BSc (Hons) Criminology and Policing

About this course

This degree examines crime, criminal justice and social control, with a particular focus on policing and the work of related services. You will consider criminological theory alongside practical and policy-focused issues, including police powers, custody and interviews, public protection, prisons, probation, vulnerability and risk.

As the course progresses, you will develop qualitative and quantitative research skills and apply them to criminological questions. Topics such as cybercrime, major and serious crime, punishment, forensic and criminal psychology, and international criminology broaden your understanding of crime in different social and legal contexts.

A four-year route with a foundation year is available for students who need additional preparation before beginning degree-level study. The foundation year develops communication, digital, research and higher education skills, alongside an extended project and introductory study in relevant subject areas.

What you will study

The degree includes study of:

- Criminological theory, core concepts and contemporary issues in criminology - Policing, police powers, the police constable role, custody and police interviews - Prisons, probation, punishment, public protection and major and serious crime - Qualitative and quantitative research methods - Cybercrime, vulnerability and risk - International criminology, including human rights and humanitarian law contexts - Forensic and criminal psychology - A workplace module and a dissertation

The foundation year includes Communication Skills, Digital and Research Skills, Sustainability and Society, Skills for Higher Education, Shaping Skills for Success and a Foundation Year Project. It also introduces core concepts in criminology, business, computer science, law and psychology.

Modules

Assessment

Assessment methods include essays, presentations, policy briefing papers, rapid evidence reviews, knowledge and reasoning exams, a mock police interview, role play, a self-reflective diary, practice-based research methods assessments and a dissertation.

Entry requirements

For the three-year degree route, typical entry requirements are:

- A Levels: BBC - BTEC: DMM - UCAS Tariff: 112 points from three A Levels or equivalent qualifications - GCSE English Language: grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification

Entry requirements for the foundation year route differ from those listed above.

Careers

This course may support progression into roles across policing, law enforcement, prisons and probation, criminal justice, youth work, research, policy and social justice organisations.