BA Hons in Criminology and Criminal Justice (Lancaster University)

Qualification Obtained

BA in Criminology (PT)

About this Course:

The B. A. (Hons) Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice provides students who successfully complete a Foundation in Criminology or Criminal Justice or a closely related subject an opportunity to obtain a full honours degree following an additional year of study. The degree will enhance the academic and vocational platform acquired at Foundation degree level for those who wish to work in the criminal justice system or a closely related area.

Assessment Methods:

Assessment on the B.A. (Hons) comprises examinations and course assignments. With the exception of the dissertation the final mark for each module is based on the average of the examination mark and course assignment mark. In the case of the dissertation the final mark is based on the dissertation report.

A copy of a past examination paper will be distributed at the start of each module along with the module handbook. Copies of all past papers and Dissertations will be located in the Learning Resource Centre.

Course assignments may involve a literature review, case study or discursive essay which will be set at the beginning of the Semester in which it is assessed. Completion dates will also be announced at the start of the semester in which the assessment takes place. The exception to this will be the Dissertation where the completion date will be announced at the start of the year.

The Course Handbook will provide guidance on marking criteria and how the final award is calculated.

Progression:

There are many different opportunities available in the rapidly expanding criminal justice sector. Careers are also available in organisations that work closely with criminal justice organisations. However, if you have a particular career in mind, such as a police officer, youth worker and so on you are advised to approach these organisations for specific career guidance.

Special Features:

This course is aimed at:

Students who have already obtained a Foundation Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice or a closely related subject area;
who have hit a 'career ceiling' and wish to improve their occupational prospects in the criminal justice system or a closely related area;
Those who are seeking to return to work;
Anyone who wants to succeed in their career in the many areas related to criminology and has the ability to aim higher and make it happen.
The dissertation (see below) will provide students with the opportunity to gain experience of research in either statutory or voluntary local criminal justice organisations.

Course Options:

Students will study four double modules during the year as follows:

1. Historical Approaches to Crime and Criminal Justice

This module provides an insight into the development of criminality and criminal justice during the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries focusing on the links between industrialization and crime in Britain. The module will evaluate contrasting explanations for the growth in crime control and management agencies and institutions/ appropriate and meaningful comparisons will be made with contemporary issues in law and order.

2. Crime and Health

This module offers students the opportunity to reflect on developing debates about the relationships between crime and health characteristic of late modernity. While substantive issues such as drugs, alcohol, violence and victimisation will be addressed the focus will be on developing a conceptual and theoretical understanding of the increasing role of health in understanding crime and criminal justice.

3. The Social psychology of Crime and Criminal Justice

This module addresses the dynamics of small group behaviour and interaction and the links between this and criminal behaviour. Such social psychological themes as attribution, appraisal, social influence, environmental aspects, community reactions, institutional dynamics will be applied to crime, crime prevention and criminal justice.

4. Dissertation

This module will provide an opportunity for students to explore an issue of their own choosing relating to crime and criminal justice. It will require students to conduct both a literature review and fieldwork and to present their findings in the form of a research report.

Teaching Methods:

The B.A. (Hons) course is primarily taught through active participation in weekly seminars for each module. Tutors may deliver short lectures and or set required reading for each seminar. Students will be expected to prepare for seminars by researching and reading about topics, and making notes to address key questions for the week. Students may also be asked to prepare reports, deliver papers and address case studies.

The substantive modules are allocated three hours teaching (seminar) time per week. The dissertation will be taught and supervised through one to one and small group tutorials. Additional workshops can be arranged according to student need.

Skills Developed:

The B. A. (Hons) course in Criminology and Criminal Justice will develop a range of general, academic, and occupational skills. Students will develop a variety of reading skills, the ability to review and report on the subject literature, making notes in different formats, developing written skills of essay and report writing.

Students will also develop practical research skills associated with social surveys and ethnography. This will include some familiarity with reading, interpreting and producing basic statistics. The skills outlined here frequently overlap and are transferable between different contexts.

How to Apply

Once you’ve decided to apply for a course, you’ll need to work out whether you satisfy our entry requirements (or will have done by the time your course starts). Providing you meet the criteria, you can then apply for your course. Full-time applications go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), although foundation degree graduates progressing to a relevant top-up programme can (subject to certain criteria) apply to the College direct.

More information about entry requirements and the application process is available within our Higher Education section

Course Occurrences:

Course Code	Start Date	End Date	Location	Tuition Fees	Attendance Mode
AI1HE69	10th Sep 2012	13th Jun 2014	University Centre	£665	HE Part Time

Disclaimer

Blackpool and The Fylde College makes every possible effort to ensure that the information published on this web site is accurate and up-to-date, but we accept no legal liability for errors or omissions, and reserve the right to make changes without notice. Where tuition fees are shown they are for one year only and correct only for the current academic year. Fees for subsequent years are subject to review. Some courses have additional costs such as equipment, uniforms, visits, exams, etc details of which can be obtained by contacting us on 01253 352352. Read our full disclaimer here