Criminology

BA (Hons) Criminology
Mode: full-time

It has a strong practical and vocational orientation designed to act as an entry to a career in the field or as a vehicle for career enhancement.

In detail Criminology is explicitly concerned with the problem of crime, the conditions that generate it and the means by which it is controlled. As a degree subject it draws its themes, ideas and theories from the broader disciplines of sociology, psychology, law, history and economics.

The modules within the Criminology course have been designed to take students from an introductory phase at Level One – the study of theoretical criminology will be a new experience for most students – to a critical focus upon research and policy at Level Three.

The course is linked to the Vauxhall Centre for the Study of Crime situated within the University, and is taught by active researchers into community safety, offending and youth justice. The Vauxhall Centre staff publishes regularly and has national and international links.

In addition the Centre organises conferences to promote and disseminate new ideas. Thus, teaching on the course is underpinned by research at the cutting edge of knowledge. Students will have opportunities to undertake research for projects and dissertations as well as for research experience.

Programme learning outcomes (knowledge and understanding)

It is the intention of the award team that by the end of the course the learner will have met the following objectives by progressing through the levels of the course and by achieving the learning outcomes of the units studied.
Thus, the learner will be expected to:

• have a clear knowledge of the approaches evident in the course, and evaluate how those approaches allow for a better understanding of crime, offending and control mechanisms;
• be aware of the variety of techniques available for analysis and be able to analyse and evaluate data appropriately;
• have acquired a detailed knowledge of Criminology, and an awareness of the disciplines and framework of their subject;
• adopt an independent approach to learning and to critically evaluating the issues and problems posed by the study of Criminology;
• work, select and plan within a complex learning process;
• demonstrate a confident ability to handle, interpret and critically review knowledge at the forefront of the discipline;
• communicate effectively and by using a variety of analytical tools within a planning and social environment appropriate to the discipline;
• present findings in a cogent and enlivened manner in a variety of settings.

Why choose this course?

Criminology is:

• An exciting course delivered by cutting edge researchers dealing with real the problems crime and offending.
• Taught by friendly approachable staff with a real interest in the welfare of students.
• An excellent preparation for your career in the Field, and can provide valuable practical support in helping you secure your future.

Career Opportunities

The degree course will be appropriate for undergraduates considering careers in a wide range of Human Services work, with particular emphasis on the field of Criminal Justice.

For example:

• Youth Justice and Youth Work
• Offending Teams
• Policing
• Community Safety
• Local Government
• Criminal Research

And by taking post-graduate training the Degree offers entry in to a range of professional occupations such as:

• The Law
• Probation Work
• Social Work

The Criminology Degree provides an ideal background as an entry point to a professional career.

Assessment

The weight of assessment is found predominantly in course work, and this includes written assignments, reports, extended projects and single or group presentations.

In class tests and examinations – written, computer and multiple choice - are also part of the strategy.

Further details about the course

Areas of study include:

• Introduction to Criminology
• Crime, Youth and Gangs
• Causes and Controlling Crime
• Violence and Contemporary Society
• Youth Justice
• Current Issues in Criminology