UDCRILAW - BA Criminology and Law

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 both during scheduled class time and during 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 course integrates face-to-face, blended and online learning. All modules use Weblearn facilities making key information available and also providing a convenient place for module information, group discussions, calendars and class announcements.

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 tutors and, in the course of this, encourages active learning. CIT and other media are used to encourage collaboration among the cohort of students on the 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 core modules, 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next level of study and to enable the subject group to make adjustments for any modules which need to be temporarily withdrawn.

Students will strengthen their knowledge of methodological approaches in criminology and their understanding of UK law. In doing so they will develop the necessary critical analysis skills needed to review information contained in them. The resultant skills will prepare learners for their dissertation research. Analytic skills will be honed through various forms of study and assessment; overall the knowledge and skills acquired on the course can prepare students for doctoral study or research posts, and / or can consolidate their professional experience.

The course aims to:

1. develop the intellectual skills necessary for the understanding, critical evaluation and application of a range of theoretical and practical approaches across both disciplines
2. develop competence in a range of 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 which crosses both disciplines culminating in the production of an in-depth piece of independent research at level 6.

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

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

UL0 demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and be able to act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in your discipline.

1. deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within criminology and law;

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

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

4. 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 law);

5. 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;

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

In the first-year, students begin processes of personal development planning in core modules and start to build up a record of achievements. They are encouraged to reflect in workshop contexts and individually on specifically what they have learned from modules and the ways in which this knowledge may be used in, or applied to, the wider social world. A module focused on social research methodologies provides a forum in which students reflect upon their practice as researchers, its 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/or issues concerning legal practice and considering how this might provide a basis for further self-development and contribution to the wider social world in the future

Criminology

https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/sbs/sbs-criminology-22.pdf?sfvrsn=3b3dc81_2

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 their time management and critical thinking skills.At level 4 assessments seek to encourage students to specify and describe relevant legal procedures, theories and institutions of the criminal justice system 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 Law 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. Each assessment offers constructive, timely feedback to further develop your written and oral communication skills and help develop and demonstrate good academic practice.

A variety of assessment methods are used including essays reports, examinations, individual and group assignments, podcasts and oral presentations and a level 6 research project.

At level 5 students will engage in a module called ‘Becoming a Criminal Justice Professional’ to encourage professional development. The module is delivered via small group workshops which focus on the development and/or strengthening of your professional profile in preparation for future job applications. Students will also develop/strengthen their knowledge and understanding of potential roles within the criminal justice sector and consider how to match some of the skills/qualifications required by employers with those they have developed during their degree and previous work/study experience. The knowledge, skills and understanding gained via this module will be useful for those who intend to seek employment within the criminal justice sector. Students will be encouraged to develop their professional profiles. Students will be prompted to consider how to match their skills to criminal justice employers’ requirements and career aspirations and to develop the skills and confidence to pursue them.

Students can opt for SC6W52 Criminology Work-Based Learning. As part of the module, students are required to maintain a reflective log, which details the tasks they are given, their effectiveness in completing them, and key characteristics of the organization and its procedures. This log will inform their final report. The work experience can be completed in a private, statutory, or voluntary organization, ideally in agencies related to the criminal justice sector. The placement may begin at any time after the second year of the relevant degree program. Students will discuss and confirm the suitability of their placement with the module convenor. They will not be required to complete additional work experience in their third year.

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

Part-time structure:

Level 4 Year 1 (60 credits total)

Students must take:

● LL4057

● SC4054

● SC4055

● SC4057

Level 4 Year 2 (60 credits total)

Students must take:

● LL4053

● LL4051

● SC4058

● SC4059

Level 5 Year 1 (60 credits total)

Students must take:

● LL5055

● SC5061

And then, any 2 optional modules (30 credits) from the list below

● LL5P50

● LL5052

● SS5083

● SC5053

● SC5055

● SC5056

● SC5057

● SC5058

● SC5059

● SC5060

● SC5063

● SC5064

● SC5065

● SC5050

● SC5051

● XK0000

Level 5 Year 2 (60 credits total)

Students must take:

● SC5054

● SC5062

And then, any 2 optional modules (30 credits) from the list below

● LL5P50

● LL5052

● SS5083

● SC5053

● SC5055

● SC5056

● SC5057

● SC5058

● SC5059

● SC5060

● SC5063

● SC5064

● SC5065

● SC5050

● SC5051

● XK0000

Level 6 Year 1 (60 credits)

Students must take:

● SC6P00

And then, any 2 optional modules of the student’s choice (30 credits) from the list below:

● LL6068

● LL6P60

● SC6054

● SC6055

● SC6056

● SC6057

● SC6W52

● SC6058

● SC6059

● SC6060

● SC6061

● SC6062

● SC6051

● SC6052

● SC6053

Level 6 Year 2 (60 credits)

Students must take:

● LL6054

● LL6062

And then, any 2 optional modules of the student’s choice (30 credits) from the list below: ● LL6068

● LL6P60

● SC6054

● SC6055

● SC6056

● SC6057

● SC6W52

● SC6058

● SC6059

● SC6060

● SC6061

● SC6062

● SC6051

● SC6052

● SC6053

In the first-year, students begin processes of personal development planning in core modules and start to build up a record of achievements. They are encouraged to reflect in workshop contexts and individually 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. A module focused on social research methodologies provides a forum in which students reflect upon their practice as researchers, its ethical dimensions, and the ways in which this practice may be applied to solving problems in the context of volunteering activity and/or employment. The project module at level 6 provides an opportunity for students to consolidate this reflection, bringing together particular substantive areas of interest with methodological issues and considers how this might provide a basis for further self-development and contribution to the wider social world.

More generally, the multidisciplinary nature of the course offers the integration of reflective learning throughout the three years of undergraduate study. And core modules across the three years allow the students to develop both the academic and research skills required for successful future professional careers and/or further HE studies).

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.

Past students have gone on to take up careers in the police service, the probation service and other areas of the criminal justice system as well as undertaking further professional training in the legal field. The programme is also excellent preparation for further study. The analytic, methodological and legal skills acquired on successful completion provide a strong grounding for development within many different careers.

Our criminology and sociology graduates have gone on to careers including police officers, counter fraud criminal investigators, support workers, probation officers and teachers, securing jobs at the Metropolitan Police Service, HM Government, Rethink Mental Illness and the National Probation Service.

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:

• Human Rights and International Conflict - MA
• Organised Crime and Global Security - MA
• Woman and Child Abuse - MA

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

• a minimum of grades BBC in three A levels (or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg Advanced Diploma)
• GCSE English at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing our Criminology (including foundation year) BSc (Hons).