Program Overview

Introduction to the Criminology BSc (Hons) with Professional Placement

The Criminology BSc (Hons) with Professional Placement is a four-year undergraduate degree that explores the complex issues surrounding crime and criminal justice. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the theories, practices, and policies related to crime and criminal justice, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in this field.

Course Structure

The course is divided into four years, with the first two years focusing on the foundational principles of criminology, including the definition and measurement of crime, the causes and consequences of crime, and the responses to crime. The third year is spent on a professional placement, which provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. The final year is dedicated to advanced study and research, including the completion of a dissertation.

Year 1 Units

• Becoming a Social Scientist 1: This unit introduces students to the principles and practices of social science research, including the design, implementation, and analysis of research studies.
• Becoming a Social Scientist 2: This unit builds on the foundation established in the first unit, providing students with a deeper understanding of the research process and the skills necessary to conduct independent research.
• Crime and Society: This unit explores the complex relationships between crime, society, and the individual, including the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to crime.
• Crime, Social Justice, and Social Policy: This unit examines the ways in which crime is defined, measured, and responded to, including the role of social policy and social justice in shaping our understanding of crime.
• Criminal Justice Processes and Practices: This unit provides an overview of the criminal justice system, including the roles and functions of the police, courts, and corrections.
• Critical Thinkers in Criminology: This unit introduces students to the key thinkers and theories in criminology, including the classical, positivist, and critical perspectives.

Year 2 Units

• Global Crimes of the Powerful: This unit explores the ways in which powerful individuals and organizations commit crimes, including corporate crime, state crime, and human rights violations.
• Qualitative Analysis: The Power of Immersion: This unit provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct qualitative research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Quantitative Data Analysis: The Power of Statistics: This unit introduces students to the principles and practices of quantitative research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• The History and Politics of Crime and Punishment: This unit examines the historical and political context of crime and punishment, including the development of the criminal justice system and the role of power and ideology in shaping our understanding of crime.
• Theorising Crime, Justice and Punishment: This unit provides students with a deeper understanding of the theoretical perspectives on crime, justice, and punishment, including the classical, positivist, and critical perspectives.
• Year 2 Options: Students can choose from a range of optional units, including conflict and security, race and racism, poverty and population, and youth justice.

Professional Placement

The professional placement provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. This experience helps students develop practical skills, build professional networks, and enhance their employability.

Year 4 Units

• Criminology Dissertation: This unit provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, including the design, implementation, and analysis of a research study.
• Final Year Options: Students can choose from a range of optional units, including conflict and human rights, humanitarianism, incarceration, policing, and experts and evidence.

Learning and Assessment

The course uses a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops. Assessment methods include essays, exams, presentations, and reports.

Recognition of Professional Qualifications

The course is recognized by professional bodies in the United Kingdom, including the British Society of Criminology. Graduates of the course are eligible to pursue a range of careers in criminology, including research, policy, and practice.

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the course is AAB in three A levels, including a range of subjects such as sociology, psychology, and history. Alternative qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma, are also accepted.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the course vary depending on the student's fee status, with Home students paying a lower rate than Overseas students. Scholarships and bursaries are available to help support students with the cost of tuition.

Application Information

Applications for the course are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The deadline for applications is January 15th, and applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure consideration.

Related Courses

Related courses include the Criminology BSc (Hons), the Sociology BSc (Hons), and the Social Policy BSc (Hons). These courses provide students with a deeper understanding of the social sciences and the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a range of careers in these fields.