COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) History and Criminology degree at the University of Derby combines the study of historical events with the theory, policy and practice of criminology, enabling students to understand how the past has shaped modern criminal justice systems and social issues. Throughout the programme, students examine crime as both an individual and societal phenomenon while exploring topics such as policing, youth justice, probation, imprisonment, offending behaviour, victimology and criminal justice policy alongside significant periods of British, European and global history. In the first year, students develop essential academic and research skills through modules including Historical Methods and Sources, Empires, Migrants and Mobility, Nations and Nationalism, The Criminal Justice System, and Study Skills and Criminological Research. The second year offers a wide range of optional modules allowing students to tailor their studies, covering subjects such as the Cold War, Contemporary Britain, Public History, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, Forensic Psychology, Policing and Society, Penology, and Victimology. In the final year, students can specialise further through options including Cybercrime, Youth Justice, Domestic Abuse, Green Criminology, Criminal Intelligence Analysis, International Criminology, Investigating Crime, Murder Investigation, Working with Offenders, Psychopathy, India and Empire, Britain and Total War, China and the Modern World, as well as an Independent Study project. The course develops valuable transferable skills including historical research, critical analysis, interviewing, negotiation, communication, problem-solving, evidence evaluation and decision-making, preparing graduates for careers across criminal justice, policing, probation, youth justice, government, intelligence, heritage, museums, archives, education, public policy and postgraduate study. Teaching is delivered by experienced academics and professionals with backgrounds in policing, probation, psychology, law, mental health and historical research, ensuring students gain both academic knowledge and practical insight. Supported by Derby’s rich historical environment and research-led teaching, graduates leave with a comprehensive understanding of crime, justice and history, together with the analytical, investigative and professional skills required for a wide range of public sector, private sector and research careers.