Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UDCRIMFY - BSc (Hons) Criminology (including foundation year)

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science, Preparatory Diploma, Preparatory Certificate
Total credits for course 480
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Subject Area Criminology, Sociology, Politics and International Relations
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Part-time 6 YEARS 8 YEARS
Full-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The course is delivered through a range of pedagogic methods including formal lectures, seminars, workshops, project-based research activity, group work and individual tutorials held in staff feedback hours. There is an emphasis upon the link between teaching and research so that staff research provides the basis for teaching on a range of modules.

The initial foundation year of this four-year degree programme is designed for students who wish to enter Higher Education and may have non-traditional qualifications, lower UCAS points or are mature students. It exemplifies the university strategies of inclusive learning, widening participation, the aims of the Education for Social Justice Framework and of serving our community. Students will explore a wide range of social science and current affairs themes, whilst also developing the academic and digital literacies that will be of benefit to them in the following three years of study.

The course integrates face-to-face with blended and online learning. All modules use Weblearn facilities making key information available and also providing a convenient place for handbook information, calendars and class announcements. Some modules, for example, Analysing Crime Statistics and Analysing Crime Narratives, focus specifically on the development of CIT skills. The course will also progressively examine ways of further developing the link between face-to-face and online learning as ideas and technology develop and as resources permit. The course encourages contact between students and lecturers and, in the course of this, encourages active learning. CIT and other media are used to encourage collaboration among the cohort of students on your course.

To accommodate research leave for academic staff and to ensure that modules are viable in terms of student numbers, the Criminology subject group may withdraw one or more optional modules for a year. To gauge the number of students on optional modules at levels 5 and 6 in the following academic year, module conferences will take place in the spring semester on the core modules SC4058 and SC5062, to ensure that students are informed about their options, are able to select their modules at the next level of study and to enable the subject group to make adjustments for any modules which need to be temporarily withdrawn.

Course aims

The course includes core modules where students learn research methods which look at how to analyse and read data, as well as core substantive modules where students learn and engage with key criminological themes and subject areas. Students must complete a final year research project where as well as gaining research skills, they will gain detailed knowledge on a topic of their choice.

The course aims to:

1. develop the intellectual skills necessary for the understanding, critical evaluation and application of a range of theoretical approaches the discipline
2. develop competence in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
3. help students develop an ability to manage their own independent learning and research skills
4. offer the opportunity to develop a specialist area of interest culminating in the production of an in-depth piece of independent research at level 6.

Course learning outcomes

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

1. deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Criminology

2. devise and sustain arguments, and/or solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Criminology

3. describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship in Criminology, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge

4. manage their own learning to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, research articles and/or original materials appropriate to Criminology)

5. apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply your knowledge and understanding to initiate and carry out projects

6. 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

7. communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences

8. exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts

9. undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature

10. demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and be able to act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their
discipline.

Assessment strategy

A range of assessment methods are used, with the choice of assessment instrument chosen to test the specified learning outcomes. Overall the strategy is to promote written, oral and research skills within the context of a developing understanding of criminology.

Level 4 formative assessments help support and prepare students for summative assessments and seek to encourage students to assimilate and describe theories, facts and figures and connect with academic literature. Students are also given tools and guidance to encourage independent research and to develop your time management and critical thinking skills. Level 5 assessments require students to critically evaluate the knowledge and theories they have encountered and practically demonstrate their ability to undertake independent research. Level 6 assessments test
critical knowledge of applied areas of criminology and the ability to be an independent researcher.

Assessments are part of the learning process and confirm the outcomes of the learning process. The marking criteria for coursework and examinations are published with the assessment details for clarity and the moderating process is articulated. Each assessment offers constructive, timely
feedback to further develop your written and oral communication skills and help develop and demonstrate good academic practice. The assessment process also provides an insight into learning problems and thus triggers individual intervention and remedial action. Furthermore, the assessment process helps by providing module leaders with feedback on curriculum design and
delivery and – via the ongoing iterative process of module monitoring – make a significant
contribution to the continued development and improvement of the course.

A variety of assessment methods are used including coursework essay and reports, unseen and seen written examinations, individual and group assignments, laboratory and computer-based investigations, poster, podcast and oral presentations and a level 6 research project.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

At level 6 there is an optional work experience module providing students with an opportunity to apply for a placement either in the criminal justice sector or in a private, statutory or voluntary organisation related to criminal justice and criminology. If students take this module, they produce a reflective report on your experience and an appraisal of their skills and abilities in the placement to enhance their personal development.

There may also be opportunities for students to study for part of their degree in another country.

Course specific regulations

Part-time Structure

Students take 60 credits per academic year - over six years.
All modules are 15 credit core modules, unless stated otherwise.

September Starters

Level 4

Autumn – Year 1

SC4054 Traditional Criminological Theories and Concepts
SC4057 Becoming a Criminologist

Spring – Year 1

SC4058 The Development of Criminological Thought
SC4061 Shades of Deviance

Autumn – Year 2

SC4055 The Criminal Justice Framework
SC4056 Key Concepts in Policing

Spring – Year 2

SC4059 Issues in the Criminal Justice System
SC4060 Researching Crime and Deviance

February Starters

Level 4

Spring – Year 1

SC4054 Traditional Criminological Theories and Concepts
SC4057 Becoming a Criminologist

Summer – Year 1

SC4058 The Development of Criminological Thought
SC4061 Shades of Deviance

Autumn – Year 2

SC4055 The Criminal Justice Framework
SC4056 Key Concepts in Policing

Spring – Year 2

SC4059 Issues in the Criminal Justice System
SC4060 Researching Crime and Deviance

Level 5

Autumn – Year 3

SC5054 Analysing Crime Statistics
SC5053 Crime in Context

Spring – Year 3

SC5061 Analysing Crime Narratives
SC5062 Becoming a Criminal Justice Professional

Autumn – Year 4

SC5059 Option 1 from the Autumn options
Option 2 from the Autumn options

Spring – Year 4

Option 1 from the Spring options
Option 2 from the Spring options

Level 6

Autumn – Year 5

SC6054 Punishment and Prisons
Option 1 from the Autumn options


Spring – Year 5

SC6051 Serious and Serial Offenders
Option 1 from the Spring options

Autumn – Year 6

SC6P50 Criminology Project (30 credits across both semesters)
Option 2 from Autumn options

Spring – Year 6

SC6P50 Criminology Project (30 credits across both semesters)
Option 2 from Spring options

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

At Levels 3 and 4 students begin processes of personal development planning in core modules and start to build up a record of achievements. They are encouraged to participate in workshop discussions, reflecting specifically on what they have learned from modules and the ways in which this knowledge may be used in, or applied to, the wider social world. Level 5 and level 6 modules contain embedded activities and opportunities to reflect on the learning process and personal development planning. Modules focused on research methodologies provide a forum in which students reflect on their practice as a researcher, the ethical dimensions and the ways in which this practice may be applied to solving problems in the context of volunteering activity and/or employment. Self-directed project research at level 6 provides an opportunity for students to consolidate this reflection, bringing together particular substantive areas of interest with methodological issues and considering how this might provide a basis for their further self-development and contribution to the wider social world in the future.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

N/A

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Successful completion of this course offers improved employability in the criminal justice and security services sector as well as many career opportunities in the private and public services and charity sectors. Students will be able to apply specialist subject knowledge and professional and life skills developed during three years of study. The course is also excellent preparation for research, further professional development and postgraduate study.

Career opportunities

Graduates from our criminology related courses enter a range of careers, such as police officer, special constable, investigating analyst, support worker, senior detective constable, investigating analyst and probation officer. They now work for organisations as diverse as the Metropolitan Police, Ten Intelligence and Mears.

Continuing your studies with us

The School of Social Sciences has a wide range of exciting industry-linked postgraduate courses available on a full-time and part-time basis in criminology, security, diplomacy, international relations, sociology and psychology. The following courses would be ideal for progression after this course:

Entry requirements

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

  • at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
  • English Language GCSE at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent)

If you are a mature student with significant work experience, you are invited to apply for this course on the basis of the knowledge and skills you have developed through your work.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 13 Sep 2019 Last validation date 13 Sep 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes
Route code CRIMFY

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 03 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
IF3050 Critical Thinking Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
IF3051 Studying London Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
IF3058 Reflecting on Self and Society Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
IF3059 Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
IF3060 Researching Discrimination Core 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
IF3061 Researching Inequality Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR WED AM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
IF3063 Media, Crime and 'Race' Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
          NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH AUT MON PM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
          NORTH AUT MON AM
IF3073 Interventions for Change Core 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM

Stage 1 Level 03 January start Not currently offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
IF3050 Critical Thinking Core 15        
IF3051 Studying London Core 15        
IF3058 Reflecting on Self and Society Core 15        
IF3059 Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay Core 15        
IF3060 Researching Discrimination Core 15        
IF3061 Researching Inequality Core 15        
IF3063 Media, Crime and 'Race' Core 15        
IF3073 Interventions for Change Core 15        

Stage 2 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SC4054 Traditional Criminological Theories and Concepts Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH AUT THU AM
SC4055 The Criminal Justice Framework Core 15 NORTH AUT FRI PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
SC4056 Key Concepts in Policing Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
          NORTH AUT THU PM
SC4057 Becoming a Criminologist Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH AUT TUE PM
SC4058 The Development of Criminological Thought Core 15 NORTH SUM FRI PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
SC4059 Issues in the Criminal Justice System Core 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
          NORTH SUM THU AM
SC4060 Researching Crime and Deviance Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE AM
          NORTH SUM TUE PM
          NORTH SPR TUE PM
SC4061 Shades of Deviance Core 15 NORTH SUM THU PM
          NORTH SPR THU PM

Stage 3 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SC5053 Crime in Context Core 15        
SC5054 Analysing Crime Statistics Core 15        
SC5061 Analysing Crime Narratives Core 15        
SC5062 Becoming a Criminal Justice Professional Core 15        
SC5050 Crime, Media and Technology Option 15 NORTH AUT FRI PM
SC5051 Youth, Crime and Violence Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI PM
SC5055 Perspectives on Policing Option 15        
SC5056 Working with Offenders Option 15        
SC5057 Crime Prevention and Environmental Design Option 15        
SC5058 Drugs and Drug Policy Option 15        
SC5059 Crimes of the Powerful Option 15        
SC5060 Criminology Today Option 15        
SC5063 Cybercrime and Surveillance Option 15        
SC5064 Criminological Research in Context Option 15        
SC5065 Dark Destinations - Crime and Tourism Option 15        
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA  

Stage 4 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SC6051 Serious and Serial Offenders Core 15 NORTH AUT THU PM
SC6054 Punishment and Prison Core 15        
SC6P00 Criminology Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
GI6065 Latin American Politics Option 15 NORTH AUT TUE PM
SC6052 Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Option 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
SC6053 Victims and Crime Option 15 NORTH AUT TUE PM
SC6055 Organised Crime Option 15        
SC6056 Gender and Crime Option 15        
SC6057 Policing Strategies and Investigations Option 15        
SC6058 Global Crime and Disorder Option 15        
SC6059 Environmental Justice Option 15        
SC6060 Migration, Borders and Control Option 15        
SC6061 Criminology of Pleasure Option 15        
SC6062 'The Deviant Other' - media representations of ... Option 15        
SC6W52 Criminology Work-Based Learning Option 15        
SS6088 Racism in the Global Context Option 15