COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminology degree at Abertay University offers a structured and comprehensive curriculum that builds a strong understanding of crime, justice, and social responses across four years of study. In Year 1, students are introduced to the foundations of criminology and sociology through six core modules. These include Crime and Punishment, Contemporary Social Issues, Criminal Justice Theories and Processes, Media and the Digital Society, and a focus on Scottish society through Social Research in Action. Abertay 101 also supports students in transitioning successfully into university life.In Year 2, students begin to explore more complex criminological ideas and research methods. Modules include Criminological Theory and Classical Social Theory, which examine the intellectual foundations of criminology and sociology. Students also study Criminalisation in the 21st Century, Introduction to Policing, and advance their research skills through Social Research in Action 2, laying the groundwork for future independent study.Year 3 deepens the practical and theoretical focus with five modules. These include Penal Institutions, which explores the structure and function of prisons; Cybercrime and Policing Technology, which looks at modern digital threats; and Gender and Crime, which examines how gender influences criminal behavior and justice responses. Race, Ethnicity and Immigration adds a critical sociological perspective, while Social Research in Action 3 prepares students for independent research.In the final year, students complete their Honours Project, an in-depth independent research project that demonstrates their cumulative learning and analytical abilities. They also study Human Rights, exploring the relationship between crime, justice, and international legal standards.This degree offers students a critical understanding of how crime is defined, studied, and addressed in society. It prepares graduates for careers in criminal justice, policy-making, social research, and related areas where analytical thinking and social awareness are essential.