BA (Hons) Criminology
About This Course
This course is concerned with the investigation, analysis, and production of knowledge in relation to crime, criminal behaviour, criminal activity deviance, criminal justice and crime cessation. It is a discipline that takes its influence from sociology, law, psychology, psychiatry, history, biology, chemistry and geography. The programme provides a challenging and high-quality academic grounding for the study of crime and society. It seeks to do this by encouraging you to develop a critical understanding of crime and justice, informed by criminological and sociological theoretical debates and research. It aims to give you the opportunity to develop your own understanding of crime and the criminal justice system.
All applicants, irrespective of entry qualification(s), will be formally interviewed.
Standard Offer
80 UCAS points from a minimum of two A’ Levels, BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma or 60 Access to HE credits (of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3). Students are also required to hold English & Maths GCSE (or equivalent) grade 4/C or above.
Non-standard Offer
Non-standard entry is intended to support students who may not meet the standard academic entry requirements of a HE programme, normally Level 3 qualifications which attract UCAS points (for instance, A-levels or BTEC Level 3 courses).
In order to qualify through the non-standard route, an applicant must be able to demonstrate recent work/experience in the relevant sector, which would give them skills and knowledge comparable to applicants with Level 3 qualifications.
All qualifying non-standard applicants will be set an appropriate piece of work, in the form of an essay question (1500-word essay), that will consider their academic potential and relevant experience.
Level 4:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Understanding Criminological Theory
- Study Skills for Lifelong Learning
- Introduction to Criminal Law and Policy
- Crime, Deviance and Social Control
- Introduction to Social Science Research
Level 5:
- Crime Media and Politics
- Understanding Desistance
- Researching Society – Qualitative Research
- Victims of Crime
- Researching Society – Quantitative Research
- Gender, Sexuality and Disability (Optional)
- Global Crime and Justice (Optional)
Level 6
- Punishment and Society
- Genocide (Optional)
- Green Criminology (Optional)
- Serious, Serial and Sexual Crime
- Morality and Evil (Optional)
- Family Violence (Optional)
An end of degree, independent research project in the form of:
- 12,000-word Dissertation (40 Credits)
This course is primarily designed for face-to-face learning, with attendance during lessons for the specified hours within the validation document. However, there may be periods of study where the government advises TEC Partnership that it is not safe to open campuses, or there is limited access due to social distancing measures. If the campus is closed, TEC Partnership will deliver your sessions online and offer you the necessary support and resources remotely. If there is limited access due to social distancing measures a blended model will be adopted, with some lessons taking place in small groups and others using online sessions and support.Core knowledge and understanding of criminology is acquired through lectures, seminars, tutorials, group work, research activities, computer assisted learning, case studies and other multi-media presentation. The use of self-directed study and independent learning will be essential to all levels, with tutors guiding and assisting self-direct learning, dependent on the level of the student. Transferable skills will be developed through a variety of methods and strategies, aimed to challenge students in order to address the needs of different people within society and the criminal justice system.
The benefits of completing this degree are numerous. First, you will have been involved in a forward-thinking, contemporary degree that pushes the boundaries of what is known about criminology today. Second, this knowledge will put you ahead of the game in terms of employment and further study. Third, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the local, national and global responses to crime and criminal activity. Finally, you will be working as part of a team who share a common goal, and have the drive to learn and self-improve.
Upon completion of the BA Criminology degree, students will be in a position to take a number of alternative vocational, non-vocational, and academic pathways. Potential opportunities will include employment within the public or private sector – either within or outside of the criminal justice system – as well as other occupational options that can follow from a degree in social science, such as research based positions or working with communities and people. There are also a large number of opportunities for students to continue into postgraduate studies, either taught or by research, to further progress knowledge already gained during the BA Criminology programme.
