Criminology BSc (Hons)

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Understand the causes of crime and how society responds to it. Investigate current issues, debates, and trends surrounding crime and the criminal justice system. Gain real-world experience volunteering in roles within the criminal justice system and graduate with a qualification in Criminology.

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Course overview

What makes an act a crime? Who is a criminal? Why do people commit crime? How do they stop offending? What makes someone vulnerable to victimisation?

We recognise criminology is a diverse area of study and so we offer you the opportunity to choose from these four specialist degree routes:

BSc (Hons) Criminology (UCAS code M930):

The generic Criminology route will allow you to explore the key issues and debates around crime and victimisation in society today, covering topical and dynamic content, and reflecting current issues, policy and practice within the criminal justice system. You'll understand the causes and consequences of crime and how we manage and respond to it as a society. We provide extensive opportunities for you to volunteer and gain career-relevant experience to ensure you graduate with the transferable skills, broad knowledge-base, and critical awareness that studying for a Criminology degree provides. You'll take part in continuous training to become a social researcher – which is a valuable extra skill to have for future employment. If you want to work with some of the most vulnerable and dangerous people in society, we'll help to equip you with the skills to do it.

BSc (Hons) Criminology: Criminology and Criminal Justice (UCAS code M931):

The Criminology and Criminal Justice pathway will provide you with a working knowledge of criminological thought and detailed investment in more specific issues, debates, and research regarding the criminal justice system, and processes of justice more generally. You'll develop detailed knowledge and critical awareness of theoretical approaches to and practice-based implementations of criminal justice systems; issues regarding the rights and access/barriers to justice for victims of crime and harm; and processes of offender management, governance, and rehabilitation.

BSc (Hons) Criminology: Vulnerability and Social Care (UCAS code M932):

The Vulnerability and Social Care pathway will provide you with a strong working knowledge of theory and research on vulnerable populations and practice-based approaches to counselling and safeguarding policies. It emphasises the development of critical awareness and practitioner approaches to social policies aimed at addressing social inequalities and social care; vulnerable populations and victimisation processes within public, domestic, and institutional contexts; approaches to safeguarding and accountability; and core counselling skills, practices, and help strategies.

BSc (Hons) Criminology: Inequality and Social Justice (UCAS code M933):

The Inequality and Social Justice pathway specialises in criminological issues which intersect with social inequalities such as gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity. A strong emphasis is placed on social justice, such as persecution, exploitation, and discrimination – issues that, more often than not, escape conventional notions of criminal justice. It emphasises the development of detailed knowledge and critical awareness of theoretical and empirical relationships between power, inequalities, and social change, especially in relation to the impact of globalisation; global and local issues regarding diversity, discrimination, and human rights; and theories and practices of exploitation, hatred, and persecution in relation to issues such as homophobia and sex work.

Why us?

Our Criminology courses are 20th in the UK and 2nd in the North East (Guardian University Guide, 2024)
We offer an applied route which includes visits to the courts, guest talks from current practitioners, and a work-based placement
Our Criminology academic team is responsible for founding and running the Local Appropriate Adult Scheme in collaboration with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Northumbria police, which provides you with a unique opportunity to volunteer as an appropriate adult during your studies, achieving an additional professional qualification

We have strong links with organisations and institutions such as the HM Prison Service, Youth Justice Service, and local police constabularies, enabling you to volunteer or do work placements to gain experience and enhance your employability
Your learning is constantly informed by current work from research-active lecturers who specialise in researching domestic violence and abuse, the risk management of offenders, gender based violence, desistance from crime, the criminalisation of sex work, policing, and disability and vulnerability

Course structure

A typical week studying for the BSc (Hons) Criminology degree will include a range of lectures, seminars, workshops, group work, computer-based learning, and independent study. You'll be assessed by methods such as written coursework, essays, research projects, and presentations.

You'll be given the opportunity to specialise in areas such as Criminal Justice, Vulnerability and Social Care, and Inequality and Social Justice.

Throughout your studies, you'll have a designated personal tutor and one-to-one support from academic staff at the University to help you develop your skills and get the best out of your assignments.

Part-time study

If you choose to study this Criminology course part-time, you'll study the same course as full-time students over a longer period of time. You'll typically complete 40-80 credits a year rather than the 120 credits of full-time students. All our modules are taught during the day and you'll be studying alongside full-time students.

BSc (Hons) Criminology is a flexible degree which gives you the opportunity to specialise in the areas which interest you the most. In addition to a broad range of Criminology modules, you can choose from options in Health and Social Care, which is our sister course.

Course modules

BSc (Hons) Criminology (UCAS code M930)

Year 1 (national level 4)

Core modules:

Criminology: Theories, Trends and Myths (30 credits)

Develop a knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and theories within criminology, which seek to explain crime and deviance. Investigate how myths of crime are constructed and perpetuated in a social and political context as well as by the media. Critically evaluate trends in crime and victimisation and consider whether these trends reflect the ‘true’ picture of crime, or whether they contribute to pervasive myths of crime.

Criminal Justice: Theory and Practice (30 credits)

Gain a solid understanding of the agencies involved in the administration of justice and the rationale behind their practices. Explore the theories that underpin criminal justice and gain an awareness of different models of justice. Analyse case studies and examples of media reports to contribute to debates on current controversies. Think critically about criminal justice processes and develop your understanding of the effects of social inequalities on the way justice can be accessed.

Optional modules (choose 60 credits):

The Youth Paradox: Criminological Perspectives of Young People (30 credits)

Gain critical insight into the extensive public; political and media attention young people face in terms of their behaviour and deviancy. Analyse how young people have come to be constructed as deviants and examine key theories which seek to explain youth criminality and victimisation. Appreciate how these constructions of young people influence perceptions on the prevalence and severity of youth crime and victimisation and criminal justice responses to young people.

Victims/Survivors: Rights and Redress (30 credits)

Explore the development of victimology and the relationship between victims of crime and conceptualisations of justice. Consider the changing position of victims within wider social contexts and the influence of policy, politics and the victims' rights movement on the Criminal Justice System. Develop an understanding of the key theoretical perspectives and gain confidence applying these to case studies. Investigate the role of the media in court outcomes and gain knowledge of victim-focused responses to crime.

Social Inequalities in Society (30 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of theoretical frameworks that will enable you to conduct research into social inequalities. Conduct research into the experiences and impact of inequality upon specific groups/individuals such as, men, women, children and young people, Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and LGBTQ+ groups. Produce a professional portfolio to enhance your core skills in communication, problem solving, critical thinking, analysing information and teamwork.

Social Policy in Action (30 credits)

Develop an understanding of social policy, political responses to social issues and policy making processes. Learn to identify the aims, impact, limitations and challenges of social policy in the UK and develop research skills to evaluate how social policy affects different areas of society. Investigate a social policy that interests you or relates to the career you wish to pursue and develop essential transferable knowledge applicable to this.

Everyone’s Accountable: Safeguarding to Promote, Prevent, Protect (30 credits)

Develop your understanding of the safeguarding duty of all people who work with children and/or vulnerable adults. Expand your understanding of safeguarding law and policy and how they impact on practice and acquire knowledge of how organisations work. Learn essential, transferable skills in critical thinking and analysis in the evaluation of real-life serious case reviews.

Year 2 (national level 5)

Core modules:

Theoretical Perspectives: Crime, Harm and Social Justice (30 credits)

Explore the dominant theoretical perspectives and issues regarding the study of crime, deviance and (in)justice of the 20th century. Interpret and evaluate how criminological approaches to criminality deviance and notions of justice have been contested within the discipline and are debated within socio-political culture more generally.

Offender Rehabilitation and Risk Management (30 credits)

Engage with key philosophies of punishment, such as rehabilitation and alternative discourses like risk management, in order to evaluate criminal justice legislation, and subsequent policies and practices of the probation and prison services in England and Wales. Understand how social and political climates influence. Analyse the implications of rehabilitation and risk management focused policies and practices for offending behaviours and society.

Optional modules (choose 60 credits):

Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice (30 credits)

Engage with concepts and theories of gender and patriarchy to make sense of domestic violence in intimate relationships. Analyse the underpinning model/s of criminal justice to make sense of how this system works in patriarchal society, to understand outcomes for domestic violence offenders and victims. Evaluate contemporary research including key theoretical frameworks to analyse how domestic violence is perpetuated. Analyse and present theoretical and empirical research to construct knowledge during the module.

Policing in Context: Past, Present, Future (30 credits)

Explore the emergence and formulation of the police and policing practices. Learn about the changing nature of policing, gaining insight into the role and function of the police, and how it has transformed historically. Develop a critical understanding of the key concepts and theories surrounding policing styles and practice, as well as the key debates and issues which face contemporary policing, such as accountability, governance, misconduct and corruption, legitimacy, austerity, and privatization.

Researching Society: Private, Public and Third Sector Organisations (30 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of the management, effectiveness and limitations of the private, public and third sectors. Gain essential qualitative and quantitative research skills, utilising data analysis packages, through examining real life case studies of these sectors. Develop your understanding of organisational management theory and issues relating to practice i.e. working collaboratively, inequality, discrimination and managing conflict.

Researching Society with Placement (30 credits)

Gain essential qualitative and quantitative research skills by examining real life case studies and develop your understanding of organisational management theory and issues relating to practice. Obtain transferable skills and knowledge that are necessary for professional practice through engagement in workshop-based learning and a placement.

Social Science Research and Inquiry (30 credits)

Explore the theory and practice of research methodologies and methods in social science. Discover the history of social science research and the philosophical and methodological debates which have underpinned the emergence of contemporary social science. Carry out your own research investigating an aspect of contemporary social life, learning how to think about, organise, manage, and report on social scientific research.

Gender, Diversity and Human Rights: Global Perspectives (30 credits)

Learn about human rights agendas and global policies and practice, focusing on gender as a policy priority for many international organisations and as a theoretical frame for the consideration of human rights. Explore topics such as human trafficking; international reproductive politics; gender based violence; human sexuality; divisions of labour; refugee crises; and health. Study critical and theoretical approaches to sex, intimacy and reproduction, as well as historical and feminist perspectives.

Counselling Skills: Theory into Practice (30 credits)

Explore a range of counselling models which will enable you to develop theoretical, analytical and critical skills necessary to work with clients and develop the interpersonal skills to become a reflective practitioner.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

BSc (Hons) Criminology (UCAS code M930) continued

Year 3 (national level 6)

Core module:

New Horizons in Crime and Justice (30 credits)

Explore new forms of crime and harm in contemporary society and develop a cutting-edge theoretical understanding of how these can be explained. Analyse recent threats, current dangers, present risks, and the role of the state and big corporations in manufacturing these. Locate your knowledge of criminology and penology in a global context and reimagine the futures of crime, harm and crime control.

Optional modules (choose 90 credits):

Doing Desistance: Becoming an Ex-Offender (30 credits)

Develop knowledge and understanding of the diverse and individualised nature of the desistance process. Enhance your critical analysis skills through an investigation of the social, economic and political barriers people may face as they try to move away from crime. Investigate the role of the individual for desisting from crime, as well as the potential impact of external factors and how different methods of support can help people to successfully become an ex-offender.

Selling Sex: Theory, Policy and Practice (30 credits)

Equip yourself with the knowledge to engage in debates around sex work and explore the sex industry from global perspectives. Assess the role of legal frameworks, policy interventions, media representations and social stigma in the vulnerability of workers selling sex. Gain an understanding of the diversity of sex workers and examine why transactional sex continues to be a complex and contentious issue.

Exploring Violence and Social Harm (30 credits)

Critically engage with the concepts and theories that attempt to make sense of violence and abuse. Explore how violence is constructed and explained, and why it occurs. Learn how types of violence such as femicide, sex crimes, homicide, and intimate violence can become constructed, embedded, normalised, and accepted within society. Evaluate how systems work to assess and manage outcomes for both victims and perpetrators. Develop a broad understanding of violence and abuse and gain the knowledge to address such issues in a practice-based setting.

Pathologising Crime: Disability, Confinement and Justice (30 credits)

Apply disability studies to the discipline of Criminology and examine the expansion of medicine as an institution of power, which defines and controls contemporary populations. Critically evaluate the history of medicine with reference to the construction of disability through the notion of 'normality' and 'abnormality.'

Social Science Dissertation (30 credits)

Enhance your critical thinking through investigating a dissertation subject in greater depth and consolidate prior learning. Advance your research skills by conducting an empirical or non-empirical study relating to your degree. Develop specialist knowledge of theoretical perspectives, conducting independent research and project management. Enhance your ability to work independently, communicate complex information, analyse data and learn how to structure, organise and format a dissertation. Align your dissertation topic to the profession you wish to pursue.

Social Science Work-Based Dissertation (60 credits)

Apply the knowledge and theoretical ideas you have developed over the course of your studies into a real-world context. Complete a work-based dissertation from which you can draw inspiration to complete an innovative and creative piece of work aimed at improving the practice environment. Acquire essential transferable skills in project management, research and innovation.

From Witchcraft to Homophobia: The Sociology of Hatred and Persecution (30 credits)

Analyse the origins of the different forms of demonisation of different groups, from witches to immigrants, racial minorities to sexual differences. Evaluate the circumstances and different theoretical explanations for the stereotyping and repression of each group. Explore the cultural, social and political forms of exclusion and persecution. Develop skills and knowledge to understand the integration of historical, political and sociological perspectives, with a view to the construction of the deviant and the different in terms of the criminal and civil laws as well as in popular and official beliefs.

'Race’ and Racialisation in Society (30 credits)

Gain valuable insights into issues relating to ‘race’ and interrelated concepts that examine the ways in which ‘race’ is socially constructed within society, through ‘whiteness’ and critical race theory. Develop your understanding of the historical nature of ‘race’ and learn how to identify causal factors that lead to racism in society. Discover how experiences of discrimination, prejudice and inequality often result in disproportionate outcomes for specific Black, Asian, Minority Ethic (BAME) communities. Learn to identify the ways that racisms and racialisation operates through politics, policy and practice through conducting research.

BSc (Hons) Criminology: Criminology and Criminal Justice (UCAS code M931)

Year 1 (national level 4)

Core modules:

Criminology: Theories, Trends and Myths (30 credits)

Develop a knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and theories within criminology, which seek to explain crime and deviance. Investigate how myths of crime are constructed and perpetuated in a social and political context as well as by the media. Critically evaluate trends in crime and victimisation and consider whether these trends reflect the ‘true’ picture of crime, or whether they contribute to pervasive myths of crime.

Criminal Justice: Theory and Practice (30 credits)

Gain a solid understanding of the agencies involved in the administration of justice and the rationale behind their practices. Explore the theories that underpin criminal justice and gain an awareness of different models of justice. Analyse case studies and examples of media reports to contribute to debates on current controversies. Think critically about criminal justice processes and develop your understanding of the effects of social inequalities on the way justice can be accessed.

Victims/Survivors: Rights and Redress (30 credits)

Explore the development of victimology and the relationship between victims of crime and conceptualisations of justice. Consider the changing position of victims within wider social contexts and the influence of policy, politics and the victims' rights movement on the Criminal Justice System. Develop an understanding of the key theoretical perspectives and gain confidence applying these to case studies. Investigate the role of the media in court outcomes and gain knowledge of victim-focused responses to crime.

Optional modules (choose 60 credits):

Social Inequalities in Society (30 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of theoretical frameworks that will enable you to conduct research into social inequalities. Conduct research into the experiences and impact of inequality upon specific groups/individuals such as, men, women, children and young people, Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and LGBTQ+ groups. Produce a professional portfolio to enhance your core skills in communication, problem solving, critical thinking, analysing information and teamwork.

Social Policy in Action (30 credits)

Develop an understanding of social policy, political responses to social issues and policy making processes. Learn to identify the aims, impact, limitations and challenges of social policy in the UK and develop research skills to evaluate how social policy affects different areas of society. Investigate a social policy that interests you or relates to the career you wish to pursue and develop essential transferable knowledge applicable to this.

Year 2 (national level 5)

Core modules:

Theoretical Perspectives: Crime, Harm and Social Justice (30 credits)

Explore the dominant theoretical perspectives and issues regarding the study of crime, deviance and (in)justice of the 20th century. Interpret and evaluate how criminological approaches to criminality deviance and notions of justice have been contested within the discipline and are debated within socio-political culture more generally.

Offender Rehabilitation and Risk Management (30 credits)

Engage with key philosophies of punishment, such as rehabilitation and alternative discourses like risk management, in order to evaluate criminal justice legislation, and subsequent policies and practices of the probation and prison services in England and Wales. Understand how social and political climates influence. Analyse the implications of rehabilitation and risk management focused policies and practices for offending behaviours and society.

Optional modules (choose 60 credits):

Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice (30 credits)

Engage with concepts and theories of gender and patriarchy to make sense of domestic violence in intimate relationships. Analyse the underpinning model/s of criminal justice to make sense of how this system works in patriarchal society, to understand outcomes for domestic violence offenders and victims. Evaluate contemporary research including key theoretical frameworks to analyse how domestic violence is perpetuated. Analyse and present theoretical and empirical research to construct knowledge during the module.

Policing in Context: Past, Present, Future (30 credits)

Explore the emergence and formulation of the police and policing practices. Learn about the changing nature of policing, gaining insight into the role and function of the police, and how it has transformed historically. Develop a critical understanding of the key concepts and theories surrounding policing styles and practice, as well as the key debates and issues which face contemporary policing, such as accountability, governance, misconduct and corruption, legitimacy, austerity, and privatization.

Researching Society: Private, Public and Third Sector Organisations (30 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of the management, effectiveness and limitations of the private, public and third sectors. Gain essential qualitative and quantitative research skills, utilising data analysis packages, through examining real life case studies of these sectors. Develop your understanding of organisational management theory and issues relating to practice i.e. working collaboratively, inequality, discrimination and managing conflict.

Researching Society with Placement (30 credits)

Gain essential qualitative and quantitative research skills by examining real life case studies and develop your understanding of organisational management theory and issues relating to practice. Obtain transferable skills and knowledge that are necessary for professional practice through engagement in workshop-based learning and a placement.

Social Science Research and Inquiry (30 credits)

Explore the theory and practice of research methodologies and methods in social science. Discover the history of social science research and the philosophical and methodological debates which have underpinned the emergence of contemporary social science. Carry out your own research investigating an aspect of contemporary social life, learning how to think about, organise, manage, and report on social scientific research.

BSc (Hons) Criminology: Criminology and Criminal Justice (UCAS code M931) continued

Year 3 (national level 6)

Core modules:

New Horizons in Crime and Justice (30 credits)

Explore new forms of crime and harm in contemporary society and develop a cutting-edge theoretical understanding of how these can be explained. Analyse recent threats, current dangers, present risks, and the role of the state and big corporations in manufacturing these. Locate your knowledge of criminology and penology in a global context and reimagine the futures of crime, harm and crime control.

Doing Desistance: Becoming an Ex-Offender (30 credits)

Develop knowledge and understanding of the diverse and individualised nature of the desistance process. Enhance your critical analysis skills through an investigation of the social, economic and political barriers people may face as they try to move away from crime. Investigate the role of the individual for desisting from crime, as well as the potential impact of external factors and how different methods of support can help people to successfully become an ex-offender.

Optional modules (choose 90 credits):

Selling Sex: Theory, Policy and Practice (30 credits)

Equip yourself with the knowledge to engage in debates around sex work and explore the sex industry from global perspectives. Assess the role of legal frameworks, policy interventions, media representations and social stigma in the vulnerability of workers selling sex. Gain an understanding of the diversity of sex workers and examine why transactional sex continues to be a complex and contentious issue.

Pathologising Crime: Disability, Confinement and Justice (30 credits)

Apply disability studies to the discipline of Criminology and examine the expansion of medicine as an institution of power, which defines and controls contemporary populations. Critically evaluate the history of medicine with reference to the construction of disability through the notion of 'normality' and 'abnormality.'

Exploring Violence and Social Harm (30 credits)

Critically engage with the concepts and theories that attempt to make sense of violence and abuse. Explore how violence is constructed and explained, and why it occurs. Learn how types of violence such as femicide, sex crimes, homicide, and intimate violence can become constructed, embedded, normalised, and accepted within society. Evaluate how systems work to assess and manage outcomes for both victims and perpetrators. Develop a broad understanding of violence and abuse and gain the knowledge to address such issues in a practice-based setting.

Social Science Dissertation (30 credits)

Enhance your critical thinking through investigating a dissertation subject in greater depth and consolidate prior learning. Advance your research skills by conducting an empirical or non-empirical study relating to your degree. Develop specialist knowledge of theoretical perspectives, conducting independent research and project management. Enhance your ability to work independently, communicate complex information, analyse data and learn how to structure, organise and format a dissertation. Align your dissertation topic to the profession you wish to pursue.

Social Science Work-Based Dissertation (60 credits)

Apply the knowledge and theoretical ideas you have developed over the course of your studies into a real-world context. Complete a work-based dissertation from which you can draw inspiration to complete an innovative and creative piece of work aimed at improving the practice environment. Acquire essential transferable skills in project management, research and innovation.

From Witchcraft to Homophobia: The Sociology of Hatred and Persecution (30 credits)

Analyse the origins of the different forms of demonisation of different groups, from witches to immigrants, racial minorities to sexual differences. Evaluate the circumstances and different theoretical explanations for the stereotyping and repression of each group. Explore the cultural, social and political forms of exclusion and persecution. Develop skills and knowledge to understand the integration of historical, political and sociological perspectives, with a view to the construction of the deviant and the different in terms of the criminal and civil laws as well as in popular and official beliefs.

BSc (Hons) Criminology: Vulnerability and Social Care (UCAS code M932)

Year 1 (national level 4)

Core modules:

Criminology: Theories, Trends and Myths (30 credits)

Develop a knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and theories within criminology, which seek to explain crime and deviance. Investigate how myths of crime are constructed and perpetuated in a social and political context as well as by the media. Critically evaluate trends in crime and victimisation and consider whether these trends reflect the ‘true’ picture of crime, or whether they contribute to pervasive myths of crime.

Criminal Justice: Theory and Practice (30 credits)

Gain a solid understanding of the agencies involved in the administration of justice and the rationale behind their practices. Explore the theories that underpin criminal justice and gain an awareness of different models of justice. Analyse case studies and examples of media reports to contribute to debates on current controversies. Think critically about criminal justice processes and develop your understanding of the effects of social inequalities on the way justice can be accessed.

Optional modules (choose 60 credits):

Victims/Survivors: Rights and Redress (30 credits)

Explore the development of victimology and the relationship between victims of crime and conceptualisations of justice. Consider the changing position of victims within wider social contexts and the influence of policy, politics and the victims' rights movement on the Criminal Justice System. Develop an understanding of the key theoretical perspectives and gain confidence applying these to case studies. Investigate the role of the media in court outcomes and gain knowledge of victim-focused responses to crime.

Social Inequalities in Society (30 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of theoretical frameworks that will enable you to conduct research into social inequalities. Conduct research into the experiences and impact of inequality upon specific groups/individuals such as, men, women, children and young people, Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and LGBTQ+ groups. Produce a professional portfolio to enhance your core skills in communication, problem solving, critical thinking, analysing information and teamwork.

Social Policy in Action (30 credits)

Develop an understanding of social policy, political responses to social issues and policy making processes. Learn to identify the aims, impact, limitations and challenges of social policy in the UK and develop research skills to evaluate how social policy affects different areas of society. Investigate a social policy that interests you or relates to the career you wish to pursue and develop essential transferable knowledge applicable to this.

Everyone’s Accountable: Safeguarding to Promote, Prevent, Protect (30 credits)

Develop your understanding of the safeguarding duty of all people who work with children and/or vulnerable adults. Expand your understanding of safeguarding law and policy and how they impact on practice and acquire knowledge of how organisations work. Learn essential, transferable skills in critical thinking and analysis in the evaluation of real-life serious case reviews.

Year 2 (national level 5)

Core modules:

Theoretical Perspectives: Crime, Harm and Social Justice (30 credits)

Explore the dominant theoretical perspectives and issues regarding the study of crime, deviance and (in)justice of the 20th century. Interpret and evaluate how criminological approaches to criminality deviance and notions of justice have been contested within the discipline and are debated within socio-political culture more generally.

Offender Rehabilitation and Risk Management (30 credits)

Engage with key philosophies of punishment, such as rehabilitation and alternative discourses like risk management, in order to evaluate criminal justice legislation, and subsequent policies and practices of the probation and prison services in England and Wales. Understand how social and political climates influence. Analyse the implications of rehabilitation and risk management focused policies and practices for offending behaviours and society.

Optional modules (choose 60 credits):

Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice (30 credits)

Engage with concepts and theories of gender and patriarchy to make sense of domestic violence in intimate relationships. Analyse the underpinning model/s of criminal justice to make sense of how this system works in patriarchal society, to understand outcomes for domestic violence offenders and victims. Evaluate contemporary research including key theoretical frameworks to analyse how domestic violence is perpetuated. Analyse and present theoretical and empirical research to construct knowledge during the module.

Researching Society: Private, Public and Third Sector Organisations (30 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of the management, effectiveness and limitations of the private, public and third sectors. Gain essential qualitative and quantitative research skills, utilising data analysis packages, through examining real life case studies of these sectors. Develop your understanding of organisational management theory and issues relating to practice i.e. working collaboratively, inequality, discrimination and managing conflict.

Researching Society with Placement (30 credits)

Gain essential qualitative and quantitative research skills by examining real life case studies and develop your understanding of organisational management theory and issues relating to practice. Obtain transferable skills and knowledge that are necessary for professional practice through engagement in workshop-based learning and a placement.

Social Science Research and Inquiry (30 credits)

Explore the theory and practice of research methodologies and methods in social science. Discover the history of social science research and the philosophical and methodological debates which have underpinned the emergence of contemporary social science. Carry out your own research investigating an aspect of contemporary social life, learning how to think about, organise, manage, and report on social scientific research.

Counselling Skills: Theory into Practice (30 credits)

Explore a range of counselling models which will enable you to develop theoretical, analytical and critical skills necessary to work with clients and develop the interpersonal skills to become a reflective practitioner.

BSc (Hons) Criminology: Vulnerability and Social Care (UCAS code M932) continued

Year 3 (national level 6)

Core module:

New Horizons in Crime and Justice (30 credits)

Explore new forms of crime and harm in contemporary society and develop a cutting-edge theoretical understanding of how these can be explained. Analyse recent threats, current dangers, present risks, and the role of the state and big corporations in manufacturing these. Locate your knowledge of criminology and penology in a global context and reimagine the futures of crime, harm and crime control.

Optional modules (choose 90 credits):

Pathologising Crime: Disability, Confinement and Justice (30 credits)

Apply disability studies to the discipline of Criminology and examine the expansion of medicine as an institution of power, which defines and controls contemporary populations. Critically evaluate the history of medicine with reference to the construction of disability through the notion of 'normality' and 'abnormality.'

Exploring Violence and Social Harm (30 credits)

Critically engage with the concepts and theories that attempt to make sense of violence and abuse. Explore how violence is constructed and explained, and why it occurs. Learn how types of violence such as femicide, sex crimes, homicide, and intimate violence can become constructed, embedded, normalised, and accepted within society. Evaluate how systems work to assess and manage outcomes for both victims and perpetrators. Develop a broad understanding of violence and abuse and gain the knowledge to address such issues in a practice-based setting.

Social Science Dissertation (30 credits)

Enhance your critical thinking through investigating a dissertation subject in greater depth and consolidate prior learning. Advance your research skills by conducting an empirical or non-empirical study relating to your degree. Develop specialist knowledge of theoretical perspectives, conducting independent research and project management. Enhance your ability to work independently, communicate complex information, analyse data and learn how to structure, organise and format a dissertation. Align your dissertation topic to the profession you wish to pursue.

Social Science Work Based Dissertation (60 credits)

Apply the knowledge and theoretical ideas you have developed over the course of your studies into a real-world context. Complete a work-based dissertation from which you can draw inspiration to complete an innovative and creative piece of work aimed at improving the practice environment. Acquire essential transferable skills in project management, research and innovation.

BSc (Hons) Criminology: Inequality and Social Justice (UCAS code M933)

Year 1 (national level 4):

Core modules:

Criminology: Theories, Trends and Myths (30 credits)

Develop a knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and theories within criminology, which seek to explain crime and deviance. Investigate how myths of crime are constructed and perpetuated in a social and political context as well as by the media. Critically evaluate trends in crime and victimisation and consider whether these trends reflect the ‘true’ picture of crime, or whether they contribute to pervasive myths of crime.

Criminal Justice: Theory and Practice (30 credits)

Gain a solid understanding of the agencies involved in the administration of justice and the rationale behind their practices. Explore the theories that underpin criminal justice and gain an awareness of different models of justice. Analyse case studies and examples of media reports to contribute to debates on current controversies. Think critically about criminal justice processes and develop your understanding of the effects of social inequalities on the way justice can be accessed.

Optional modules (choose 60 credits):

The Youth Paradox: Criminological Perspectives of Young People (30 credits)

Gain critical insight into the extensive public; political and media attention young people face in terms of their behaviour and deviancy. Analyse how young people have come to be constructed as deviants and examine key theories which seek to explain youth criminality and victimisation. Appreciate how these constructions of young people influence perceptions on the prevalence and severity of youth crime and victimisation and criminal justice responses to young people.

Victims/Survivors: Rights and Redress (30 credits)

Explore the development of victimology and the relationship between victims of crime and conceptualisations of justice. Consider the changing position of victims within wider social contexts and the influence of policy, politics and the victims' rights movement on the Criminal Justice System. Develop an understanding of the key theoretical perspectives and gain confidence applying these to case studies. Investigate the role of the media in court outcomes and gain knowledge of victim-focused responses to crime.

Social Inequalities in Society (30 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of theoretical frameworks that will enable you to conduct research into social inequalities. Conduct research into the experiences and impact of inequality upon specific groups/individuals such as, men, women, children and young people, Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) and LGBTQ+ groups. Produce a professional portfolio to enhance your core skills in communication, problem solving, critical thinking, analysing information and teamwork.

Social Policy in Action (30 credits)

Develop an understanding of social policy, political responses to social issues and policy making processes. Learn to identify the aims, impact, limitations and challenges of social policy in the UK and develop research skills to evaluate how social policy affects different areas of society. Investigate a social policy that interests you or relates to the career you wish to pursue and develop essential transferable knowledge applicable to this.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Core modules:

Theoretical Perspectives: Crime, Harm and Social Justice (30 credits)

Explore the dominant theoretical perspectives and issues regarding the study of crime, deviance and (in)justice of the 20th century. Interpret and evaluate how criminological approaches to criminality deviance and notions of justice have been contested within the discipline and are debated within socio-political culture more generally.

Offender Rehabilitation and Risk Management (30 credits)

Engage with key philosophies of punishment, such as rehabilitation and alternative discourses like risk management, in order to evaluate criminal justice legislation, and subsequent policies and practices of the probation and prison services in England and Wales. Understand how social and political climates influence. Analyse the implications of rehabilitation and risk management focused policies and practices for offending behaviours and society.

Optional modules (choose 60 credits):

Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice (30 credits)

Engage with concepts and theories of gender and patriarchy to make sense of domestic violence in intimate relationships. Analyse the underpinning model/s of criminal justice to make sense of how this system works in patriarchal society, to understand outcomes for domestic violence offenders and victims. Evaluate contemporary research including key theoretical frameworks to analyse how domestic violence is perpetuated. Analyse and present theoretical and empirical research to construct knowledge during the module.

Researching Society: Private, Public and Third Sector Organisations (30 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of the management, effectiveness and limitations of the private, public and third sectors. Gain essential qualitative and quantitative research skills, utilising data analysis packages, through examining real life case studies of these sectors. Develop your understanding of organisational management theory and issues relating to practice i.e. working collaboratively, inequality, discrimination and managing conflict.

Researching Society with Placement (30 credits)

Gain essential qualitative and quantitative research skills by examining real life case studies and develop your understanding of organisational management theory and issues relating to practice. Obtain transferable skills and knowledge that are necessary for professional practice through engagement in workshop-based learning and a placement.

Social Science Research and Inquiry (30 credits)

Explore the theory and practice of research methodologies and methods in social science. Discover the history of social science research and the philosophical and methodological debates which have underpinned the emergence of contemporary social science. Carry out your own research investigating an aspect of contemporary social life, learning how to think about, organise, manage, and report on social scientific research.

Gender, Diversity and Human Rights: Global Perspectives (30 credits)

Learn about human rights agendas and global policies and practice, focusing on gender as a policy priority for many international organisations and as a theoretical frame for the consideration of human rights. Explore topics such as human trafficking; international reproductive politics; gender based violence; human sexuality; divisions of labour; refugee crises; and health. Study critical and theoretical approaches to sex, intimacy and reproduction, as well as historical and feminist perspectives.

BSc (Hons) Criminology: Inequality and Social Justice (UCAS code M933) continued

Year 3 (national level 6):

Core module:

New Horizons in Crime and Justice (30 credits)

Explore new forms of crime and harm in contemporary society and develop a cutting-edge theoretical understanding of how these can be explained. Analyse recent threats, current dangers, present risks, and the role of the state and big corporations in manufacturing these. Locate your knowledge of criminology and penology in a global context and reimagine the futures of crime, harm and crime control.

Optional modules (choose 90 credits):

Selling Sex: Theory, Policy and Practice (30 credits)

Equip yourself with the knowledge to engage in debates around sex work and explore the sex industry from global perspectives. Assess the role of legal frameworks, policy interventions, media representations and social stigma in the vulnerability of workers selling sex. Gain an understanding of the diversity of sex workers and examine why transactional sex continues to be a complex and contentious issue.

Pathologising Crime: Disability, Confinement and Justice (30 credits)

Apply disability studies to the discipline of Criminology and examine the expansion of medicine as an institution of power, which defines and controls contemporary populations. Critically evaluate the history of medicine with reference to the construction of disability through the notion of 'normality' and 'abnormality.'

Exploring Violence and Social Harm (30 credits)

Critically engage with the concepts and theories that attempt to make sense of violence and abuse. Explore how violence is constructed and explained, and why it occurs. Learn how types of violence such as femicide, sex crimes, homicide, and intimate violence can become constructed, embedded, normalised, and accepted within society. Evaluate how systems work to assess and manage outcomes for both victims and perpetrators. Develop a broad understanding of violence and abuse and gain the knowledge to address such issues in a practice-based setting.

Social Science Dissertation (30 credits)

Enhance your critical thinking through investigating a dissertation subject in greater depth and consolidate prior learning. Advance your research skills by conducting an empirical or non-empirical study relating to your degree. Develop specialist knowledge of theoretical perspectives, conducting independent research and project management. Enhance your ability to work independently, communicate complex information, analyse data and learn how to structure, organise and format a dissertation. Align your dissertation topic to the profession you wish to pursue.

Social Science Work Based Dissertation (60 credits)

Apply the knowledge and theoretical ideas you have developed over the course of your studies into a real-world context. Complete a work-based dissertation from which you can draw inspiration to complete an innovative and creative piece of work aimed at improving the practice environment. Acquire essential transferable skills in project management, research and innovation.

From Witchcraft to Homophobia: The Sociology of Hatred and Persecution (30 credits)

Analyse the origins of the different forms of demonisation of different groups, from witches to immigrants, racial minorities to sexual differences. Evaluate the circumstances and different theoretical explanations for the stereotyping and repression of each group. Explore the cultural, social and political forms of exclusion and persecution. Develop skills and knowledge to understand the integration of historical, political and sociological perspectives, with a view to the construction of the deviant and the different in terms of the criminal and civil laws as well as in popular and official beliefs.

‘Race’ and Racialisation in Society (30 credits)

Gain valuable insights into issues relating to ‘race’ and interrelated concepts that examine the ways in which ‘race’ is socially constructed within society, through ‘whiteness’ and critical race theory. Develop your understanding of the historical nature of ‘race’ and learn how to identify causal factors that lead to racism in society. Discover how experiences of discrimination, prejudice and inequality often result in disproportionate outcomes for specific Black, Asian, Minority Ethic (BAME) communities. Learn to identify the ways that racisms and racialisation operates through politics, policy and practice through conducting research.

More about BSc (Hons) Criminology at Sunderland

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You can access free Wi-Fi throughout the University campus, so you can work from anywhere. If you don't want to carry a laptop around, just use one of the University’s PCs or Macs. We have hundreds of computers for you to use in the Murray Library, St Peter's Library, and the David Goldman Informatics Centre. If you ever have any technical problems, just ask the friendly helpdesk team.
IT provision
University library services will be central to your study experience and are delivered at our two libraries on campus, as well as online. Our libraries offer a variety of study environments to meet your needs, including areas for groupwork, individual and silent study. You’ll also have access to desktop PCs, space to use your own mobile technology and printing facilities.

The library works closely with academic staff within each faculty to offer specialist, industry standard resources in your subject discipline. The Faculty of Social Sciences provides thousands of relevant books and e-books, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. You’ll also have access to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals which are always kept up to date, including Project Muse, Lexis, JSTOR and many more.

To find out more information, visit our University Library website.
Library Services - social sciences
Map and directions

Facilities

You'll be based at Wearside View, situated on the award-winning St Peter's riverside campus. The location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade: SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement	GPA 3.0 or above and: Sat score of 1100/1600 from SATs AP (Grades 3+ in at least 2 subjects) ACT (score of 26+)

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Please ensure you use the correct UCAS code for the course you're applying for:

BSc (Hons) Criminology: M930
BSc (Hons) Criminology: Criminology and Criminal Justice: M931
BSc (Hons) Criminology: Vulnerability and Social Care: M932
BSc (Hons) Criminology: Inequality and Social Justice: M933

Please note, this course is subject to revalidation for 2024.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The annual, full-time fee for this course is:

£9,250 if you're from the UK/Europe*
£16,000 if you're an international student (EU nationals will receive a £5,750 scholarship to reduce their fee to £10,250)

Part-time fees are £6,935 per 120 credits. Part-time study is unavailable to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

*The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

A degree in Criminology creates a number of career options and you'll graduate ready to work in a range of employment settings due to the transferable skills and critical awareness studying Criminology provides. Your skills in analysing data, undertaking research, and developing strong arguments will be highly valued by many employers.

Previous graduates now work in various roles within and beyond the criminal justice sector, such as policing, probation, youth justice, fields of education, working with vulnerable adults, victim support, and roles within the government. Explore more career options with one of our Crime, Policing, and Investigation degrees.

Many of our graduates also choose to continue their studies at master's and PhD level.

Voluntary work and opportunities

We have strong links with a number of organisations which offer placements and voluntary work opportunities during the Criminology course, including Northumbria Police, the probation service, HM Prison Service, youth offender teams, community rehabilitation companies, criminal court, and victim support agencies. This gives you the opportunity to gain valuable experience in an area you're interested in which will help you in your career once you graduate.

Work-based placements

You can also choose to incorporate an 84-hour work placement into your Criminology degree. You'll have the opportunity to work with criminal justice agencies or an organisation which supports people who are at risk of offending or who have been in contact with a criminal justice agency. Examples include Shelter, Campus Police, Changing Lives, NEPACS, NERAF and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue, and the Prince's Trust programme.

Many of our students remain with their organisation to continue their volunteer work, or in some cases, move into paid roles once their placements finish. Placements are an excellent way to gain real-world experience which can help you decide which career path to take and whether a particular job role is for you.

The Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult scheme

We're incredibly proud to have founded the Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme (NLAAS) in a unique partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Northumbria Police. The scheme is the first of its kind in the country and moves to address a serious shortage of appropriate adults in the region. You'll be trained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 to provide a 24-hour volunteer service across the Northumbria Police force area.

As a volunteer, you'll offer assistance, advice, and emotional support throughout a person's time in police custody. Taking part in the scheme not only gives you the opportunity to gain real-world experience, but also enables you to undertake a professional Level 2 accreditation in working as an appropriate adult with vulnerable adults and juveniles.

Centre for Applied Social Sciences

The University of Sunderland’s Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS) combines original academic research with practice-based collaborations and outreach activities, often working directly with practitioners, policymakers, and front-line delivery staff regionally, nationally, and internationally.

The mission of CASS reflects that of the University's aim as a civic university: to take an active interest in the social issues that affect the region and beyond by engaging in research and practice-based collaborations that aim to improve living conditions, address inequalities and social exclusion, and promote social justice.

Currently our research focuses around three strands: children, young people and families; communities, health and social exclusion; and crime, victims and social justice. CASS regularly hosts visiting speakers and holds events that you will be invited to. This can be an excellent way to learn from the real-life experience of experts in the field who already have a strong track record in sociological and social policy-related social research.

View our upcoming CASS lectures here.

Meet the students

I now work for Cambridgeshire Constabulary as a Police Officer, which is a dream come true.

Alastair Scott
I would recommend Sunderland to others as it is the reason I have begun a career in the police.

Bethany Martin
The course offers a wide range of opportunities to help you gain skills and experience.

Christine Mordue
Since completing NLAAS, I've continued to volunteer because I find the scheme is so fulfilling.

Joshua England
My lecturers had so much knowledge and were passionate about teaching their own subject.

Kirsten McGillivray
The academic staff are passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects and this really shows.

Mandi Purvis
The course has changed my way of thinking, opening up my perspective of society as a whole.

Olivia Preece
I've enjoyed everything about volunteering as I've learnt a lot from the officers I worked with.

Rosealina Leung
The University has made me see that I am capable of much more than I give myself credit for.

Stephanie Palmer
My degree has been hard work but very much worth it. My eyes have been opened to the world.

Vivienne Harding

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Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland.

Telephone: 0191 515 3000

Email: student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Education and Society.

Page last updated: 13 March 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.