Criminology and Law BA (Hons) with foundation year

This module examines criminal behaviour through criminological and psychological theories, exploring decision-making, rationalisation and criminogenic risk factors. Key concepts include social identity, cognitive development and self-regulation. You will critically assess various perspectives, evaluating their strengths and limitations in explaining offending and societal responses to crime.

Compulsory

This module introduces the English legal system, focusing on sources of law, criminal justice institutions and legal personnel. You will critically explore the wider contextual landscape of the law, examining key issues like truth, justice and the rule of law. This module also introduces key legal research skills, particularly the retrieval and use of appropriate primary and secondary legal sources.

Compulsory

Learn key principles of criminal law and the operation of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. Unravel the principles of criminal liability, exploring how the law defines and responds to wrongdoing. From serious crimes like homicide to non-fatal offences against the person and property-related crimes, you’ll examine the legal boundaries of criminal behaviour.

Delve into defences, attempts, and the complexities of justice in practice and gain a deeper understanding of how the law balances punishment, responsibility and fairness in a modern society. Understand the criminal process, from investigation and prosecution to trial and sentencing, considering the roles of key institutions such as the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the courts.

Compulsory

This module is designed to introduce you to investigative concepts, issues and approaches. You will learn about the nature of formal investigations, the focus of investigations, investigative mindset, methods, processes, management and accountability that govern investigations. This module aims to help you get a theoretical and practical understanding of the development of investigative practices and how investigations are administered.

Compulsory

Develop your understanding of a range of perspectives within youth justice work. Explore sociological concepts of childhood and youth and the criminological issues associated with both life stages. Examine how youth crime is dealt with as a social and criminological problem. Through discussion of recent research, legislation and policy action, you will critically consider the response of the criminal justice agencies to youth crime, the wider debates over the age of criminal responsibility and welfare versus justice approaches.

Compulsory

This module introduces you to key issues relating to policing democratic societies, including a critical evaluation of the relationships among the police, the state and the citizen. It aims to assess the independence of the police and their interdependence within the wider criminal justice system. This module will also explore concepts such as consensus, legitimacy and accountability in relation to policing practice. Topics to be debated range from policing protest and disorder to the role of the media in representing the police.

Compulsory

The rules of evidence decide what evidence will and will not be presented to a court for your evaluation. Evaluate evidence in several settings at various stages of the investigatory and criminal court process. This module should bring together and build on the knowledge, skills and understanding of the investigative process you acquired earlier in the course.

Learn the processes involved in understanding and evaluating evidence within an investigation. Study the role and importance of evidence in investigations and the criminal justice system. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of differing types of evidence, debating and evaluating the applied use of evidence in practice. Throughout this module, you will continually consider why some investigations succeed and others fail.

Compulsory

Gain practical experience in the role of the criminal advocate, focusing on the preparation and representation involved in key criminal hearings, such as bail applications, sentencing hearings, legal arguments and trials. Module content emphasises the real-world application of evidence law, examining the processes of gathering, utilising and challenging evidence in criminal cases. Develop a deep understanding of the law of evidence, including its evolution and the impact of statute, secondary legislation and case law on current practices.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module examines rehabilitation in the criminal justice system and responses to the criminogenic factors impacting offenders from diverse backgrounds. It will critically explore, applying crime desistance research, the role of preventive rehabilitation with people at risk of becoming offenders and factors that reduce criminal behaviour. The module further examines legislation such as the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014, courts and rehabilitation activity and treatment requirements in sentencing, and the role of multi-agency professionals in probation, prisons and allied services.

Compulsory

This module focuses on political, social, cultural and popular constructions of victims of crime and wider social harms. It places critical focus on the victimisation experiences of marginalised social groups, demonstrating that certain individuals and groups are more readily ascribed victim status than others. You will consider how technology and global insecurity affect the way people experience being victims of crimes today on an international scale.

Optional

This module explores violence and exploitation in childhood and adulthood worldwide. Investigate incidence, prevalence, reporting and theoretical frameworks. Develop an understanding of concepts, current debates and theoretical approaches to violence and exploitation. Discussions cover research ranging from individual crimes to global organised crime, examining impacts on victims/survivors, national and international justice systems, support services and prevention strategies.

Compulsory

This module examines principles and practices in criminal justice advice, intermediary work and advocacy. It emphasises ethical standards and understanding of diverse needs. Gain practical experience advocating for individuals and groups through problem-based learning, including vulnerable adults and children in the criminal justice system. Develop your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately, provide well-informed guidance, offer independent support and assistance, refer people to specialist services, and advise, advocate and negotiate reasonable adjustments.

Compulsory