COURSE CURRICULUM

This Criminology course provides students with a deep understanding of crime, social harm, justice systems, and the complex factors that influence criminal behaviour and societal responses. The programme combines criminological theory, social research, forensic approaches, and practical investigation methods to develop students’ ability to analyse contemporary crime issues from multiple perspectives. In the first year, students build a strong foundation through modules exploring crime, justice, contemporary society, research methods, true crime, digital crimes, and the journey from crime scene to courtroom. Students examine how crime is defined, constructed, and understood across different communities while developing critical thinking and evidence-based analysis skills. The second year expands knowledge through advanced criminological perspectives, social harm analysis, and research development. Students explore the relationship between crime, inequality, social justice, and global issues while considering perspectives from different cultures and regions, including the Global South. Optional areas such as crime science, offender rehabilitation, forensic investigation, environmental harms, and crimes against humanity allow students to specialise according to their interests. The final year focuses on independent research and advanced contemporary crime challenges. Students complete a criminology dissertation, investigating a topic of their choice using research methods such as quantitative analysis, qualitative research, policy evaluation, media analysis, or mixed approaches. Advanced modules explore areas including policing challenges, power and identity, organised crime, restorative justice, homicide, forensic criminology, sexual violence, and trauma-informed justice. Throughout the course, students develop important skills in research, critical evaluation, communication, problem-solving, and understanding social issues. The programme prepares graduates for careers in policing, criminal justice, probation, rehabilitation services, crime prevention, government agencies, research organisations, community support services, and policy development. By combining academic study with practical and research-based learning, students gain the knowledge and professional skills needed to understand crime, challenge inequalities, and contribute to improving justice systems and communities.