Welcome to Criminology at Birmingham Newman University!
Are you fascinated by the mysteries of human behaviour, the workings of justice, and the forces that shape our society? Then you’re in the right place!
At Birmingham Newman, our Criminology programme is more than just lectures and textbooks — it’s a dynamic, real-world journey into the heart of crime and justice. You’ll explore everything from cybercrime and youth offending to criminal psychology and justice reform, all while developing the critical thinking and analytical skills that employers value.
What makes us different?
A timetable designed to give you three focused days on campus, leaving time for independent study and reflection.
Passionate lecturers who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
A supportive, close-knit community where you’re known by name.
Hands-on learning through guest speakers, court visits, and networking events.
Timetable
Semester 1 Week beginning 22 September 2025
Monday: 3pm to 6pm Thursday: 11am to 2pm Friday: 11am to 2pm Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.
Pre-induction activities
HeadStart for Criminology
Thursday 4 September
Room: HI103
Introduction to the Criminology team (15 minutes) – 10am to 10:15am
Why Criminology (activity) (30 minutes) – 10:15am to 10:45am
Crime through the ages: time-line puzzle (30 minutes) – 10:45am to 11:15am
Fake News (20 minutes) – 11:15am to 11:35am
Criminal Sketch Artist (25 minutes) – 11:35am to close (time permitting)
Lunch – 12pm to 1pm
Coaching and Personal Development session (Careers) – 1pm to 3pm
Further information
Somebody will be at reception in the morning to greet student, and take them to their session
Refreshments will be available in the room throughout the day
Lunch will be provided
Pre-arrival activities
Get a head start before you arrive:
Engage critically with the news — notice how stories are told, what’s emphasised, and what’s left out.
Watch and listen to programmes like Newsnight, Channel 4 News, and BBC Radio 4 Today.
Explore your interests through podcasts, documentaries, and docu-dramas.
Reflect on what drew you to Criminology — what issues matter to you? Start reading around them now to prepare for your research journey.
Optional Pre-Arrival Task:
Watch episode 1 of The Gold series 1(BBC iPlayer) — a gripping drama based on the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery.
Make notes on the following:
The main characters involved in the robbery.
The planning and execution of the crime.
Any other criminal activities that emerge (e.g., money laundering, corruption, violence).
Thinking time:
What types of crimes are shown in the episode? (e.g., armed robbery, conspiracy, handling stolen goods)
What motivates the characters to commit these crimes?
How do the crimes affect others (victims, families, society)?
Now complete the table:
Type of Crime
Character(s) Involved
Motivation
Consequences
Armed Robbery
Money Laundering
Corruption
Conspiracy to Commit Crime
Recommended Reading:
The Devil You Know – G. Adshead & E. Horne (2021)
In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder – J. Monckton Smith (2021)
These texts explore the psychology behind extreme criminal behaviour — and challenge us to think deeply about how society responds to it.
Induction day
Monday 15 September 2025
2pm to 5:30pm
Room DA118
IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.
2pm to 3pm – Room DA118
Thursday 18 September 2025
11am to 1pm – Room DA118
IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.
Your teaching team
Team Overview: Criminology
A dynamic and interdisciplinary team of educators, researchers, and practitioners shaping the future of criminology across Higher Education, public engagement, and community-led change.
Dr. Em Temple-Malt – Programme Lead, Criminology
Leads both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Criminology programmes
Core research focus: life course theory and relationships between self and society
Explores LGBTQ+ histories and the impact of societal attitudes on identity
Advocates for mental health through equine therapy; passionate about horse-human relationships
Co-Director of the SU-VAWG Hub, fostering cross-sector collaboration to address violence against women and girls
Experienced PhD supervisor with specialisms in gender, social harm, and crimes of the powerful
Dr. Tammia O’Callaghan – Prison Education & Restorative Justice Expert
Over a decade of teaching experience in prison education including HMP Birmingham & HMP Oakwood
Specialist in penology, restorative justice, crime and media, and punishment strategies
Well-connected across prisons, probation services, and charities supporting reintegration and rehabilitation
Offers insights into alternative approaches to incarceration and systemic change within the criminal justice system
Nature enthusiast and dedicated mother; brings deep empathy and grounded perspective to her teaching
Dr. Tiffany Cater – Victimology & Gender-Based Violence Researcher
Expert in stalking, coercive control, domestic abuse, and sexual violence
Trustee for the Alice Ruggles Trust—advancing national awareness around stalking and victim support
Researching the legacy of Covid-19 in the education sector and its impact on vulnerable communities
Assisted policing research on roads victimology and community behaviour interventions
Champions creative research methodologies and ethical dissemination practices
Dr. Jack Whalley – Criminology & Forensic Psychology Lecturer
Specialises in teaching across criminology and forensic psychology in FE and HE contexts
Holds advanced qualifications in Criminology and Research Practice, with a completed doctoral thesis in the field
Research supervision spans green criminology, terrorism, VAWG, and racism in community support
Collaborator on police research around victimology, community policing, and road safety
Advocates for inclusive education, social justice, and ethically driven criminological inquiry
Module delivery
Your Year 1 Modules at a Glance
Semester 1
CRU420 Media and Crime
Explore how crime and justice are portrayed across media platforms — from news to Netflix. Learn how media shapes public perceptions and policy.
Assessment: Blog post
Thursdays: 11am to 2pm
CRU421 Understanding the Criminal Justice System
Get to grips with how the UK justice system works — from policing to the courtroom. Includes real-world observation and guest speakers.
Assessment: 15-minute presentation
Fridays: 11am to 2pm
CRU407 Sociology of Crime
Dive into sociological theories of crime and deviance — from Marxism to labelling theory — and apply them to real-world case studies.
Assessment: Essay
Mondays: 3pm to 6pm
Semester 2
CRU422 Youth Offending and Justice
Examine why young people offend, how the youth justice system responds, and what works in helping them turn their lives around.
Assessment: Youth justice panel intervention
Wednesdays: 9am to 12pm
CRU423 Criminal Minds
Unpack the psychology behind criminal behaviour — from developmental influences to forensic mental health.
Assessment: Essay
Thursdays: 12pm to 3pm
CRU424 Criminological Research Methods
Learn how criminologists investigate the world — from interviews to digital methods — and explore careers in the field.
Welcome Week Services Fair – Your Chance to Meet the Teams
As part of your induction to Birmingham Newman University, our Services Fair is your opportunity to meet the teams who will support you throughout your studies and explore the services available to help you succeed.
You’re welcome to drop in and take part on any of the fair dates — it doesn’t have to be the day of your induction.
Chat with Careers about your future plans, grab some sweets and an employability bag, and register on My Career for a chance to win a £25 Amazon voucher.
Make a badge with our Environmental Officer, download the OurNewman app to spin the wheel and win a prize, and join the Library for Q&A activities and their Prize Every Time Lucky Dip.
Advice & Wellbeing will be offering stress tests, sound therapy, and an Affirmation Station, while E-Learning invites you to take their “Who You Gonna Call?” quiz for a prize draw entry.
Try the Sport team’s exercise bike challenge and visit the Chaplaincy to choose the “word of the day” and share some positivity.
And that’s just the start — there’ll be many more services, activities, and opportunities to explore each day of the fair. Come along, get involved, and make the most of what’s on offer!
The Disability & Inclusion team and the Advice & Wellbeing team will be holding drop-in sessions on campus from 15–19 September.
Drop-in sessions: Dates & Times
15 September – 11am to 2pm: DW102 (Dimple – Disability & Inclusion)
16 September – 11am to 2pm: DW101 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
17 September – 11am to 2pm: DW102 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
18 September – 11am to 2pm: CH116 (Jas – Advice & Wellbeing)
19 September – 11am to 2pm: CH004 (Dimple – Disability & Inclusion)
No appointment needed – just drop in for advice, support, and guidance
Student Services and Support
Key information
Induction
Monday 15 September 2025
Thursday 18 September 2025
Teaching starts
Week beginning: 22 September 2025
Subject Leader
Em Temple-Malt
E.Temple-Malt@staff.newman.ac.uk
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