Criminology and Law with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

Bucks New University

This module introduces you to the core concepts of ‘crime’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’, and debates around these that form the foundation of understanding in criminology. You’ll explore key criminological approaches/theories to understanding ‘crime’, ‘harm’ and ‘justice’ and the impact of the historical and social contexts within which they have emerged.

This module has two strands, the first introduces you to issues in contemporary British (and other) societies. You’ll explore debates relating to society, identity and diverse social groups. The second strand is the ‘Academic Skills’ programme which introduces you to the use of academic evidence and integrity as well as other key academic skills.

This module covers the core concepts of ‘punishment’, ‘justice’ and ‘victimisation’ and debates around these that form the basis of understanding in criminology and criminal justice. A history of punishment and penology will focus in particular on the question of how and why punishment has changed over time including the ways in which punishment for crime is linked with wider social processes.The key justifications, models and types of punishment in contemporary societies will be explored and discussed, including in terms of their effects and effectiveness in controlling or preventing crime and providing justice for victims and how these fit into society and the Criminal Justice System as a whole. The social processes of criminalisation and victimisation are key to understanding ‘justice’ and ‘punishment’. These core concepts will be explored and discussed in relation to 21st Century societies, in particular the UK.The module will enable you to explore processes of victimisation, the experience of victims of crime, the management of victims of crime within criminal justice processes, the relationship between methods of punishment and victims experience of justice. We’ll introduce you to the key approaches within penology and victimology, exploring recently emerging themes in research and theory into victimisation and punishment.

This module introduces you to the key debates, issues and relevance of the character, role and impact of all forms of media in contemporary societies. You’ll explore the many ways in which media infiltrates and shapes our social worlds, giving you a working understanding of the social science of the many-sided facets of media.As most workplaces need to develop a media presence, alongside the academic and theoretical content, this module will introduce you to the evaluation and production of relevant media content through practical tasks on a variety of media platforms. This will help you develop a working knowledge of using media to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes.Throughout the module, you’ll analyse real-world examples and cases of relevant media products. You’ll investigate the value of theory in understanding the most contemporary of media issues. You’ll also be required to reflect on your own media use, using the new tools of analysis you have gained.

This module covers ‘forms of crime’ in contemporary late modern societies. Taking a critical approach to the notion of ‘crime’, we’ll explore role of power in processes of criminalisation, crime, social harm and responses to ‘crime’. You’ll analyse ways criminal justice and societal processes are implicated in hierarchies of crime and criminality.

This module builds your knowledge of research methods. You’ll examine key concepts from social research and discuss the important contribution of research to your discipline area. You’ll be introduced to research issues and gain a foundation for the understanding of research methods required for your dissertation and career development.

Explore the links between theoretical frameworks, moral philosophies and the influences of crimecontrol policies and prevention strategies. Also, you will examine the historical, political, and socio-economic factors that shape criminology.

This module aims to introduce you to concepts, principles and policy relevant to modern tort law, including tort as a means of compensating victims and as a loss distribution mechanism. This area of civil law will be illustrated through some example torts.

Analyse key principles and issues relating to property. We aim to provide you with an understanding of the nature of property, primarily on the types of estates and interests categorised as real property (land) and the effect of those interests on the owners and third parties.

The module deepens your understanding of criminal justice and penal systems through the analysis of policy issues in criminal justice systems, in particular parts of the UK, Europe, the USA and East Asia. You’ll consider the usefulness of studying cross-national issues, understanding different ways that justice is operationalised around the world.

This module provides a supportive framework for undertaking an independent extended research study. You’ll choose which type and methodology of research to follow in this project, such as a literature-based project; an empirical project using various methods; or an applied dissertation. The bulk of teaching involves individual supervision sessions.

This module is designed to be reflective of current events so could change to ensure you’re learning the latest legal issues. Depending on what legal issue is on the news, it may be included in this module. You’ll engage in critical debate on the ‘hot’ topics of the world, adopting a legal perspective (i.e. abortion rights and euthanasia rights).