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Public Services & Criminology - police line

Criminology and Criminal Justice - BA Hons Degree - Topup

Summary

Our Criminology and Criminal Justice programme will take you on a fascinating journey focusing on the study of crime, the people behind violent and criminal behaviours and the impact it has on individuals and communities. If you have an interest in this deeply complex area of study, our programme will put you on the path to a well-paid career in the criminal justice system. Our programme brings together disciplines such as sociology, psychology, law, politics and philosophy to provide an understanding of the ever-changing nature and extent of the crime ‘problem’ from a local, national and global perspective.

Practitioners and industry experts from a range of multidisciplinary agencies will provide insights into real life challenges of the justice and penal system. Depending on your choice of career pathway, the Criminology and Criminal Justice programme is designed to prepare you for postgraduate life, whether as a practitioner in the criminal justice field, an academic researcher or criminal justice policy maker.

Alternatively, if you are uncertain about the commitment of a 2 year foundation degree with a BA top, but are interested in developing your knowledge in this area, a Certificate in Higher Education in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CertHE) is another fantastic option for you to start your learning journey. A CertHE qualification is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. Once completed, you will have the option to join the Level 5 (second year) of the Criminology and Criminal Justice degree programme. As a qualification, your CertHE will prepare you for employment with valuable insights into the Criminal Justice System, as well as transferrable digital and analytical skills.

Places still available. If you've just finished your Foundation Degree with us don't miss out on the opportunity to progress. You don't need to apply online. Simply come to one of our Open Enrolment sessions which start on Tuesday 27 August. Full details of times, locations and what you need to bring can be found here.
  • Course code TH1HE206
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Wednesday
  • Time 09:30 - 16:30

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
Sep/Oct 2024
University Centre
1 Year
08 Sep 2025
University Centre
1 Year
  • £35,800 average annual salary in this sector
  • Well established links with local public services
  • 5,540 annual job openings in the North West
It's an amazing way to improve employability as well as personal development, can be at university around work and family commitments. Foundation degree is a great way to get a degree without 3 years commitment. *****
Anonymous
Knowledgeable staff, great support, excellent facilities. *****
Kim Taylora
Fab. *****
Rebekka Foy

Tutor Profile - David Hayes

Industry Background:
David's background is academic. He regularly presents at conferences and has had articles published in peer-reviewed journals. He is a regular contributor to PRISM and is an active member of the Utopian Studies Society, an international interdisciplinary society that aims to co-ordinate and encourage the work currently taking place on the subject of utopianism.

Area of Expertise:
The Interface of Contemporary Critical Criminology and Political Philosophy, Critical Ethnography, Critical Pedagogy, Contemporary Social and Environmental Protest Movements.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

A degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice can put you on an exciting and fulfilling career path that opens doors to a diverse range of stimulating opportunities. Armed with a deep understanding of the causes and consequences of crime, you will be well positioned to contribute and make a big impact to criminal justice, law enforcement and social policy and practices. As a Criminology graduate here is an exhilarating career trajectory that you might pursue:

  • Criminal Justice system (Probation, Police, Probation)
  • Government and civil services jobs
  • Educational institutions
  • NGOs (non- governmental organisations)
  • Home Office
  • Youth Offending institutions
  • NHS

Other study options

A range of conversion courses such as Law, Psychology, and Social Work to continue and develop your skills in specific areas and forge a successful career. Other studies such a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Masters in a related field such as MA Criminology and social Policy, MSc Criminology and Psychology are also possible options for you to pursue after your undergraduate study.

Key information

Entry Requirements

These are our typical admission requirements:

Ideally students should have a minimum of 96 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline and GCSE English Language grade C/4 or above (We also accept Level 2 Functional skills).

Entry Requirements (Non-traditional entry route)

If you are a non-traditional student, who has not followed the traditional routes to higher education, we can consider your application on a case by case basis. If you have relevant work experience or can demonstrate a passion and understanding of the field of Criminology and Criminal Justice then we may be able to offer you a place.

Qualification obtained

BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice

Fees and funding

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Extra costs and equipment

Resources required to study on the programme are largely provided by the College. There are small costs associated with printing of work and posters over the duration of the course. You are encouraged to bring your own lap-top device to lectures, seminars and workshops, but access to computer facilities is provided by the college. A one-day conference trip to a venue in the region, including conference fee and transport, typically costs around £60/student, although this will be partially funded by the college and is also subject to discount rates offered by conference organisers for group visits.

As part of the programme, you are strongly recommended to attend external events, aimed at developing your knowledge, understanding and appreciation of course material, develop practical skills and embed theoretical concepts. There will also be the opportunity to attend criminology and criminal justice conferences involving criminal justice practitioners, policy-makers and academic researchers. Costs may be incurred to cover transport, accommodation and food. Travel for local trips is paid for by the college. Though most of the course material is available online, there may be additional costs to consider, such as printing and photocopying of course material, though students will be given a photocopying allowance to cover this.

You are encouraged to purchase an introductory textbook in Criminology, in support of your studies.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Work placement opportunities will not just empower you to translate academic knowledge into the real world but it will also look impressive on your CV. Our course team will assist you in finding relevant work experience so that you can learn about the criminal justice system on a practical level and become familiar with the nuances and complexities of ethical, legal, and practical procedures. This will help you to work more flexibly, reflectively, and collaboratively with a range of people in varied situations.

Typical work experience may include working with victims, ex- offenders and criminal justice practitioners, providing the realities of the criminal justice landscape. This experience will help to propel you into the professional world with confidence and an enriched skills set providing you with a competitive edge.

Opportunities for 30 hours of relevant industry placements will be available in the second year of your studies, allowing you to put your knowledge in to practice, gain valuable insights in to the workings of the Criminal Justice System, create connections and networks with relevant industry experts and develop key skills and knowledge to boost your CV. You will also be provided with the opportunity to take part in field trips to the courts and local prisons.

  • Modules at level 6

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Dissertation TH6MD137 40 No
    Crimes and Harms of the Powerful TH6MD138 20 No
    Psychology of Security and Terrorism TH6MD139 20 No
    Punishment Justice and Control TH6MD140 20 No
    Global Crime Harm and Disorder TH6MD141 20 No

Study Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group study support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

Toni Phillips

What have been the benefits of studying here?
I have made life-long friends and the support I have received with everything from enrolling to student finance to extra support to help with my assignments has been incredible. Everyone is so helpful and welcoming, I wish I had done this years ago.

What are you hoping to do in the future?
I want to work within the criminal justice system possibly on a parole board.

How will I learn?

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 0 0 267
Independent 0 0 933
Placement 0 0 0
Total 0 0 1200
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

Not the course for you?

Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

No Exams!! You heard that right. We’ve set ourselves apart by designing innovative, stimulating, and engaging assessments which focus on real life scenarios. From delivering podcasts and presentations, to collecting real data for research using contemporary online digital platforms and technology, your assessments will provide the bridge to fill the gap between theory and practice.

This will give you the opportunity to investigate, explore and deepen your understanding of all the exciting intersections of Criminology. Our assessments are dynamic and immersive to prepare you for the complexities of real world working in the criminal justice system.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 0% 0% 84%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%
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