COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in Criminology offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of crime, justice, and social control through a structured three-year program. In Year 1, students are introduced to the foundations of criminology, exploring its historical development, key concepts, and psychological approaches to understanding crime. Core modules include Criminology: A History and Introduction, Criminology: Key Concepts, Studies and Issues, and Introduction to the Psychology of Crime. Students also study criminal law, the legal system, and sociology, providing a broader context for crime and justice. Additionally, students choose a 15-credit elective in a language (French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Irish), philosophy, or political science, offering an opportunity to expand their cultural or analytical skills.In Year 2, students delve deeper into contemporary criminological theory, the sociology of crime and deviance, and social research methods. A wide range of electives allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests. These include specialised topics such as women and social control, cyber-deviance, urban crime, victimology, youth justice, prisons, and drug regulation. Students may also continue to take modules from other disciplines including languages, law, philosophy, and history, ensuring a rich, interdisciplinary experience.Year 3 focuses on applying research skills and understanding crime and justice from policy perspectives. Core modules include Research Methods for Criminology and Crime, Justice and Policy. Students can also take advanced electives in areas such as corporate crime, abolitionist perspectives on the justice system, and complete a dissertation in criminology. This final year allows students to consolidate their learning, refine their analytical and research capabilities, and engage critically with real-world criminological issues. The program equips graduates with strong academic, research, and critical thinking skills, making them well-prepared for careers in law, justice, social services, public policy, and related fields.