COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc (Hons) Criminology course offers a detailed and multifaceted study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. In the first year, students explore foundational topics including crime and disorder in everyday life, violence and harm, the representation and reality of crime, the sociology of deviance and social control, and introductory social science research, enabling them to understand crime from both theoretical and practical perspectives. In the second year, students build on this knowledge through core modules such as policing, crime control and prevention, criminal justice theory, policy and practice, and social science research methods. Optional modules allow students to tailor their studies to individual interests, including forensic and investigative psychology, geospatial skills, migration, social justice, and the psychology of criminal investigations. In the final year, students complete a dissertation in criminology, applying research skills to a topic of their choice, and can select optional modules that explore advanced issues such as terrorism, victimisation, punishment, youth subcultures, gender, community engagement, narratives of crime, and cyber security. The course emphasizes practical experience through placements and work-based learning, equipping students with analytical, research, and communication skills, alongside a deep understanding of criminological theory and practice, preparing graduates for careers in law enforcement, policy, research, or postgraduate study.