Criminology with Law BA (Hons)

This module introduces students to a variety of research methods and analytical techniques that Criminological researchers use to test social theory and study aspects of social life. Topics covered include; the epistemological approaches underpinning quantitative and qualitative approaches and practicalities involved with generating quantitative and qualitative research (e.g. sampling and recruitment). Research methods covered include: surveys; freedom of information requests; official statistics and content analysis; interviews; ethnography and participant observation; archival sources; digital methods. Space is given to discussions of the importance of ethical research.

This module provides an in-depth examination of the factors that contribute to youth crime, critically exploring a wide range of criminological theories, both historical and contemporary. You will engage with these theories to understand why young people commit crime, while also evaluating current policies and legislation within the Youth Justice System, with a specific focus on England and Wales. The module also addresses various strategies aimed at encouraging desistance from crime and the challenges of supporting young offenders in their reintegration into society. Through class discussions and insights from guest speakers actively working in the youth justice field, you will gain a real-world perspective on the complexities of working with young offenders. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to articulate a well-rounded, informed position on the effectiveness of current policy responses to youth crime and understand the ways in which these responses impact a diverse range of young people.

The module explores the key sociological perspectives in relation to crime and deviance. It explores theoretical concepts and research that explains patterns of crime and criminal behaviour. Additionally, the module explores the historical development of sociological theory and the links to contemporary debates in crime and society. Topics include but not limited to, Functionalism, Marxism, Left and Right Realism, Labelling and The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy, Gender and Crime, Ethnicity and Crime, Social Class and Crime and Locality and Crime. Students will explore a range of different case studies that can be explained using sociological theory and will explore the extent to which theories can explain a range of different crimes

This module examines the relationship between crime, justice, and the media, exploring how they are constructed and represented across various media platforms. Using key criminological concepts, it analyses the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of crime and justice through news, drama, and documentary formats. The module also considers different media outlets, including print, television, film, and digital media, to critically assess their influence on societal understandings of crime and justice.

This module focuses on theories of criminal justice and how these help understand the processes and systems which constitute criminal justice within the UK. The module introduces the different stages, institutions and professional roles within justice systems and how the criminal law operates through the courts. You will observe practices and procedures in a courtroom and analyse them using both the academic resources introduced in the classroom. The module will combine tutor led input and input from guest speakers.

This module explores the contributions of psychological theory to the multidisciplinary study of crime. It introduces key concepts from Psychology, Social Psychology, and Developmental Psychology, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding individual factors influencing deviance, criminal behaviour, forensic mental health, offending, victimisation, and desistance.

The UK triggered Article 50 TEU 29th March 2017 with the intention of leaving the European Union 29th March 2019. The EU is a supranational legal structure wielding considerable influence and power and as such its structure, institution, and legal framework remain worthy of study and understanding for its influence to date on many areas of UK law. The EU, the EU will remain an important partner both politically and economically, and an understanding of EU law in relation to the continued trade relations between the EU and the UK remains relevant now and for the future.

Examines English Law practice and procedure relating to private issues around family life. What works well and what requires further development and why? What changes would you introduce?

This module gives learners robust training in quantitative and qualitative research methods and practical skills and competencies in the retrieval, analysis and writing up of quantitative and qualitative data

This module is a study of the penal system. This includes the history, philosophy, sociology and practice of state punishment. Punishment is highly contested and penal practices both historically and in the contemporary world have been subject to vigorous critique. Students will be encouraged to become involved in these debates and to have the confidence to articulate their own views and opinions concerning state punishment. This module will start by considering a range of conceptual and theoretical approaches towards state punishment. Students will explore how state punishment is justified philosophically and how its operation is explained sociologically. The module will then explore how the penal these ideas are reflected in both in terms of government policy and in practice through the work of courts, prisons and offender management agencies.

The module will provide an overview of key concepts and definitions as well as sources of the UK immigration and asylum law. By the end of this module, students will be able to outline the main features of immigration law relating to work, dependants, legal status of refugees, penalties and appeals.

In this disruptive era, the question of what in the field of medical practice is ethical and what not so ethical is being severely tested. Can the law ever catch-up with the fast pace of change in this space, to give assurance and certainty to professionals and users of emergent advances in medical therapies? This module examines the issues.

This module provides an in-depth examination of the principles and practices of international human rights law. It examines the UN and regional International Human Rights systems and their potential to deliver on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) promise to guarantee the protection of the inherent dignity of individuals qua human beings everywhere. Students will explore what has worked well, what requires further development, and why. The module aims to develop a critical understanding of the legal frameworks that protect human rights, and the challenges faced in ensuring these rights are upheld globally.

The undergraduate project affords learners the opportunity for sustained and independent study in the final year of their course. It intends to develop knowledge of, and critical insight into, a topic of the student’s choice within the broad area of Criminology. Students are enabled to undertake first-hand enquiry and encouraged to develop an analytical and reflective approach to the subject identified for study. The module aims to encourage the articulation of a critically informed perspective on the subject being studied. It also intends to enable the production of a coherent document or artefact of rigorous academic standards.
Learners will participate in twelve taught sessions across the module which will act as ‘refresher’ sessions on various aspects of project design including: searching for and writing up the literature review; completing the appropriate ethics form; desk based approaches, interviewing and questionnaire approaches: various analytical techniques for analysing data and writing up findings or producing the ‘resource’. Learners will be allocated a supervisor from the Criminology team. Regular use of supervision sessions with the nominated supervisor, will allow for structured guidance about how to approach the final year project and provide opportunity for formative assessment opportunities. The supervisor can advise on the chosen topic area, searching and writing the reviewed literature, approaches for enquiry, ethical approval, structure of the work and the application of relevant theoretical frameworks to the chosen topic. The main bulk of the learning experience will be based around the student undertaking independent study. Formative assessment will take the form of supervision discussions and feedback, in either written or verbal form, on the work being developed, including written drafts and/or an interim report and pilot study (if appropriate). Summative assessment will involve the production of a coherent written literature review, and either a robust set of findings and discussion or a project resource. that meets rigorous academic standards, evidencing all the knowledge and skills acquired in order to do so.

With support from their APT, learners will continue their employability training by searching decoding and responding to a hypothetical job advertisement for a profession in criminology they are particularly interested in pursuing.

This module invites students to critically explore the complex relationship between societal issues and the criminal justice system. By examining themes of equality, diversity, and justice, this module challenges students to reflect on their own perspectives and experiences, while encouraging deeper understanding of the world they study. The module’s participatory and evolving nature provides an engaging learning experience where students are encouraged to remain open-minded and actively engage in discussions throughout. Each week builds on previous concepts, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. By the end of the module, students will have gained valuable insights, ultimately enhancing their abilities as criminology practitioners. The key topics covered include masculinities, the concept of whiteness, intersectionality, women in criminal justice, and the experiences of individuals with disabilities within the system. These subjects provide a comprehensive understanding of the diverse factors influencing criminal justice, enriching students’ perspectives and broadening their analytical skills This module is designed to provoke thoughtful reflection, foster empathy, and challenge existing norms, all while striving to create a more inclusive and equitable approach to criminal justice.

The Rehabilitation and Desistance module explores the various approaches within the criminal justice system aimed at addressing individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses. Focusing on rehabilitation and desistance, the module examines how offenders are managed, either through incarceration or through programs designed to promote reintegration and reduce recidivism.

The module begins with an introduction to the concepts of rehabilitation and desistance, encouraging students to critically reflect on how personal values influence attitudes toward offenders. This foundational understanding will then serve as a springboard for analysing a variety of rehabilitative programs aimed at both adults and young people, including those convicted of violent, terrorist, and sexual offenses.

Through a detailed examination of these programs, students will gain insight into the complexities of rehabilitation practices, the challenges of supporting offenders in desisting from crime, and the broader societal and ethical issues surrounding punitive measures and reintegration strategies. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the knowledge to critically assess and engage with contemporary rehabilitative practices in the criminal justice system.