COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminology and Law course is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of crime, criminal behaviour, the legal system, and the criminal justice process while developing strong research, analytical, and legal reasoning skills. In the first year, students build a solid foundation through modules including Becoming a Social Scientist, Crime and Society, Criminal Law for Criminologists, and Issues in Criminal Justice, gaining knowledge of criminological theories, criminal law, social research methods, and the operation of the criminal justice system. During the second year, students deepen their understanding by studying Criminological Theory in Practice, Employment Law and Practice, and Victims and Crime, exploring the application of criminological theories, key principles of employment law, and the experiences and rights of crime victims. They also complete Future Directions and Research for Social Scientists, developing advanced research skills and preparing for independent academic investigation. In the final year, students undertake a Criminology and Sociology Dissertation, allowing them to conduct detailed research on a criminology or law-related topic while demonstrating their analytical and research capabilities. They also study Current Issues in Criminology, examining contemporary challenges and debates within the criminal justice system, alongside Penology, which focuses on punishment, prisons, rehabilitation, and offender management. Students further personalise their studies by selecting one optional module from Family Law, Law Clinic, or Litigation and Advocacy, enabling them to gain specialised knowledge and practical legal experience aligned with their career interests. Throughout the programme, students progressively develop expertise in criminology, criminal law, employment law, victimology, penology, legal practice, and social research while strengthening their communication, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. This combination of academic knowledge, practical learning, and research experience prepares graduates for careers in policing, probation, legal services, courts, victim support, youth justice, community safety, public policy, criminal justice organisations, and a wide range of law-related and public sector professions. Modules offered may vary.