BSc (Hons) Criminology

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Criminology course at the University of Sunderland is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the causes of crime, the criminal justice system, and the responses to crime. The course covers a range of topics, including criminological theories, crime and deviance, victimology, and the role of the state in crime control.

Course Structure

The course is divided into three years, with each year consisting of core and optional modules.

Year 1 (National Level 4)

• Core Modules:
  • Criminology: Theories, Trends and Myths (30 credits)
  • Criminal Justice: Theory and Practice (30 credits)
  • Becoming a Criminologist (30 credits)
• Optional Modules (Choose One):
  • Victims/Survivors: Rights and Redress (30 credits)
  • Investigating Inequalities in Crime and Justice (30 credits)

Year 2 (National Level 5)

• Core Modules:
  • Theoretical Perspectives: Crime, Harm and Social Justice (30 credits)
  • Doing Criminological Research (30 credits)
  • Offender Punishment and Risk Management (30 credits)
• Optional Modules (Choose One):
  • Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice (30 credits)
  • Human Rights: Crime, Justice and the State (30 credits)

Year 3 (National Level 6)

• Core Modules:
  • New Horizons in Crime and Justice (30 credits)
  • Criminology Dissertation (30 credits)
• Optional Modules (Choose Two):
  • Doing Desistance: Becoming an Ex-Offender (30 credits)
  • Exploring Violence and Social Harm (30 credits)
  • Stigma and Deviance: Vulnerability and Criminalisation (30 credits)

Facilities

The course is based at Wearside View, situated on the award-winning St Peter's riverside campus. The location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.

Entry Requirements

Our typical offer is:

• Irish Leaving Certificate: 112 UCAS points – Students must have H1-H7 or O1-O4 in Maths & English.
• QQI/FETAC 5: Pass profile overall. For entry, we also require H1-H7 or O1-O4 in Maths and English from Irish Leaving Certificate.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team for further advice.

Fees and Finance

The annual, full-time fee for this course is:

• £9,535 if you are from the UK/Europe
• £16,500 if you are an international student

Career Ready

The BSc (Hons) Criminology degree creates a number of career options, and you'll graduate ready to work in a range of employment settings due to the transferable skills and critical awareness studying criminology provides. Your skills in analysing data, undertaking research, and developing strong arguments will be highly valued by many employers.

Voluntary Work and Opportunities

We have strong links with a number of organisations which offer placements and voluntary work opportunities during this criminology course, including Northumbria Police, the probation service, HM Prison Service, youth offender teams, community rehabilitation companies, criminal court, and victim support agencies. This gives you the opportunity to gain valuable experience in an area you're interested in, which will help you in your career once you graduate.

Work-Based Placements

You can also choose to incorporate an 84-hour work placement into your criminology degree. You'll have the opportunity to work with criminal justice agencies or an organisation which supports people who are at risk of offending or who have been in contact with a criminal justice agency. Examples include Shelter, Campus Police, Changing Lives, NEPACS, NERAF, and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue, and the Prince's Trust programme.

The Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme

We're incredibly proud to have founded the Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme (NLAAS) in a unique partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Northumbria Police. The scheme is the first of its kind in the country and moves to address a serious shortage of appropriate adults in the region. You'll be trained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 to provide a 24-hour volunteer service across the Northumbria Police force area.

Centre for Applied Social Sciences

The University of Sunderland's Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS) combines original academic research with practice-based collaborations and outreach activities, often working directly with practitioners, policymakers, and front-line delivery staff regionally, nationally, and internationally.

The mission of CASS reflects that of the University's aim as a civic university: to take an active interest in the social issues that affect the region and beyond by engaging in research and practice-based collaborations that aim to improve living conditions, address inequalities and social exclusion, and promote social justice.

Currently, our research focuses around three strands: children, young people, and families; communities, health, and social exclusion; and crime, victims, and social justice. CASS regularly hosts visiting speakers and holds events that you will be invited to. This can be an excellent way to learn from the real-life experience of experts in the field who already have a strong track record in sociological and social policy-related social research.

BSc (Hons) Criminology at the University of Sunderland

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Degree Overview

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Objectives:

• Develop a critical understanding of the key concepts and theories within criminology.
• Explore the causes and consequences of crime and how society manages and responds to it.
• Gain real-world experience through volunteering and placement opportunities.
• Graduate with a broad knowledge-base and critical awareness that prepares you for a career in Criminology.

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Program Description:

The University of Sunderland's BSc (Hons) Criminology program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of crime, as well as the ways in which society manages and responds to it. The program offers four different pathways:

• Generic Criminology: This pathway focuses on the key themes and debates around crime and victimisation in contemporary society.
• Criminology and Criminal Justice: This pathway emphasizes the theories and practices of the criminal justice system, delving deeper into offender management, governance, and rehabilitation.
• Vulnerability and Social Care: This pathway addresses the social inequalities and vulnerabilities that can lead to criminal activity, focusing on social policy approaches in the context of counselling and safeguarding.
• Inequality and Social Justice: This pathway examines the intersection of crime and social inequalities such as gender, sexuality, and race, exploring issues like persecution, exploitation, and discrimination.
The program features a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, group work, computer-based learning, and independent study. Students are assessed through coursework, essays, research projects, and presentations. ### Outline

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Program Content:

• Year 1: Students develop a foundation in criminological theories, trends, and myths, along with the principles of criminal justice and the victim's role in the system.
• Year 2: Students delve deeper into theoretical perspectives on crime, harm, and social justice, while exploring offender rehabilitation and risk management practices.
• Year 3: Students explore contemporary issues in crime and justice, delving into specific topics like desistance from crime, sex work, violence, and the construction of disability in relation to crime.

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Module Descriptions:

(Please note that the following are just examples, and the actual modules offered may vary depending on the chosen pathway.)

• Criminology: Theories, Trends and Myths: Examines the key concepts and theories within criminology, exploring how myths surrounding crime are constructed and perpetuated.
• Criminal Justice: Theory and Practice: Provides a thorough understanding of the agencies involved in the administration of justice and their underlying rationales.
• Victims/Survivors: Rights and Redress: Explores the development of victimology and the relationship between victims and the criminal justice system, examining the changing position of victims and the influence of policy, politics, and victim's rights movements.
• Social Inequalities in Society: Develops a critical understanding of theoretical frameworks for analyzing social inequalities, with a focus on specific groups and individuals impacted by inequality.
• Social Policy in Action: Examines social policy, political responses to social issues, and policy-making processes, considering the impact, limitations, and challenges of social policy in the UK.
### Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• Coursework
• Essays
• Research projects
• Presentations
• Written examinations (in some modules)

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Assessment Criteria:

• Understanding of key concepts and theories
• Critical analysis and application of knowledge
• Research and referencing skills
• Communication and writing ability
• Ability to meet deadlines
### Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Group work
• Individual tutorials
• Online learning resources

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Faculty:

• The program's faculty are active researchers and practitioners in the field of Criminology, bringing real-world experience and expertise to the classroom.
• Many faculty members have extensive experience in the criminal justice system, offering valuable insights to students.

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Unique Teaching Approaches:

• The program integrates practical experience through volunteering and placement opportunities, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
• Students receive individual support from dedicated personal tutors throughout their studies.
### Careers

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Career Paths:

• Probation officer
• Police officer
• Prison officer
• Social worker
• Youth worker
• Criminologist
• Policy analyst
• Researcher
• Teacher

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Career Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the criminal justice system, social services, and related fields.
• Graduates have gone on to work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and private companies.

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Career Outcomes:

• The University of Sunderland has strong links with organizations and institutions in the criminal justice system, providing students with opportunities for volunteering and placements.
• Graduates are highly employable and well-prepared for successful careers in Criminology.
### Other
• The program is offered full-time or part-time, allowing flexibility for students with work or family commitments.
• The University of Sunderland is ranked 20th in the UK for Criminology and 2nd in the North East (Guardian University Guide, 2024).
• Students have the opportunity to participate in the Local Appropriate Adult Scheme, providing valuable volunteering experience with vulnerable adults and juveniles in police custody.
• The program offers excellent value for money, with competitive tuition fees and scholarships available for eligible students.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• The annual, full-time fee for this course is:
• £9,250 if you're from the UK/Europe
• £16,000 if you're an international student (EU nationals will receive a £5,750 scholarship to reduce their fee to £10,250)
• Part-time fees are £6,935 per 120 credits.
Part-time study is unavailable to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.
• The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter.
Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.