Criminology BSc (Hons)

On this course you’ll explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You’ll be investigating and discussing the explanations for crime and how the courts deal with them. Plus, you’ll explore the role of punishment and the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful, and come to understand the role of the media within the justice system. You won’t just be learning theory either, throughout the course you’ll develop priceless employability skills while studying core modules that align with the probation training required knowledge qualifying modules. There’s also the benefit of additional expertise in policing, forensics and law to complement the expertise in Criminology. This, combined with opportunities of work placement and the chance to establish future connections during the course, means you’ll leave with the best chance of launching a future career in criminology. On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Criminology.

During your time of study with us, you will come to understand the development of the criminal justice institutions (police, prisons and courts) in the UK, as well as the inter-relationships between these systems, as mechanisms to respond to crimes and social harms. We will consider how different social groups and individuals experience crimes and social harms, as well as the policies and regulatory responses that are supposed to alleviate or ameliorate these issues. During the course, you will also come to understand the construction and representation of crime and of responses to it in policy making, the media in all its forms, and public opinion. We develop in you an understanding and appropriate use of research strategies and methods in criminological research. Our teaching and learning strategies require you to engage with the curriculum through a variety of means. Teaching and learning methods include lectures, tutorials, student led learning groups; workshops; small group work; research projects; interactive lectures; team teaching; role playing and utilising the opportunities offered by information technology. Our core skills and research modules focus on a wide range of problem-solving activities to support and develop student learning and these are strongly connected to the employability agenda by enhancing transferable skills which are valued in the workplace. Where potential projects can be identified, and resources allow for it, group research projects are undertaken within or for community or voluntary organisations. These research opportunities make the most of the valuable transferable skills in ‘real’ rather than purely ‘academic’ learning environments and provide you with real work experience. Seminars and workshops are designed to facilitate in-depth discussion, pursuit of enquiry and a collegiate environment.

A Criminology degree from Staffordshire University unlocks the pathways to a wide range of rewarding and exciting careers, our graduates go on to establish careers in a multitude of fields within roles in the following sectors:

• Private security services; NCA; MI5 & MI6
• 3rd sector: victim support; rape crisis; drug and alcohol support
• Graduate schemes
• Social/crime related research roles
• Local/central government – e.g. community safety partnerships, policymaking departments
• Civil Service
• Education