Criminology

Criminology at Staffordshire University is a dynamic and diverse course. Through an understanding and appreciation of human rights and underpinned by cutting-edge research, you will explore the relationship between criminological theories and criminal justice policies and practices. You will be exposed to, and encouraged to discuss, explanations for crime and antisocial behaviour and how the police and courts deal with such matters.

Additionally, you will study the role of punishment in the secure estate, investigate crimes of the powerful and come to understand the role of the media.
Throughout your degree, you will be encouraged to think creatively, challenge established beliefs and develop your own research interests.
Our exciting pathways give you the option to focus on an area of Criminology that interests you. You will have the opportunity to choose to study our parent Criminology degree or to specialise in one of our exciting new pathways: Criminology with Offender Management, Criminology with Victim Support , or Criminology with Organised Crime and Terrorism.

By opting to study the MSci route, you will graduate with an Integrated Masters qualification in Criminology. You will follow the route of the BSc (Hons) Criminology pathways, but in the fourth year take Masters’ level modules, including a research project or placement in an area that has captured your interest.
Upon completion of your studies you will be awarded a MSci (Hons) Criminology, MSci (Hons) Criminology (Offender Management), MSci (Hons) Criminology (Organised Crime and Terrorism), or MSci (Hons) Criminology (Victim Support)

Year 1 – All Pathways
Psychological Contexts of Crime and Punishment, The Criminal Justice Process, Media and Crime, Introduction to Crime and Crime Prevention, Case Studies in the Criminal Justice System, Introduction to Research Skills

Year 2 – Criminology Pathway
Designing Research Projects, Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice, 3 option modules
Options include: Understanding Terrorism: Causes and Theories, Organised Crime, Risk and Vulnerability, Offender Management, Crime, Harm and Victimisation.

Year 2 – Offender Management Pathway
Designing Research Projects, Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice, Identifying Suicide and Self Harm, Offender Management, Prison and Probation Laws and Regulations

Year 2 – Organised Crime and Terrorism Pathway
Designing Research Projects, Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice, Understanding Terrorism: Causes and Theories, Organised Crime, option module. Options include: Risk and Vulnerability, Offender Management, Crime, Harm and Victimisation.

Year 2 – Victim Support Pathway
Designing Research Projects, Law for Justice, Theories of Crime and Justice, Identifying Suicide and Self Harm, Crime, Harm and Victimisation, Working with Victims

Year 3 – Criminology Pathway
Project, Punishment and Penology, Placement, two option modules
Options include: Cyber Crime, Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification & Response, Working with Offenders, Transnational Organised Crime & Modern Slavery, Policing & Society.

Year 3 - Offender Management Pathway
Project, Punishment and Penology, Serial Killers, Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals, Community Justice

Year 3 - Organised Crime and Terrorism Pathway
Project, Punishment and Penology, Contemporary Terror Movements: Classification and Response, Transnational Organised Crime and Modern Slavery, Placement

Year 3 - Victim Support Pathway
Project, Punishment and Penology, Safeguarding Children, Rehabilitation of Offenders, Mental Health Assessment for Non-Mental Health Professionals, Placement.

Year 4 modules
Working in Social or Criminal Justice module or Project, Contemporary Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Advanced Criminological Theory.

You will encounter both traditional (for example, unseen examinations and essays) and newer modes of assessment (portfolios; reflective diaries; case studies; presentations). The assessment strategy also includes the reflective portfolio and presentation we use to assess the placement module (and the placement year for those taking the BSc (Hons) Criminology with a Placement Year).