COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminology and Criminal Justice BA (Hons) program offers a thorough and updated exploration of crime, criminal behaviour, and society’s response through the justice system. Designed for students interested in the causes and consequences of crime, the course combines theoretical foundations with practical learning to prepare graduates for careers across the criminal justice sector.In the first year, students are introduced to core concepts through modules such as Introduction to Crime and Punishment, Contemporary Issues in Criminology, and the Criminal Justice Process. These modules examine how crime is socially constructed, the role of media and institutions in shaping public perceptions, and the structure of the legal system. Students also begin to develop essential research and analytical skills, and explore how issues such as poverty, racism, and social inequality relate to justice through the Developing Skills for Justice module.During the second year, the course explores more complex themes. Theoretical Criminology and Crime and Social History offer historical, cultural, and sociological contexts for understanding crime, while Crime Policy into Practice examines how public anxieties influence policy decisions. Students gain experience in teamwork, project development, and real-world application through Essential Skills for Justice. The Policing and Society module encourages critical thinking about the role and power of law enforcement in diverse communities.In the final year, students expand their skills through leadership development and optional modules tailored to their interests, including Cybercrime, Race and Justice, Youth Crime and Gangs, and Policing and Criminal Investigation. Other modules explore the intersection of mental health and justice, and the application of psychology in criminology. Through these options, students gain specialist knowledge relevant to fields such as policing, mental health support, youth work, and forensic analysis. The program’s structure ensures that graduates are well-equipped with the academic knowledge, ethical awareness, and practical skills needed to succeed in a variety of criminal justice roles.