module specification

SS7090 - Transnational Organised Crime (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Transnational Organised Crime
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 200
 
50 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
114 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   The assessment will be an essay or multimedia artefact that allows the students to show their knowledge
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester LMET Distance Learning Not applicable -

Module summary

The module aims to give students a thorough theoretical and operational understanding of transnational organised crime and attempts to combat it. There will be a focus on trafficking, including drugs, people and arms, as well as a look at how organised crime groups are using the internet for criminal purposes. White collar crime is also given a specific focus. Students will also be supported to explore the character of organised crime in the UK and both domestic and international attempts to combat it.

Prior learning requirements

None

Syllabus

Following an introductory session, the module will address the following topics:

  • Identifying Transnational organised crime (LO 1)
  • Theoretical frameworks for understanding organised crime (LO 1)
  • Understanding the social and economic dynamics of organised crime (LO 3)
  • Drug smuggling (LO 2, 3)
  • Weapons trading and smuggling (LO 2, 3)
  • People trafficking (LO 2, 3)
  • Cybercrime (LO 2, 3)
  • Money laundering and fraud (LO 2, 3)
  • International responses to transnational organised crime (LO 4)
  • UK responses to organised crime (LO 4)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Teaching sessions consist of a series of recorded lectures and online opportunities which will encourage students to explore the political, strategic and tactical complexities of terrorism and counter terrorism. Students draw upon case studies and examine actual operational scenarios. Module materials will be made available on Weblearn and opportunities for personal development planning are provided. 

This module will also be delivered through the use of distance learning strategies as follows:

  • E-learning: delivered using computers utilising internet technology and programming which allows the student to interact with the learning materials via chat rooms, online office hours and notice boards. The present Weblearn facilities are sufficient to cover these methods.
  • Online Lectures:  lectures are to be recorded digitally and placed onto Weblearn and released to the students as required.
  • Written materials: Students will be provided with written materials such as articles in electronic format (e.g. pdf files). Weblearn to be used as a repository for such material.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Apply various criminological theorising of the conceptualisation of organised and transnational crime including the mapping of facilitating relationships and pathways
  2. Outline and understand various transnational organised crime phenomena including; drug and weapon smuggling, people trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering and fraud
  3. Examine the localised and international social and economic factors influencing transnational organised crime
  4. Critically evaluate international and UK interventions to tackle transnational organised crime

Bibliography

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