienced and knowledgeable tutors

Supportive learning environment

Classic and contemporary criminological modules

Career focus

Course summary

The Criminology with Foundation Year degree is designed to ensure students graduating from this programme have advanced knowledge and a systematic understanding of the complexities, debates and contradictions relating to the criminological field. At each level of the degree, you will build upon the previous year’s knowledge and be encouraged to engage in deeper and more critical analysis of the topics under investigation. Questions such as ‘why do men commit more crime than women?’, ‘do prisons actually work?’ or ‘is there such a thing as a ‘victimless’ crime?’ will be addressed in various modules throughout the degree.

Key facts

• Award: BA (Hons)
• UCAS code: CM1F
• Duration: 4 years
• Mode of study: Full time
• Start date: September 2025
• Award: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38

About this course

To ensure knowledgeable and confident criminologists emerge from the programme and into the workplace, engaging, applicable and enlightening subjects will be delivered over the course of the programme by experienced and knowledgeable tutors. Each subject focus is varied, yet linked, and draws attention to the complexities of the criminal debate. Over the course of the degree, you will be deliberating on the effects of media on crime, addressing the political and social responses to crime and examining crime from a victim’s perspective. You will also be exploring the influence of gender on crime, questioning the role and purpose of punishment and reflecting on transnational crimes such as body, arms and human trafficking, money laundering and cyber-crime.

What you will study

• Foundation
  • Self as Learner
  • Resourcing Learning
  • Critical Engagement
  • Critical Thinking
  • The Digital Learner
  • Effective Communication
  • Reflective Learning
  • Academic Writing
• Year 1
  • A Sociological Introduction to Crime & Society
  • Academic Skills
  • Children, Young People and Crime
  • Crime, Culture and Social Change
  • Police and Policing
  • The Process of Justice
  • Challenging the ‘Taken for Granted’
• Year 2
  • Compulsory modules
    • Theoretical Perspectives of Crime
    • Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice
    • Understanding Ethics and Advancing Research
    • Victimology
    • Criminology in Action
  • Optional modules
    • Crime Prevention
    • Crime and the Media
• Year 3
  • Compulsory modules
    • Performing Research
    • Beyond Criminology: Harms, Threats, Risks and Rights (Zemiology)
    • Punishment, Policy and Sentencing
    • Planning for Research
    • Contemporary Imprisonment
  • Optional modules
    • Restorative Justice
    • Surveillance and Society

Entry requirements

Application for this course is via UCAS, although there is no formal requirement for UCAS points to access the course (normally GCSE English or equivalent is desirable). As part of your application you will have the opportunity to speak with a member of BGU Admissions staff to resolve any questions or queries you may have.

Different degree subjects may have specific entry requirements to allow you to progress from the Foundation Year. Whilst not a condition of entry onto the Foundation Year, you will need to have met these by the time you complete the first year of this four year course.

How you will be taught

There is no one-size-fits-all method of teaching at BGU – we shape our methods to suit each subject and each group, combining the best aspects of traditional university teaching with innovative techniques to promote student participation and interactivity.

Academic staff

• Gillian Johnston
• Mary Brown

Assessment

In Criminology, we see assessment as a powerful driver of student learning and a means for demonstrating what students have learnt. We believe it’s a great way to develop the employability skills that employers demand from graduates. As a result, the course incorporates a range of assessment methods which will allow you to demonstrate a wide range of skills whilst providing a selection of post-degree career paths. These assessment methods include coursework, case studies, oral presentations, multi-modal presentations (posters, videos, print) and individual dissertation projects.

Careers & Further study

Our Criminology degree will provide a firm basis from which you can pursue a wide range of employment opportunities in the community and with statutory-based services. Possible future career paths include:

• Support in the Community for example, support with homelessness, health, Women’s aid, reintegration or working with young people
• Youth Justice worker
• Immigration
• Police officer (Degree Holder and Detective Entry Programme(DHEP) required)
• Prison officer or supporting role
• Probation officer (Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) required) or supporting role
• Social researcher
• Social worker (further specific training required) or supporting role

Should you wish to pursue further study, the design of the programme is varied yet detailed enough to inspire and enthuse you in extending your learning.