UDCRINSE - BA Criminology and International Security

The course is delivered through a range of pedagogic methods including formal lectures, seminars and workshops. Within this a combination of whole group, small group, and student-led and tutor-led teaching occurs. This includes face-to-face teaching, but also the use of blended learning opportunities. All modules use Weblearn sites to make learning materials and resources available, such as lecture notes, module handbooks, video links, recorded lectures, podcasts and primary documents. Electronic submission of assignments is used in all modules, along with electronic feedback to students, and many lecturers use methods such as online office hours, discussion boards and blogs. A growing number of materials are also available online through the University library, including access to journals and e-books.
This is all designed to open up the learning space for students to enable them to access the degree 24/7, improving the student learning experience, whilst increasing cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
An additional, and important, part of the teaching and learning strategy is the academic research that is carried out by staff. This is used to support teaching through the transferring of staff research skills and knowledge to enhance the student learning experience. There is a strong emphasis upon the link between teaching and research so that staff research provides the basis for teaching on a range of modules, with students benefitting from being taught by specialists.

The course aims to:

• offer a course relevant to a range of careers in the areas of criminal justice, the security sector and related fields
  
• ensure that students acquire an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the fields of Criminology and International Security
  
• develop students' abilities to analyse critically theories, practices and institutions within Criminology and International Security
  
• develop students’ competences in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
  
• assist students in developing a range of social and transferable skills relevant to their intellectual, vocational and personal development, with a particular emphasis on employability
  
• provide a curriculum supported by scholarship, staff development and a research culture that promotes breadth and depth of academic inquiry and debate
  

The following learning outcomes incorporate and depend on systematic understanding of the key aspects of the knowledge base of Criminology and International Security, including a coherent and detailed knowledge of some specialist areas in depth.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Criminology and International Security
  
• devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Criminology and International Security
  
• describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in Criminology and International Security, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge
  
• manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to Criminology and International Security
  
• apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects
  
• critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem
  
• communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
  
• exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts
  
• undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature

Criminology
Politics and International Relations

The course combines both formative and summative assessment opportunities, embracing a variety of methods including: essays, exams, seminar performance, seminar presentations (both individual and group), portfolios, blogs, policy documents, and book reviews. The majority will be tutor assessed, but a number will be peer-reviewed in seminars.

The strategy is designed to maximise the development of subject specific skills and employability skills appropriate to each level of the degree.

Employability and work experience are central to the course. All modules have employability embedded within them. (See each module specification for further details.)

A study-abroad programme can be undertaken as part of the degree programme. The Course Leader (or a delegated representative) must approve the programme of study proposed at the overseas host institution. We have the Socrates exchange links with a number of European Universities – Bologna, Bordeaux, Istanbul, Madrid and Stockholm. It is also possible to study in the United States. The University has exchange links with a number of universities, such as the State University of New York, City University New York, East Carolina, Roosevelt University (Chicago) and a number of colleges in the University of California state system. These exchanges are arranged through the University’s International Office.

At Level 6 there is a core work-placement module designed to introduce students to the world of work and develop employability skills. This has included placements within a wide range of institutions, such as the United Nations, aid agencies, think-tanks and embassies. Students can opt to do their work placement in the UK or in another country.

See Course Structure

Every module on this course has embedded within it reflective learning components and personal development planning relevant to the year of study. It will be encouraged in lectures, seminars, and in assessment methods. Students will be directed to reflect on knowledge specific learning, personal and employability skills development. Students will be encouraged to engage positively with all feedback opportunities, be they with tutors or in peer-review situations, and to reflect and learn, resulting in the developing of further learning strategies.

Careers guidance and education will form part of the course through module content and promotion of CELTS. Practitioners will also be invited to speak on a variety of modules with regard to careers guidance.

A number of practitioners will be invited in from governmental organisations, international governmental organisations and non-governmental organisations to speak on a variety of modules, concentrating on subject specific skills and employability. Visits will also be arranged outside of the university.

Successful graduates have been employed in the diplomatic services, as well as governmental organisations such as the European Union and the United Nations, and non- governmental organisations specialising in international development, overseas aid, human rights and environmental fields. Students have also gained employment in research and teaching, international business, the media, and political campaigns. We currently have students working in a variety of jobs throughout the world.

Many of our students also go on to be successful in postgraduate study, both at Masters and PhD level, at a number of universities, including the London School of Economics, Kings College London, and SOAS.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have at least:

• GCSE English at grade C or above, or Higher Diploma (or equivalent) plus
• 280 UCAS points from three or more A levels (eg BBC)
• or 320 UCAS points from a BTEC National (eg DDM)

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.