Foundation Degree in Criminal Justice

Course information:
Foundation Degree in Criminal Justice

Course summary:
The Foundation Degree in Criminal Justice provides a fascinating insight into the workings of the British criminal justices system. The criminal justice sector includes a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies, as well as 'community justice' (i.e. youth justices, voluntary and charitable associations.) Anyone with an interest in criminal justice is welcome to apply.
If you already work in the criminal justice sector, the course allows you to deepen your understanding and apply your learning to relevant situations. If you wish to start a career in the sector, you will gain knowledge, understanding, and some practical skills to aid potential employment.

Course content:
The course is split into two levels - Year One at Level One and Year Two at Level Two. Both levels are underpinned by a large element of personal development planning where you'll have an opportunity to use a structured framework to explore and document your personal and professional learning experience.

Year one covers the following modules:

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  Study Skills -an introduction to basic study skills, including communication and interpersonal skills.
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  Equality, Diversity, Ethics and Rights - Research into the practical application of legislation.
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  Work based learning [1]: Reflective Practice- an introduction to the concept of 'reflective practitioner'.
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  Historical and Contemporary developments in the criminal justice sector -an overview of the entire system, tracing developments through history.
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  Law and Criminal Procedure - an investigation into the effect and practical application of statutory and case law relevant to the sector.
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  Work based learning [2]: Effective practice and personal and professional development. - developing your own effective practice within your role and considering personal and professional development opportunities.

Year two covers the following modules:

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  Impact of crime - investigation into the impact of crime on victims, witnesses and survivors and the wider community.
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  Work based learning [3]: Multi-agency working - exploring the importance of multi-agency partnership and examing the key drivers for change.
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  Leadership and Management - examining the concepts surrounding leadership within the justice sector context.
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  Offending Behaviour - a study of the various theoretical explanations of offender behaviour.

The following option modules are offered in addition to the compulsory core modules detailed above:

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  Youth Justice - an introduction to the growing arena of youth justice.
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  Social Control and Crime - considering the wide range of social control methods.
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  Police Studies - a study of the structure, functioning and process of policing.
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  Community Safety - exploring the multi-disciplanary approach to crime and anti-social behaviour in society.
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  Legislation and Responsibilities - investigating legislation surrounding the work place and the legal responsibilities of both the employee and the employer.

PLEASE NOTE: the course is subject to a revalidation in May '09 so some modules are subject to change.

Course structure:
Both the full time (two year) and the part-time (three year) programme require attendance at South Tyneside College for one day a week, and include work placement.

Teaching is by experienced lecturers who have all had professional experience of the justice sector.


You should have normally achieved:

• Three passes at GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent).
• [The majority of programmes will accept a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology as equivalent to GCSE's]

Plus one of the following:

• A minimum of one 6 unit award (for example, A Level)
• Recognised Foundation or Access Programme (APHE Access courses are available at South Tyneside College)
• The full international or European Baccalaureate
• Other qualifications as deemed acceptable by the university.
• 120 UCAS points

Qualifications achieved:
Foundation Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Northumbria

Progression opportunities:
If you successfully complete the course the University provides an opportunity for graduates to apply for a place on the final year of the BSc (Hons) Degree in Criminology.

A successful Foundation Degree graduate could also use their qualification to apply for a variety of relevant professional and academic courses.

Free study and financial support:
For more information about student loans and grants visit Student Finance England or download our Money Matters for Higher Education 2009/10 booklet.