Honours Degree
Television crime dramas are influential, but this course explores what crime and policing is really all about.
Seeking to understand crime and disorder in a social context, our programme addresses key questions such as ‘what is crime?’, ‘what causes offending behaviour?’ and ‘how can we reduce crime?’ Criminology is also critically concerned with the workings of the criminal justice process and the various agencies involved in it.
Our course engages with the inter-disciplinary heritage of criminology. It embraces concepts from sociology, psychology, history, cultural studies and philosophy. You’ll examine different types of crime, including environmental and white-collar crime. You’ll develop an understanding of the theoretical assumptions and research evidence that underpin criminal justice policy, in an increasingly globalised society.
You’ll also consider the importance of accountability and discretion in criminal justice decision-making, as you assess questions such as ‘how just is justice?’ While you can expect to develop a broad theoretical coverage of the central ideas and issues in criminology, the programme also focuses on the practical application of knowledge and the development of employability skills. The use of case studies in learning and contributions from practitioners across the criminal justice system ensure the practical and vocational relevance of the programme is constantly refreshed.
Some of our modules
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Policing and Social Control
- From Crime Scene to Court: Introductory Forensic Investigation
- Victims of Crime
- Exploring Homicide
- Contemporary Issues in Penology
Benefits
- critical engagement with current issues in crime, policing and social order
- inter-disciplinary connections across the social sciences
- strong emphasis on employability and vocational relevance and application
Career paths
- criminal justice services (police, probation, prison, youth justice, diversionary schemes)
- crime analysts in public and private sector organisations
- social research
Are there any placements for this course?
- optional opportunity to do a field trip to Belfast to explore crime and policing in a segregated city or to Florida in 2012
- volunteering opportunities within the criminal justice system at all levels
How will the course be assessed?
Coursework, exams, projects and presentations.
Entry requirements
points for degree: 280 using the UCAS tariff system
Professional contacts/Industry links
Students currently have good opportunities to volunteer within the Prison Service, Gloucestershire Youth Offending Service, Independence Trust and links with Gloucestershire Constabulary to become a Police Special Constable.
Study options
Full-time and part-time
Location
Francis Close Hall