COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of your criminology course, you will begin by building foundational academic and professional skills through the Becoming a Criminologist module. This includes developing abilities such as essay writing, referencing, using academic sources, managing workloads, and fostering independent learning. Criminological Theory introduces you to the major theories that underpin the study of crime, offering both historical and contemporary perspectives. You will evaluate the strengths and limitations of these theories, learning how they contribute to the broader understanding of criminal behavior. Alongside this, Introduction to Criminal Justice focuses on the justice system in England and Wales, giving you insight into the roles and relationships of key institutions and actors, such as the police, courts, and correctional services. The year also includes Criminology in Practice, which gives context to your studies by connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world criminal justice settings. In the second year, the focus turns to deepening your understanding of how social factors interact with crime and justice systems. Criminological Intersections explores how various elements of identity and inequality—such as gender, race, and class—intersect to influence crime, criminalization, and victimization. This module helps you develop a critical understanding of systemic issues and encourages thoughtful analysis of societal responses. Alongside this, Researching Crime and Justice builds on your research skills, preparing you to collect, analyze, and evaluate data relevant to criminology. You will be trained in a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods, setting the foundation for your final year. In the final year, you will complete your Final Year Project, an independent research piece where you will explore a criminological question of your choice. This major project allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and research skills you’ve developed throughout your degree to a focused area of interest within the field.