Module catalogue

SS7181 - Critical and Justice Issues in Criminology (2025/26)

Module specification

Module approved to run in 2025/26

Module title

Critical and Justice Issues in Criminology

Module level

Masters (07)

Credit rating for module

School

School of Social Sciences and Professions

Total study hours

200

155 hours	Guided independent study
45 hours	Scheduled learning & teaching activities

Assessment components

Type	Weighting	Qualifying mark	Description
Coursework	100%	50	Presentations and short piece of writing, followed by a summative piece of written course work of 4500 words

Running in 2025/26

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

Period	Campus	Day	Time	Module Leader
Spring semester	LMET Distance Learning	Week	All day

Module summary

In this module, you will examine some key debates in criminology and criminal justice, by critically examining the core theoretical frameworks and contemporary research used to explain crime. You will apply this understanding to policy developments within criminal justice responses to crime.

Syllabus

You will start by exploring the contours of key theoretical frameworks (LO 1).

You will move on to look at relevant themes and issues within the justice sector, including criminal justice responses to crime. (LO 2, LO 3).

This will include:

1.Evaluating the historical and contemporary contexts of biological positivism
2. Exploring the value of contemporary classicism and opportunity theories
3. Critically analysing the effectiveness of prison and probation globally through a desistance lens
4. Consider gender dynamics in the criminal justice system and critically reviewing approaches to sex work violence against women and girls and intimate partner abuse

The syllabus will require students to consider the impact of the above on their own professional sector and work environment.

The assessment is one 4,500 word essay.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Teaching typically consists of 3 hour workshops. You will be expected to engage in substantial independent study including reading weekly core texts and preparing for seminar debates. Students will also need to produce a piece of work for a formative assessment in preparation for their summative assessment.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, you will be able to

1) Critically explore the foundations and current developments in criminological research theory
2) Identify key debates in criminal justice
3) Develop specific areas of personal interest
4) Use critical analysis to scrutinise theory, research and policy

Bibliography