Program Overview

Crime and Criminal Justice (Level 6) BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

This online learning course is designed for students who want to ‘top up’ to an Honours Degree, having already completed a Level 5 qualification such as an HND or Foundation Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Services, Policing or similar subject. It is also suitable for those who have achieved a similar level of experience as practitioners in the criminal justice system and want to formalise this to gain a degree qualification.

You will take four year-long modules which cover a broad range of subjects representing contemporary issues and debates in crime and justice. The modules are as followed: Global Crimes, Interpersonal Violence, Justice and Punishment and Crime Research and Investigation.

In addition to these modules, you will be able to follow a programme of activities to support your employability, including careers presentations from professionals working in criminal justice and other relevant sectors. You’ll have access to our ‘Student Futures’ team who offer a range of workshops as well as one-to-one support on practical skills training, careers planning, and job-hunting techniques.

Study Style

The programme is delivered entirely online. Each week, for about six to eight hours, you will join live lectures or seminars led by your tutors. If you are a full-time student you should expect these scheduled sessions to take place over two weekdays, an arrangement which maximises your flexibility for organising personal commitments around your studies. Other activities are set for you to follow before or after your scheduled online classes in order to consolidate your learning and prepare for your assessments. You will be fully supported by a personal tutor.

Although all the learning and assessment for the programme is designed so that you can complete it entirely online, we offer optional opportunities for you to visit our campus to meet tutors and undertake ‘enrichment’ activities, for instance using our Crime Scene House.

Course Modules

• Crime Research and Investigation Project (NS6521)
  • Through an enquiry-based approach, students will develop the research and evaluation skills required for successful completion of a project report. The module will equip students for working at an appropriate level for research and evaluation in a professional context. It will also cover investigative and reporting skills, linked to crime scene evidence, interviewing suspects and witnesses, analysis and intelligence relating to criminal cases.
  • Scheduled Contact Hours: 30
  • Independent Learning Hours: 270
  • Assessment:
    • 001: 20% Assignment: Individual: 1000 words or equivalent
    • 002: 80% Dissertation / Major Project: 7000 words or equivalent
• Interpersonal Violence (NS6522)
  • The module aims to examine violent offences against the person from a holistic criminal justice perspective. This incorporates theory around offending and victimology, as well as examining criminal justice responses to serious violent offending, such as homicide and sexual offences.
  • Scheduled Contact Hours: 48
  • Independent Learning Hours: 252
  • Assessment:
    • 001: 50% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent
    • 002: 50% Portfolio: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent
• Global Crimes (NS6523)
  • The module examines crime that take place at a global level. This includes: crimes that are managed at a global scale, for example crimes such as Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, and War Crimes; crimes that take place across borders, such as terrorism, people trafficking, and drug trafficking, and the trades in endangered species; and organised, state and corporate crimes, with their complex relationships to the legitimate society and economy. In examining these crimes, the module considers the various criminal dimensions of contemporary globalisation, their global extent and significance, and the emergence of new types of global crime such as environmental or ‘green’ crimes and cybercrime. It also examines responses to global crimes and evaluates their success, as well as exploring the relationship between global crime and popular culture.
  • Scheduled Contact Hours: 48
  • Independent Learning Hours: 252
  • Assessment:
    • 001: 40% Presentation: Individual: 15 minutes
    • 002: 60% Assignment: Individual: 3500 words
• Justice and Punishment (NS6524)
  • This module will focus on justice and punishment as a response to crime, examining sentencing theory and practice, along with contemporary approaches to responding to crime, namely ‘alternative justice’. The aim of the module is to enable students to develop a critical analysis of the system of punishment to incorporate social and political contexts.
  • Scheduled Contact Hours: 48
  • Independent Learning Hours: 252
  • Assessment:
    • 001: 50% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent
    • 002: 50% Assignment: Individual: 3000 words or equivalent

Fees and Costs

• Start date | Location | UCAS code | Fee (UK) | Fee (international)
  • Sep 2025 | Online | L313 | £9,535 | £17,425
  • Sep 2026 | Online | L313 | TBC | TBC

Careers

Begin a career that has a significant impact with our Crime and Criminal Justice course. This course is specifically tailored for individuals interested in pursuing work in the police service, prisons, probation, or community rehabilitation.

The course offers a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. Through our industry connections, you will gain valuable insights into the complexities of crime, law, and justice. We combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills to adequately prepare you for various positions within the criminal justice sector.

Our main focus is to enhance your understanding of the causes and consequences of crime, as well as equip you with the necessary skills to address them effectively. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to contribute to community safety and rehabilitation, playing a crucial role in shaping fair and just societies.

Teaching Staff

• Dr Hazel Roberts
  • Academic Course Leader for Crime and Criminal Justice (Level 6)

Learn from the Comfort of Your Own Home

The BSc in Crime and Criminal Justice offers flexible learning from home, to gain a university accredited degree, with access to experts and a range of resources online to support your studies. Our approach is student centred and encourages you to make the most of your time with us.

Benefit from Our Mentoring Partnerships

Our partnership with the Ministry of Justice means our students can take part in their mentoring scheme – which has been shortlisted as a finalist for excellence in career and employability service engagement (Target Jobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2020).

Learn from the Experts

Course content is delivered by staff with industry experience relating to crime and criminal justice, and are also leading national experts in their field.